Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Car Rental Technology Forum is a premier event designed to connect car rental companies with technology providers. Scheduled for 2nd November 2026 at ExCeL London, this forum will feature discussions on the latest innovations and strategies in the car rental industry.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into technology trends, network with industry leaders, and explore solutions that enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. Car Rental Technology Forum takes place in London,.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Car Rental Technology Forum takes place on 2nd November 2026 at ExCeL London.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event connects car rental operators, brokers, and technology providers to explore industry advancements.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by CRTF, with more details available at their official website.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include car rental owners, technology leaders, and industry experts.
- 5Entry: Registration is required for attendance, with options for networking and breakfast sessions.
Why visit
Attendees will benefit from networking opportunities with industry leaders and technology providers. The forum will feature discussions on the latest trends and innovations in the car rental sector, providing insights that can drive business growth. Participants can engage in meaningful conversations that can lead to valuable partnerships and collaborations.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will gain visibility among key decision-makers in the car rental industry. This forum provides a platform to showcase innovative solutions and technologies that can enhance operational efficiency. Exhibiting at CRTF allows companies to connect directly with potential clients and partners, driving business opportunities and growth.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Car rental operators looking for technology solutions
Brokers seeking partnerships with rental companies
Technology providers showcasing innovations
Industry experts sharing insights on trends
Fleet managers interested in operational efficiency
Insurance providers discussing risk management
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Technology companies offering rental solutions
Automotive OEMs showcasing new products
Insurance firms providing coverage options
Consultants advising on fleet management
Software developers focusing on rental technology
Data analytics firms supporting decision-making
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Fleet management software and solutions
Digital key and telematics technology
Revenue management and pricing tools
Customer experience enhancement technologies
Automated rental solutions and platforms
Insurance products tailored for car rentals
Location & Facilities
Venue
ExCeL London
London, UK
Facilities
Parking
ExCeL London in London typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: ExCeL London in London typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at ExCeL London for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
London, UK
Why it matters
Attendees will benefit from networking opportunities with industry leaders and technology providers. The forum will feature discussions on the latest trends and innovations in the car rental sector, providing insights that can drive business growth.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · GBP
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
London City
Closest commercial airport to ExCeL London; take the DLR toward Custom House or a short taxi ride. Confirm live journey times and terminal access before travel
to venue
Approx. 10-20 min by DLR or taxi to ExCeL London
by car
London Heathrow
Widest long-haul choice; the Elizabeth line connects toward Custom House with a change, or take Heathrow Express to Paddington and continue east. Allow buffer time for immigration and rail changes
to venue
Approx. 45-60 min by Elizabeth line or road to ExCeL London
by car
London Gatwick
Take Thameslink or Gatwick Express into central London, then the Elizabeth line or DLR to Custom House. Rail fares and journey times should be confirmed with National Rail
to venue
Approx. 60-75 min by rail and DLR to ExCeL London
by car
London Stansted
Stansted Express runs to Liverpool Street; continue on the Elizabeth line or DLR toward Custom House. Allow extra time for passport control on peak arrivals
to venue
Approx. 60-75 min by Stansted Express and Elizabeth line/DLR to ExCeL London
by car
London Luton
Thameslink connects Luton Airport Parkway toward Farringdon, where the Elizabeth line continues east. Confirm the shuttle and rail timetable before booking
to venue
Approx. 75-90 min by Thameslink and Elizabeth line to ExCeL London
by car
London Southend
Greater Anglia services connect Southend Airport toward Stratford or Liverpool Street, then continue by DLR or Elizabeth line to Custom House. Check operator timetables
to venue
Approx. 60-75 min by rail and DLR/Elizabeth line to ExCeL London
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
budget
Park Royal / west LondonUSD 95–122 / night
3-star IHG property rated around 4.2. It is a cheaper west London base but requires a longer rail transfer to ExCeL London, so it suits budget-first visitors rather than walk-to-venue convenience.
budget
StratfordUSD 95–122 / night
3-star, rated around 4.3, with free cancellation and parking noted. Stratford gives Elizabeth line and DLR connections toward Custom House and has good rail links from central London.
midscale
GreenwichUSD 150–190 / night
Mix of 3-star Holiday Inn Express and 4-star DoubleTree, both rated around 4.3. Greenwich has DLR links to the Royal Docks and a wider choice of evening restaurants.
upscale
Royal Docks / DocklandsUSD 150–202 / night
Closest cluster to ExCeL London, mixing a 3-star Holiday Inn Express with a 4-star Crowne Plaza. Best for walking to the venue or a very short DLR ride.
upscale
Canary WharfUSD 150–202 / night
4-star business district option with Jubilee line and DLR connections toward Custom House. More dining and after-work options than the immediate Royal Docks cluster.
upscale
ExCeL / Royal VictoriaUSD 150–202 / night
On-doorstep options listed in the hotel captures, including Hampton by Hilton, DoubleTree and Novotel London Excel. Best for minimal commute time during a busy show.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
DLR
Estimated costApprox. GBP 3.00-5.00 single contactless fare, peak/off-peak (estimate; confirm TfL fares)
Best forCustom House / Prince Regent to central London
DLR serves Custom House for ExCeL and Prince Regent for the eastern halls. Contactless bank cards and Oyster work; tap in and out at the platform validators.
