BusCon 2006 draws record crowd

A record crowd of 2,500 people attended this year's BusCon convention in Chicago, making it one of the largest gatherings in the event's 11-year history. Sponsored by Bobit Business Media and METRO Magazine, the annual bus expo featured more than 50 bus and chassis on the show floor, with more than 120 exhibitors overall. The three-day event, held Oct. 23 to 25, also featured an educational program that included three tracks and a separate conference for university transit. The highlight of the agenda was an inspiring keynote address by John Amatt, an international adventurer who helped the first Canadian team conquer Mount Everest. One of the highlights of the trade show was a drive-and-ride sponsored by IC Corporation in the parking lot of Soldier Field. It gave attendees a chance to test-drive the company's new commercial bus line. Of particular interest was IC's new hybrid bus, manufactured in conjunction with Enova Corp. in Torrance, Calif. IC also was the lead sponsor of BusCon. In 2007, BusCon will again be held in Chicago at Navy Pier. The show is scheduled Oct. 1 to 3. For more information, visit www.busconexpo.com.