Time to get Back on Track!

If you’re anything like us, you’ll be champing at the bit to be surrounded by people you don’t live with, and fortunately we have a bumper programme of Covid-safe events planned throughout 2021 ensuring you can re-introduce socialising and networking into your schedule.

From truck racing and golf to exhibitions and real-life award ceremonies, we’ve arranged ample opportunities for everyone in road transport to be together again, both to discuss the day job and relax and enjoy each other’s company. At last!

Show truck and truck-racing spectacular Convoy has the honour of kickstarting the events calendar, with the all-new Convoy Cymru making its long-awaited debut at Pembrey Circuit on 15th and 16th May.

Not only is this the biggest truck show in Wales, but for one year only Convoy Cymru will also be the first major truck show of the year, so even more reason to make the trip!

We’ll be limiting numbers in line with current government guidelines and working on a first-come-first-served basis for anyone who wants to bring a show truck, enjoy a day out or go for a full-on camping weekend (at the fraction of the price of an Air BnB!).

Next on the grid is sister event, Convoy on the Plain – another exciting truck debut – this time at the Thruxton Circuit on 3rd – 4th July, followed in August by the original and legendary Convoy in the Park at Donington on 21st and 22nd August.

Whichever Convoy you choose, you’ll be in for a fun-filled, relaxed weekend of open-air networking and trucking fun with fellow drivers, owners and operators – all in celebration of life on the road.

We guarantee top-class truck racing, action arenas, live entertainment, competitions and family fun – not to mention fantastic opportunities to showcase your fleet and advertise your business, with a range of manufacturer and exhibitor displays.

Tickets for all three Convoys are on sale now at www.convoytruckevents.co.uk and children 13 and under go free at every show.

If you’re looking for a little less pace and possibly a little more precision, the Commercial Motor Golf Day may be just the ticket.

Taking place on 22nd July at the Lambourne Golf Club in Burnham, we’re inviting 25 teams of four to join us, based on a four-ball full handicap Stableford competition with judges counting the three best individual scores per hole.

The team price (for four people) is £700 plus VAT and includes all green fees, a golfing gift per player, lunch, dinner, drinks and prizes. To secure your team booking, or to find out about sponsorship opportunities, please email vic.bunby@roadtransport.com

September 2021’s ‘back to school’ feeling will be a double celebration, with the prestigious and much-missed Motor Transport Awards returning to London’s Grosvenor House Hotel for a monumental 35th year celebration on Thursday 2nd September.

Entries are open until 9th April if you would like to celebrate your team and potentially take home a trophy at the black-tie event, which promises to include humbling stories of achievement from across our sector as well as the most stylish networking opportunities of the year! Please visit www.mtawards.co.uk for more information.

Exhibition season returns in late September, with Freight In The City at London’s Alexandra Palace on Tuesday 28th September – a must-attend for anyone involved in urban logistics.

Attracting almost 1,000 visitors in 2019, the expo is a unique opportunity to meet and network with industry experts and decision makers all dedicated to making urban deliveries safer and more sustainable. More information can be found at www.freightinthecity.com.

That is followed later the same week with our popular Tip-ex Tank-ex show in Harrogate, from Thursday 30th September until Saturday 2nd October.

Aimed at tipper, tanker and bulk haulage professionals, the three-day event attracts 3,000 visitors to a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibition stands and will this year also include industry seminars, a Transport Manager’s Conference (30th Sept) and the inaugural and hotly-anticipated Transport News Northern Rewards on Friday 1st October, dedicated to celebrating best practice across the north of England. Saturday 2nd October will be our very first drivers’ day, dedicated to tipper and tanker drivers and their families. For more information please visit www.tip-ex.co.uk

Then on Friday 3rd December, our focus heads even further north for the distinguished Transport News Scottish Rewards at Glasgow’s Crown Plaza Hotel. The 27th annual champagne breakfast event will honour individuals and companies working in Scotland. Entries are open until 7th September and can be made at www.transportnews.co.uk.

And finally, we’ll wrap up awards season in style with the Commercial Motor Awards Thursday 9th December at The Vox, Birmingham. A guaranteed great night out, the awards celebrate the very best of those working in new and used commercial vehicles. Entries open late May, with more detail on the 2021 categories being revealed soon so please do keep an eye out in these pages, and on www.commercialmotor.com.

Divisional director at Road Transport Media, Vic Bunby, says: “Having to cancel all of our in-person events in 2020 caused so much disappointment for our sector, as well as for us as team. Our industry is full of the most fantastic people and personalities, and people do business with people. No amount of Zoom can replace that!

“It’s really pleasing to hear businesses of all types and sizes, up and down the country, tell us they cannot wait to be back together again with colleagues, customers, prospects and suppliers. We feel exactly the same!

“That’s why we have worked so hard to create a calendar of events this year which really does offer something for everyone – and their families. All being held in Covid-safe circumstances.

“And while the dates may differ from years gone by, the opportunities on offer this year promise to be better than ever!

“We really hope all attendees and sponsors enjoy every minute. We have missed you all!”