Elizabeth line
Estimated costApprox. GBP 3.50-6.50 single contactless fare (estimate; confirm TfL fares)
Best forCustom House to Tottenham Court Road / Paddington
Elizabeth line trains stop at Custom House and provide a fast east-west route across London. Check TfL for peak/off-peak pricing and service status.
London Underground
Estimated costApprox. GBP 3.00-5.50 single within zones 1-3 (estimate; confirm TfL fares)
Best forZone 1 to ExCeL via DLR or Elizabeth line connection
Combine a Tube journey with a DLR or Elizabeth line change at stations such as Bank, Canary Wharf or Whitechapel. Allow extra time during peak hours.
rail
Estimated costApprox. GBP 12.00-16.00 single contactless fare (estimate; confirm TfL and Heathrow fares)
Best forLondon Heathrow (LHR) to ExCeL London
The Elizabeth line connects Heathrow to central London; change as needed for Custom House. A taxi or coach may be faster at off-peak times but costs more.
rail
Estimated costApprox. GBP 12.00-20.00 single rail fare before the London transfer (estimate; confirm National Rail)
Best forLondon Gatwick (LGW) to ExCeL London
Thameslink or Gatwick Express gets you into central London; continue by Elizabeth line or DLR to Custom House. Advance fares can be lower.
rail
Estimated costGBP 9-20 airport or regional rail single journey
Best forLondon Stansted (STN) to ExCeL London
Stansted Express is the fastest rail option into Liverpool Street; from there take the Elizabeth line or DLR east toward Custom House.
rail
Estimated costGBP 9-20 airport or regional rail single journey
Best forLondon Luton (LTN) to ExCeL London
Use the airport shuttle to Luton Airport Parkway, then Thameslink toward Farringdon and continue on the Elizabeth line to Custom House.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. GBP 35.00-60.00 metered taxi or ride-hail (estimate; traffic dependent)
Best forCentral London to ExCeL London
A taxi is convenient for luggage or late arrivals but can be slow in peak traffic. Compare with the Elizabeth line or DLR before departing.
Weather
Early November in London is late autumn: expect cool, changeable days with a real chance of rain and gusty spells along the Thames. Daytime highs are typically around 10-13 C, with overnight lows near 5-8 C. Pack a waterproof layer and warm layers for outdoor walking between Custom House, the Royal Docks and the ExCeL halls; indoor halls are climate-controlled. These are seasonal norms, not an event forecast - check a live forecast 3-5 days before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK prepaid SIM and eSIM options are available from major networks such as EE, Vodafone, Three and O2; EU roaming plans may not include the UK, so check your home operator before travel. ExCeL London provides venue connectivity, but exhibitors should order bandwidth and stand connectivity through the venue or organiser rather than relying on public Wi-Fi. Power is 230V/50Hz with UK Type G plugs.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Smart casual is typical at UK car rental and technology events unless a formal meeting or awards dinner is scheduled. Bring a jacket for evening networking and comfortable shoes for large exhibition halls.
Greetings and meetings
A handshake and first-name introductions are common in London business settings. Punctuality matters; arrive a few minutes early for scheduled meetings and allow time for badge collection on day one.
Payments and tipping
Contactless bank cards are widely used on TfL and in shops, cafes and taxis. Tipping is not automatic; many restaurants add a discretionary service charge, so check the bill before adding a tip.
After-hours networking
Book evening meals or drinks in Canary Wharf, Greenwich or central London rather than relying on the immediate Royal Docks area, where options are more limited. Confirm return journeys on the DLR or Elizabeth line before late-evening plans.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: LCY
For the shortest transfer, target London City (LCY); for long-haul choice and airline competition, compare Heathrow (LHR). Early November is a normal business-travel period in London, so book 4-8 weeks ahead where possible and compare rail-inclusive fares from Gatwick, Stansted or Luton. From mainland Europe, Eurostar to St Pancras connects with the Elizabeth line or DLR toward Custom House. Confirm baggage, transfer and fare conditions before booking.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: London City (LCY): Approx. 10-20 min by DLR or taxi to ExCeL London; London Heathrow (LHR): Approx. 45-60 min by Elizabeth line or road to ExCeL London; London Gatwick (LGW): Approx. 60-75 min by rail and DLR to ExCeL London; London Stansted (STN): Approx. 60-75 min by Stansted Express and Elizabeth line/DLR to ExCeL London. Allow road or rail time to ExCeL London; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near ExCeL London: Park Royal / west London: Holiday Inn Express London - Park Royal by IHG; Stratford: Holiday Inn Express London - Stratford by IHG; Greenwich: Holiday Inn Express London - Greenwich by IHG, DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich.
Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt and Free Now operate across London, and ExCeL London has designated pickup and drop-off areas. Surge pricing is common during large exhibitions, so compare the fare with the DLR or Elizabeth line before booking. Confirm the exact pickup point in the venue app or with your driver.
Public transit: ExCeL London is served by Custom House station on the DLR and Elizabeth line, and by Prince Regent DLR for the eastern halls. From Heathrow, use the Elizabeth line toward central London and change for Custom House, or take Heathrow Express to Paddington and continue on the Elizabeth line. From Gatwick, Thameslink or Gatwick Express into central London connects with the same DLR and Elizabeth line routes. Contactless bank cards and Oyster work on TfL services; plan journeys with the TfL journey planner and check the ExCeL getting-here page for step-free access notes. Fares and service status should be confirmed with TfL before travel.
Parking: ExCeL London has on-site parking, but availability and tariffs should be confirmed with the venue or organiser. As a planning estimate, allow approximately GBP 20-30 per day and pre-book where possible; this is not an official quoted rate. Electric-vehicle charging availability should be checked directly with the venue.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Daytime highs typically around 10-13 C in early November, dropping to roughly 5-8 C overnight. These are seasonal norms rather than an event forecast; check a live forecast 3-5 days before travel, especially for wind off the Thames near the Royal Docks.
Seasonality: November is one of the wetter months in London, with frequent short showers and occasional longer rain bands. Daylight hours shorten noticeably, with sunset before 17:00 late in the month, so plan evening transfers and outdoor walking between Custom House, Prince Regent and the ExCeL halls with buffer time.
Packing: Pack a waterproof jacket, warm layers and comfortable shoes for large exhibition halls. Add a compact umbrella, a UK Type G plug adapter and a portable charger. Indoor halls are climate-controlled, so a light layer works for networking, while a warmer coat is useful for outdoor transport connections.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Car Rental Technology Forum usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your registration status and badge collection instructions on carrentaltech.org.
T-2
Check the official schedule for session times, hall opening hours and any trade-only access rules.
T-3
Book a hotel in Royal Docks, Royal Victoria, Canary Wharf, Greenwich or Stratford and confirm the cancellation policy.
T-4
Book flights to London City (LCY) for the shortest transfer, or Heathrow (LHR) for long-haul choice; compare rail fares from Gatwick, Stansted, Luton or Southend.
T-5
Set up contactless payment for TfL travel and download a journey-planning app before departure.
T-6
Review the exhibitor list for CRS, telematics, keyless access, AI damage capture, dynamic pricing and EV fleet suppliers.
T-7
Prepare a short list of integration, API, data-security and pricing questions for each supplier meeting.
T-8
Request meetings with exhibitors at least one week before the event.
T-9
Check UK visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements for your nationality and allow processing time.
T-10
Confirm your airport-to-ExCeL route and save a backup taxi or ride-hail option for late arrivals.
T-11
Pack a waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes and layers for cool, changeable November weather.
T-12
Bring a UK Type G plug adapter and a portable charger for long days in the halls.
T-13
Save the venue address and your hotel address offline in case mobile data is slow at the venue.
T-14
Arrange travel insurance and keep digital and printed copies of key bookings.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at ExCeL London
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Car Rental Technology Forum registration concourse
ExCeL London
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
ExCeL London
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights£190.00
- Per diem × 2£150.00
Estimated total£340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Car Rental Technology Forum fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Car Rental Technology Forum, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Fleet management software and solutions and Digital key and telematics technolog solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Car Rental Technology Forum in London.
Min. budget
$436.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Fleet management software and solutions and Digital key and telematics technolog products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$1,962.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the London show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is Car Rental Technology?
Car Rental Technology is a specialist event listed at carrentaltech.org for the car rental and mobility technology sector, covering reservation systems, telematics, keyless access, AI damage inspection, dynamic pricing, EV fleet operations and distribution technology. The 2026 edition is associated with ExCeL London in the listing captures.
When and where is the event taking place?
The travel and hotel captures used for this listing point to early November 2026 at ExCeL London in the Royal Docks. Exact dates, opening hours and hall access should be confirmed on the official schedule page at carrentaltech.org/schedule before booking travel.
Who should attend?
Fleet directors, revenue managers, IT and digital product teams, operations leaders, customer-experience managers, procurement teams and technology suppliers from car rental, car sharing, leasing and mobility operators. It is most useful for teams evaluating systems that touch reservations, pricing, vehicle handover, damage capture or EV fleet management.
