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GPN’s 39th General Meeting was held from November 26 to 28 in Gothenburg, Sweden, once again bringing together GPN Members and Partners from around the world. Throughout the three-day event, participants engaged in insightful sessions, valuable networking, educational discussions, and conversations centered on the future of the coach industry.
A Warm Welcome in Gothenburg
On Wednesday, November 26, participants arrived in Gothenburg—a vibrant coastal city renowned for its innovation, high quality of life, and commitment to sustainable urban mobility. The meeting opened with a welcome cocktail, offering Members and Partners the opportunity to reconnect and meet the newest additions to the GPN community.
Key Highlights from the Event
Day 1 – Opening Sessions & New Member Introductions
On November 27, the official program began with a Chairman’s Welcome and GPN Update, outlining the network’s latest developments, activities, and key statistics. A valued tradition of the General Meeting continued with the introduction of new GPN Members: New Members:
This session featured two leading international tour operators who shared first-hand perspectives on what they look for when partnering with coach suppliers. They outlined key challenges, expectations, and decision-making factors that shape successful cooperation with coach companies. Speakers:
November 28 focused on GPN Partners, beginning with the introduction of five new companies joining the network:
As GPN’s Strategic Partner, Volvo organized exclusive activities across both meeting days, including insightful presentations and a guided tour of Volvo’s chassis factory—offering participants a closer look at cutting-edge innovation in coach manufacturing. Looking Ahead
The meeting concluded with the announcement of GPN’s next General Meeting, scheduled for March 23–28, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hosted by Al Badiah Group | GPN Saudi Arabia.
On November 27, the official program began with a Chairman’s Welcome and GPN Update, outlining the network’s latest developments, activities, and key statistics. A valued tradition of the General Meeting continued with the introduction of new GPN Members: New Members:
- Brazil: Via Capi – presented by Emiliano Parrili, Marketing & Sales Executive
- Colombia: Bessones Tourism and Transportation LLC – presented by Stella Rangel, CEO
- Dominican Republic: BEEDMC & Transekur Global SRL – presented by Cagil Beylan, Founder & Managing Director at BEEDMC, and Danilo Guzman, CEO at Transekur Global SRL
- Norway: VY Turbuss – presented by Bjorn Skinnarland, Key Account Manager
- Senegal: Senegal Decouvertes Touristiques – presented by Abdoulaye Thiam, Sales Manager, and Thierno Sow, Member of the BOD
This session featured two leading international tour operators who shared first-hand perspectives on what they look for when partnering with coach suppliers. They outlined key challenges, expectations, and decision-making factors that shape successful cooperation with coach companies. Speakers:
- David Heafield, Founder at G2 Travel
- Alberto Cossa, Manager Continental Transport at GLOBUS Travel Services S.A.
November 28 focused on GPN Partners, beginning with the introduction of five new companies joining the network:
- Fleequid – presented by Yves Delongie, General Manager Benelux
- Nokian – presented by Janne Ruhanen, Sales Director
- Samsara – presented by Tom Krikke, Sales Manager Benelux
- Seahorse – presented by Marcus Van Der Gagg, Head of Business Development
- Topsoft – presented by Justas Radionovas, Sales Executive
As GPN’s Strategic Partner, Volvo organized exclusive activities across both meeting days, including insightful presentations and a guided tour of Volvo’s chassis factory—offering participants a closer look at cutting-edge innovation in coach manufacturing. Looking Ahead
The meeting concluded with the announcement of GPN’s next General Meeting, scheduled for March 23–28, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hosted by Al Badiah Group | GPN Saudi Arabia.
In his closing remarks, Rogier Staal, Chairman of GPN, reflected on the record attendance and expressed gratitude to Volvo for their generous hospitality and to all participants for their engagement.
“This meeting is a unique opportunity for coach companies to share knowledge, build strong relationships, and grow their businesses,” he said. With momentum high, GPN now looks forward to an exciting 2026—bringing even greater value to its Members and Partners around the globe.
“This meeting is a unique opportunity for coach companies to share knowledge, build strong relationships, and grow their businesses,” he said. With momentum high, GPN now looks forward to an exciting 2026—bringing even greater value to its Members and Partners around the globe.