TAMPA, Fla. -- Plans are taking shape for Motorcoach EXPO 2006, set in exiting Tampa and Tampa Bay, Fla., with an expanded display floor, redesigned education sessions and relaxed networking events designed to make the show both valuable and memorable.

The 06 Expo comes earlier in the year than the last three shows, with events kicking off Jan. 18, and concluding Jan. 22. Expo was in late February this year.

Most of next year's activities will be at the Tampa Bay Convention Center, a recently expanded meeting hall that offers more than 2,000 feet of Tampa Bay waterfront views. The center is convenient and within walking distance of hotels, restaurants and clubs.

So, after a day of seminars or traversing the Expo show floor, attendees can visit such popular attractions as Ybor City, Channelside (movie theaters, restaurants, shops and nightclubs) or the Florida Aquarium.

The theme of Expo 2006, Finding Your Own Path, builds on the 2005 EXPO focus of Building a Strong Foundation. Presenters and speakers will encourage and educate attendees about the value of smart planning for their businesses. The sessions will highlight ways to be successful in your unique market or markets.

"No two companies are identical, and the same methods for success that work for one may not work for another," said UMA President and CEO Victor Parra. "Expo education sessions are being specially designed with the purpose of helping companies consider their unique market position and plan for a successful future accordingly."

Sessions are being designed to help operators develop and better manage the various segments that make up their businesses -- operations, marketing, financing and other key areas. New topics will help companies identify business opportunities, learn to implement a fuel surcharge, try easy-to-use market research techniques, and develop and market packaged travel.

Special sessions will deal specifically with small operator issues.

On the expanded display floor, an outgrowth of this year's very successful Expo in Las Vegas, attendees will find more new and unique exhibits, plus new midsize and school bus exhibitors. As always, there will be the basic equipment and services opertors need to run their businesses successfully.

Tampa was specially chosen for EXPO 2006 because of its location, weather and activities. Tampa presents visitors with the best of Florida in one location. Its attractions include the renowned Busch Gardens theme park, and historic Ybor City, the former cigar-making capital of the world where the tradition of hand-rolled cigars continues but visitors also can enjoy Cuban sandwiches that are hot and crisp. Oh, yes, Tampa also claims to have the most succulent seafood anywhere. Plus, Orlando is only 80 miles away.

Registration for Expo 2006 is already underway. Early bird rates save registrants up to 45 percent. However, rates increase Aug. 15.

Register online at www.motorcoachexpo.com, or by mailing or faxing a registration form to the United Motorcoach Association. Forms can be found at www.motorcoachexpo.com/pdf/WebRegistrationForm.pdf. Or, call UMA at (800) 424-8262 for a form or more information.