Is the event trade-only?
The event is positioned around car rental technology and business audiences. Registration terms, badge eligibility and any trade-only restrictions should be checked on carrentaltech.org during registration; bring business identification in case it is requested at badge collection.
What technologies are likely to be shown?
Expect categories around computer reservation systems, online booking engines, telematics, keyless vehicle access, AI damage inspection, dynamic pricing and revenue management, EV charging management, OTA distribution, payment tools and fleet remarketing platforms. Use the official exhibitor list to confirm which suppliers are present in 2026.
How do I register?
Register through the official event website at carrentaltech.org. The captures used for this listing do not include a registration deadline or ticket price, so confirm pass types, opening times and any visitor requirements directly with the organiser before making travel plans.
How do I get to ExCeL London by public transport?
Custom House station is served by the DLR and the Elizabeth line and is the main stop for ExCeL London; Prince Regent DLR serves the eastern side of the venue. Contactless bank cards work on TfL services, and journey times should be checked on the TfL journey planner before travel.
Which airport is closest to ExCeL London?
London City Airport (LCY) is the closest commercial gateway, with a short DLR or taxi transfer to the Royal Docks. Heathrow (LHR) offers the widest long-haul choice and connects by Elizabeth line or rail plus DLR; Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and Southend require rail or coach connections into London.
Where should I stay near the venue?
Royal Docks and Royal Victoria hotels are closest for walking to ExCeL; Canary Wharf and Greenwich offer more dining and transport choices with a short DLR or Elizabeth line ride; Stratford is useful for Elizabeth line connections. Book early if your dates overlap with other ExCeL events.
Is there parking at ExCeL London?
ExCeL London has on-site parking, but tariffs and availability should be confirmed with the venue or organiser. As a planning estimate, allow approximately GBP 20-30 per day and pre-book where possible; this is not an official quoted rate.
Can I exhibit or sponsor?
Exhibiting and sponsorship enquiries should go through the official organiser channels listed on carrentaltech.org. The captures used for this listing do not include booth prices, stand sizes or sponsorship packages, so those details must be requested directly from the sales team.
Is the venue accessible?
ExCeL London is a large modern exhibition centre with step-free access routes from Custom House and Prince Regent stations. Confirm specific access requirements, accessible parking and hearing-loop provision with the venue or organiser before your visit.
Glossary
- ACRISS code
- A standard vehicle classification code used across car rental distribution to map vehicle groups, transmission, fuel type and category between suppliers and booking channels.
- Computer reservation system (CRS)
- The platform that holds fleet availability, rates, reservations and customer data for a car rental operator, often integrated with website, app and partner channels.
- Telematics
- Connected-vehicle data such as location, mileage, fuel or battery state, diagnostics and driver behaviour, used for fleet utilisation, maintenance and roadside support.
- Keyless access
- Smartphone, card or identity-based vehicle unlock and handover, allowing rental operators to reduce counter queues and manage after-hours pick-up.
- AI damage capture
- Computer-vision inspection tools that compare pre-rental and post-rental vehicle images to flag damage, support claims and speed up vehicle turnaround.
- Dynamic pricing
- Rate-setting that responds to demand, lead time, length of rental, location and fleet availability rather than relying only on fixed seasonal tariffs.
- Fleet utilisation
- The share of available vehicle-days that are actually rented; a core operating metric for car rental revenue and fleet planning teams.
- One-way rental
- A rental collected at one location and returned to another, requiring fleet balancing, logistics planning and location-level demand forecasting.
- SIPP code
- A rental industry product code used to identify vehicle category and specification so that the same car group can be sold consistently across channels.
- OTA distribution
- Online travel agencies, metasearch and partner marketplaces that sell rental inventory alongside flights and hotels; rate and availability integration is critical.
- Rate parity
- Keeping consistent public pricing across direct and third-party channels so that partners and customers see comparable rates for the same vehicle and conditions.
- LDW / CDW
- Loss Damage Waiver and Collision Damage Waiver products that limit a renter's financial exposure for vehicle damage, theft or collision, subject to policy terms.
- MaaS integration
- Mobility-as-a-service connections that bundle car rental with public transport, ride-hailing, car sharing and journey-planning apps.
- EV charging orchestration
- Managing electric-vehicle charging schedules, state of charge, depot capacity and return-to-rental readiness across a rental fleet.
- Remarketing
- The process of selling or disposing of de-fleeted vehicles through auctions, dealers or direct channels, with valuation and condition data feeding fleet decisions.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Car Rental Technology Forum 2026
- Car Rental Technology Forum London 2026
- London UK
- Technology Conference London 2026
- Technology Conference Forum London
- Fleet management software and solutions
- digital transformation expo
- London technology expo 2026
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.