Join us for four days of world-class learning, networking, and fun as the Chauffeur Driven Show returns to the Sunshine State this October 22-25. We’re thrilled to bring our show to Orlando, a city continually recognized as a top destination for professional meetings and conventions. And with our show floor, seminars, nightlife, and accommodations all held under one roof at the exquisite Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, this year’s show promises to be our best yet. Thanks to our returning Title Sponsors Grech Motors and Ford-Lincoln Limousine and Livery Vehicles for their generosity and support.
Each year, you count on the Chauffeur Driven Show to have the best and most incisive education, loads of networking opportunities, and nightlife that can’t be beat—and we won’t disappoint. Over the past two months, we’ve previewed our education lineup and highlighted some returning event favorites.
In 2016, we introduced our Benchmark Breakouts sessions and the positive feedback we received was so out-of-this-world that we expanded our categories this year. In case you missed it, Benchmark Breakouts offers operators a chance to interact within a small group of colleagues in non-competing markets, where they can share ideas, explore business challenges, and proffer solutions. Each of the groups is broken down by revenue or type of staff, and has a moderator present for a structured, but free, exchange in a private meeting room. Participants will be able to compare and contrast their company against their peers in similar groups. The sessions, sponsored by Reston Limousine, require pre-registration, but don’t delay because we expect groups to again fill quickly. Registration is now open at chauffeurdrivenshow.com.
This year’s Benchmark Breakout groups are:
• Less Than $2 Million in Gross Annual Revenue
• $2-5 Million in Gross Annual Revenue
• More Than $5 Million in Gross Annual Revenue
• Affiliate Managers
• Operations Managers
• International Operators
• Motorcoach Operators
• Human Resources (New for 2017!)
Inaugural Tom Mazza Charity Golf Outing
If you’re looking for a reason to come to Orlando a little early (that doesn’t involve mouse ears), then look no further. On Saturday, October 21, we’re hosting our inaugural Tom Mazza Charity Golf Outing to raise some money for a good cause and honor our beloved late industry mentor.
Tom Mazza was a man who was important to so many and made such an impact on our industry across the board—a close friend and confidant to countless operators of all shapes and sizes. He was also the guy who popularized the 20-group concept for our space, and some of the groups he helped create and facilitate are still active. Tommy passed away in 2012 from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), but his influence is still very present today.
The Tom Mazza Charity Golf Outing is being held at Celebration Golf Club (9:00 am shotgun start), a terrific course just minutes from the Gaylord Palms, and is open to everyone. We are currently looking for golfers, helpers, and sponsors—so if Tommy made an impact on your life or business, please come out and support the event. Everything we raise is going directly to charity (primarily ALS research), so we hope you can make it to Orlando early in remembrance of Tommy and those struggling with the disease.
By popular demand, we’re bringing back our always-anticipated Operator Mentoring Program, and this year is our biggest lineup ever with nearly 20 of the industry’s most iconic names and successful owners spanning North America and even Europe. Learn from the experts and take home some valuable wisdom from the inevitable group discussions they inspire. This annual favorite is once again sponsored by Grech Motors. Note that there are a limited number of spaces available, so be sure to register before the show at chauffeurdrivenshow.com. Don’t delay! All seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The sessions will take place Sunday, October 22 from 4:30-6:30 pm.
This year’s mentors are:
• Robert Alexander, President/CEO of RMA Worldwide
• Sam Amato, President/Founder of Gateway Global
• Brett Barenholtz, CEO of Boston Car Service/Above All Transportation
• Kristina Bouweiri, President/CEO of Reston Limousine
• Maurice Brewster, President/Founder of Mosaic Global Transportation
• Alan Candeub, President of Park Avenue Limousine
• Eric Devlin, President of Premier Transportation
• Mike Fogarty, CEO North America of Tristar Worldwide
• Diane Forgy, President of Overland Chauffeured Services
• Kim Garner, President/Co-owner of BEST Transportation
• Joe Ironi, President of Global Alliance Worldwide
• George Jacobs, President of Windy City Limousine
• Patrick Pierron, President of Edward Limousines - EQSL Global
• Tracy Raimer, Vice President of Windy City Limousine
• Arthur Rento, President of Pontarelli Worldwide Ground Transportation
• David Seelinger, CEO/Chairman of EmpireCLS Worldwide
• Jason Sharenow, COO of Broadway Elite Worldwide
• Scott Solombrino, CEO of Dav El/BostonCoach
As a business owner, you’re constantly forced to keep your head in the present while maintaining a watchful eye on the future. With that in mind, we’re thrilled to announce our 2017 Keynote Speaker—noted author, consultant, and futurist Mike Walsh.
Dubbed “the CEO of Tomorrow,” which also happens to be the name of his global consulting firm, Walsh is an international speaker and strategist with an expertise in designing companies for the 21st century. He advises leaders on how to thrive in the current era of disruptive technological change. A true global nomad, Walsh travels more than 300 days a year worldwide while researching trends, collecting innovative case studies, and presenting on the future of business. His clients include many of the global Fortune 500.
Walsh’s writing includes the bestselling Futuretainment, and his follow-up hit The Dictionary of Dangerous Ideas, which details the most challenging concepts now faced by business leaders. He’s intimately familiar with disruptive technology, as each week he interviews provocative thinkers, innovators, and self-proclaimed troublemakers on his weekly podcast, Between Worlds.
As a leading futurist, Walsh takes an anthropological approach, scanning the near horizon for emerging technologies and disruptive shifts in human behavior, and then translating these into pragmatic plans for digital transformation. A prolific writer and commentator, Walsh’s views have appeared in a wide range of international publications including BusinessWeek, Forbes, and the Wall Street Journal.
“Each year, you count on the Chauffeur Driven Show to have the best and most incisive education, loads of networking opportunities, and nightlife that can’t be beat—and we won’t disappoint.”
Sponsored by Grech Motors and Chosen Payments, the keynote is scheduled for Monday, October 23, at 3:15 pm. Guaranteed to intrigue and entertain, we’re certain that this session will provide you with tons of takeaway for your business today—but more importantly, for tomorrow.
Finally, you’re going to love the Gaylord Palms. Located a short distance from the Orlando resort area, our host property offers an impressive 120,000-square-foot show floor and contemporary meeting spaces, along with all the amenities and comforts you’d expect from an upscale resort and convention center—conveniently located in one place. At $219 per night, Chauffeur Driven is giving attendees the unique experience exclusive to the Gaylord Palms at a discounted rate. Be sure to book early as our hotel block always fills quickly.
There’s a ton more information on our newly updated show website at chauffeurdrivenshow.com where you can get the latest schedule of events, details on our full educational lineup, venue information, and so much more. Registration is open and the early-bird rate of $295 is available through September 15. We hope you’re as excited as we are to jet off to Orlando, so will you join us in Florida this October? [CD0817]