UMA Expo showed industry thriving in new economy

[IMAGE]P1010067-1.jpg[/IMAGE]The UMA Motorcoach Expo 2010 held true to its theme and showed that it was thriving in a new economy at its event held February 23 to 27 in Las Vegas.

The show featured 191 exhibiting companies displaying a wide spectrum of goods for the motorcoach industry, including coach builders, equipment suppliers, service providers, accessory suppliers, and destination and attraction groups for more than 1,800 attendees.

In addition to the trade show floor, the event featured 12 solution sessions to give motorcoach operators more insight into marketing, operations and finance for their businesses. A variety of affiliated meetings such as the State Association Summit, UMA's annual membership meetings, UMA's Legislative & Regulatory Update, the Maintenance Interchange, along with informational sessions and social networking functions, were also held.

A highlight of the event was the opening remarks given by FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro showing her commitment to motorcoach transportation.

Meanwhile, the 7th Annual Vision Awards Banquet celebrated some outstanding motorcoach companies, with H & L Charter of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. winning the Vision Award for best small operator and San Francisco's Bauer's Transportation winning the award for large operator.

This year's Green Highway Award went to Riteway Bus Service of Richfield, Wis., while the FMCSA's Wesley Barber won the Safety Leader of the Year award, which recognizes an individual actively engaged in the industry.

The UMA Motorcoach Expo 2011 will be held January 19 to 23, 2011 in Tampa, Fla.