Strategic C-Suite Meeting in Belgium Sets Stage for Busworld's India Entry
A pivotal high-level strategic meeting was recently convened at the headquarters of Busworld International in Roeselare, Belgium, marking a significant step toward expanding the global bus and coach exhibition platform into the Indian market. The meeting brought together key executives from Busworld International and Kinexin Convention Management, the operating company for India's premier convention and exhibition complex, Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre, IICC).
Key Participants and Discussions
The discussions were led by Vincent Dewaele, General Manager of Busworld International, and Phil Chung, President of Kinexin Convention Management. Both executives engaged in extensive dialogue focused on establishing a long-term strategic cooperation framework, with a particular emphasis on leveraging India's rapidly growing market for public transport, electric mobility, and sustainable urban transit solutions.
This meeting underscored a shared vision to integrate Busworld's global expertise with Yashobhoomi's state-of-the-art infrastructure, positioning India as a central hub for future mobility initiatives.
Roadmap for Collaboration: 2027 Conference and 2028 Exhibition Launch
During the meeting, both parties reached a broad conceptual agreement to initiate their collaboration with an international bus and mobility-related conference in 2027, to be hosted in India. This conference is envisioned as a precursor to a more ambitious initiative: the introduction of Busworld India, starting in 2028.
Once launched, Busworld India would represent the arrival of Europe's largest and most influential bus and coach industry exhibition into one of the world's fastest-growing markets. This move is expected to significantly reshape the exhibition landscape for public transport and sustainable mobility in India, offering a powerful gateway into South Asia's expanding ecosystem.
Leveraging Complementary Strengths for Global Impact
Founded in 1971, Busworld has evolved into the world's leading platform for the bus and coach industry, organizing flagship exhibitions such as Busworld Europe and regional editions across Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. With more than five decades of history, Busworld is widely regarded as the global benchmark exhibition for bus manufacturers, suppliers, policymakers, and mobility innovators.
Yashobhoomi, operated by Kinexin Convention Management, represents India's newest generation of mega-scale convention and exhibition infrastructure. Strategically located in New Delhi with direct metro connectivity, proximity to Indira Gandhi International Airport, and seamless access to India's political, diplomatic, and commercial hubs, it aims to position India as a premier international MICE and industrial exhibition destination.
The discussions in Belgium highlighted the strong alignment between Busworld's global industry leadership and Yashobhoomi's ambition to elevate India's status on the global exhibition map.
Toward a Long-Term Partnership Centered on India
Beyond a single event or exhibition, both sides emphasized a mid- to long-term partnership strategy, with India positioned as a central hub for future initiatives. These may include industry conferences, policy dialogues, technology showcases, and sector-specific exhibitions linked to buses, electric mobility, hydrogen transport, and smart urban infrastructure.
"This meeting was not about a one-off event, but about building a long-term platform for cooperation," one participant noted, underscoring the strategic nature of the talks. With a preliminary framework now in place, both organizations are expected to continue detailed planning and stakeholder consultations, aiming to formalize agreements in the coming months.
If realized, this collaboration could foster innovation and growth in India's mobility sector, while providing Busworld with a robust entry point into South Asia's dynamic market.
