The Stage is set for the Future of Bus Transport: BUS2BUS 2026
Vanessa Cann, Entrepreneur, Manager, Forbes 30 under 30, opens BUS2BUS 2026. The German Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder visits the trade show. 100+ sessions on four stages with 120+ speakers shape the program.
Artificial intelligence, automated mobility, and sustainable bus tourism shape the stage program at BUS2BUS. Vanessa Cann, Entrepreneur, Manager, and Forbes 30 under 30, kicks things off on April 15 with a keynote speech on the role of algorithms and autonomous decisions in the mobility industry.
On April 15 and 16, the event at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds will bring together leading players from the fields of transport, technology, industry, and tourism. It will show how the bus industry is repositioning itself technologically, economically, and strategically.
With more than 100 sessions on four stages, the technical program offers an international perspective on key developments in the industry. Over 120 speakers from politics, business, research, and practice will shape the program and address topics such as alternative drive systems, digitalization, new operating models, and regulatory frameworks.
Political impetus will also be provided by the visit of German Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder on April 16, who will visit BUS2BUS, learn about innovations in the industry during a tour of the trade show, and then be welcomed to the bdo Political Talk.
Vanessa Cann: When Algorithms Reshape Markets
The stage program will kick off with Vanessa Cann, Entrepreneur, Manager, and Forbes 30 under 30. In her keynote speech, “When Algorithms Reshape Markets: Strategies for Companies in the Age of Autonomous Decisions,” she will show how data-based systems are changing markets, automating decision-making processes, and creating new competitive dynamics.
Cann is one of the influential voices in the European AI ecosystem and advocates for a stronger role for Europe in the development and use of artificial intelligence. In her keynote speech, she highlights the strategic opportunities this presents for companies and mobility providers.
Autonomous mobility: Who will be Driving Tomorrow?
Several sessions at the Future Forum will discuss the extent to which AI and automated technologies are changing public transport. Experts will examine the role that autonomous buses could play in regular service in the future and how they will interact with new mobility services.
The use of artificial intelligence in the coach business will also be discussed: “AI in Coach Tourism” shows how intelligent systems are changing travel planning, demand forecasting, and customer communication.
From vision to application
The Deep Dive Stage will provide concrete insights. DB Regio will discuss the potential of automated buses for improving mobility services, especially in rural areas.
The technology company Ximedes will show how AI-based on-board computer systems can better connect passenger information, ticketing, and operational control and make them more efficient.
Bus Tourism in Transition
Bus tourism is also a focus of the program. Industry representatives will discuss how bus travel can strengthen climate-friendly destinations — for example, through low-emission vehicles, integrated mobility services, and new partnerships with tourist regions.
The “Bus Tourism Think Tank” brings together industry players to develop perspectives for the coach market. In addition, strategies for the transition to zero-emission bus fleets will be discussed. TO-ZERO electric vehicles will also show how sustainable bus transport can be operated economically.
Politics in dialogue with the industry
A political highlight is the visit by German Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder. He will take a tour of the trade show to learn about innovations in the bus industry and then welcome visitors to the bdo policy talk. In discussions with entrepreneurs and industry representatives, the focus will be on the role of buses in efficient and sustainable mobility and the political framework for the transformation of the industry. Further opportunities for political exchange and discussion will be provided by the tour of the exhibition by the Transport Committee of the German Bundestag on 15 April and the visit of the Parliamentary Bus Group on 16 April.
Focus on the future of bus mobility
With its stage program, BUS2BUS brings together key players from transport, industry, technology, and tourism and highlights how new technologies and mobility concepts are changing bus transport.
About BUS2BUS
BUS2BUS is the Mobility Trade Show. The business platform and trend barometer for the German and European bus, coach and supplier industry puts a clear focus on future technologies and sustainable solutions. BUS2BUS presents the entire range of products and services for the bus industry through a combination of trade show, stage program, workshops, networking events and digital services – which in turn boosts momentum in the mobility market. BUS2BUS 2024 was attended by around 2,400 trade visitors from 39 countries and 140 exhibiting companies from 20 countries. The next BUS2BUS will take place from April 15 to 16, 2026 in the modern top location hub27 on the Berlin exhibition grounds.
About Messe Berlin
Berlin has been a trade fair destination for 200 years, and has been one of the most important such hubs for many decades. Messe Berlin – the state’s own trade fair company – conceives, markets and organizes hundreds of live events every year. It strives to be an outstanding host for visitors at all events, generate optimal business stimuli, and provide fair conditions for everyone. This concept is reflected in the company slogan: Messe Berlin – Hosting the World.