After a phenomenal event in Boston this past October (you’ll see tons of photos in our post-show wrap-up in the December issue or check out the gallery at CDNLAshow.com), we’re thrilled to share some exciting updates about our next ground-breaking show—appropriately themed “New Horizons”—in Las Vegas this February 23-26, 2020, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. In case you’ve been living under a rock, this will be the first show that is officially co-produced by Chauffeur Driven (CD) and the National Limousine Association (NLA), and is the only place where you can help the association financially by attending. Your hard-earned dollars will help the NLA continue to fight on behalf of all operators nationwide as our industry continues to mature and evolve, while finding a compromise with our disruptors. All of this is made possible by our generous sponsors, including Title Sponsors Grech Motors and Ford-Lincoln Limousine & Livery Vehicles.
Our schedule is now live at cdnlashow.com! The CD/NLA Show is definitely a marathon, not a sprint: It’s four chock-full days bursting with more than 25 hours of education, countless networking opportunities, and a healthy heaping of inspiration, not to mention a packed show floor with all of the vendors, manufacturers, tech, and suppliers you need to make smart decisions for your business. The NLA has been hosting off-the-charts shows in Vegas for years, and we’ve made educating chauffeured transportation providers the keystone of what we do, so it’s important to us that this event has as much ROI as possible, but with plenty of fun, too. You’ll join an international community that is as committed to the industry and their businesses while looking to exchange ideas with other professionals just like you.
"This is a great show every year. We really like interacting with medium-size operators and the new generations of companies.” - Gus Ortis of Executive Transportation“I was blown away by my first time attending a show!” raves Aaron Teich of The Driver Provider. “From the networking to the educational courses, it was a great experience overall. I would surely recommend attending!”
Sunday
If you’ve attended a Vegas show hosted by the NLA in the past, one of the biggest changes you’ll notice is that our opening day has a full lineup of can’t-miss events. If you’re new to the show or the industry, be sure to add our First-Timers Event to your calendar. We’ll help you make the most of your time at the show by pairing you and other newbies with a helping hand (aka another industry professional) to get you on the right track. A trade show can be overwhelming or daunting if you’ve never attended; we want to remove the mystery and trepidations you may have so that these four days are an investment in your growth and success. Plus, you’ll have an immediate support group showing you the ropes.
Sunday is also the start of our education with six on-point sessions carefully curated by our blended CD/NLA Show Education Committee. Choose from seminars on a variety of topics such as Running Your Business Remotely and Managing Remote Employees, Commit to Selling: Are You Growing Business in Your Own Backyard?, Embracing & Implementing Dynamic and Advanced Pricing Models, and Successful Leadership Starts at the Top, But Resonates Throughout. Heads up to our smaller and nascent operators: Limo University Founder Bill Faeth and his team return to the show with several brand-spanking-new boot camps and sessions that will focus on your unique challenges as budding and growing businesses (although everyone is welcome!). Faeth will also host a special class that is similar to his popular Mastermind group. Participation requires an additional fee and space is limited.
"I have two words to describe the Chauffeur Driven Show: ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! The content of the sessions, the show floor, Affiliate Central, and the charity night were all excellent!” - Ariadna Noches of Mundi Luxury Transportation NetworkIf you’re curious about the good works and valiant efforts our industry associations do on behalf of operators worldwide, you’ll definitely want to attend our Association Summit. Even if you’re not a member of your local or national association—although we highly encourage it!—this meeting of the minds will be an eye-opening experience for you.
The day’s not over yet! After grabbing some dinner during the break, keep the industry-schmoozing going with our Opening Night Reception. Shed the suit, put on the comfy clothes, and kick back as we wind down the evening with a few drinks, delicious appetizers, some good beats, and the great company of your peers. More details about the party and its theme will be announced soon. But get some rest because Monday is just hours away...
Monday
Oh man, do we have a packed schedule for you! First, NLA members will want to join President Gary Buffo, Executive Director Kyle Hammerschmidt, Associate Director Sarah Mercer, and the entire board for the biggest NLA Membership Meeting of the year. Not a member? Consider joining today!
In addition to our State of the Industry, Women of the Industry Luncheon, and the opening of our show floor, we have two education sessions that are critical to your operations in 2020. First, our Bus & Motorcoach Panel will delve into topics that are important to you as you keep adding larger vehicles to your fleet. We know you’ve noticed that our show floor now features numerous coach builders—and your customers are more and more frequently requesting these vehicles—so this session will be timely for many operators. Second, our International Panel is an open discussion with operators from around the world. Help bridge the gap of information of doing business globally with this session, and bring your questions with you.
"My overall show experience was excellent. The classes I attended were exactly what I needed, and the two evening parties were great for networking and good times with industry friends.” - Eric Taylor of Executive TransportationOur most anticipated event of the day, however, has to be our game-changing Keynote (sponsored by Grech Motors). Have you heard the news? Celebrated sales trainer Grant Cardone will inspire and electrify attendees with secrets from his renowned 10X growth strategy. International speaker, entrepreneur, and New York Times best-selling author Cardone owns and operates seven privately held companies and a $1.4B portfolio of multifamily properties. Named the #1 marketer to watch by Forbes Magazine, he is also the founder of the 10X Movement and the 10X Growth Conference, which recently attracted more than 35,000 attendees in February.
In addition to Cardone’s rousing keynote address, we’ll offer attendees two limited VIP experiences that will give you direct face time with the entrepreneurial expert. For just $500 for the Grant Cardone Platinum VIP Experience, you will receive front-row reserved seating for the keynote, an exclusive photo op with Cardone, and a copy of each of his three best-selling books (one of which will be signed). For die-hard fans, join us for the Diamond VIP Experience, which gives you all of the above plus the chance to enjoy lunch with Cardone. While you break bread, you will tap into the power of networking and learn from the sales and marketing wizard. This exclusive event is available for $1,000, and is strictly limited to 10 seats. To take part in the VIP Experiences, email chris@chauffeurdriven.com today. Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.
Tuesday
Time to get down to business as Tuesday is all about networking. First, two major operators, Music Express and EmpireCLS Worldwide, will be hosting their affiliate meetings at the CD/NLA Show. Not a partner? Worry not because we have two more events that will have you sharpening your skills and mingling with a worldwide nexus of operations. First, our Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum still remains one of our most enduring and popular events, as it is attended by nearly 1,000 operators from across the planet. If you are looking to expand your company’s presence, absolutely add this to your list! Second, our International Meet & Greet—now an afternoon event—is another well-attended favorite specifically designed to make our international community feel a bit smaller and intimate. Use your time efficiently because this session is always overflowing with interested affiliates!
We also have three education sessions on the docket for the third day, including Finding the Right Balance of Profitability vs. Scale; How to Effectively Pay Chauffeurs, CDL Drivers, and Drivers for a Win-Win; and another Limo University-hosted seminar geared toward small and midsize operators.
"The CD/NLA Show is the best opportunity to grow your business! Global contacts, excellent guidance, and a show with every product you will even need to be successful. The best education for the money!” - Bruce Adcox of AGENDA:USAWe’ve saved our best after-hours event for the last evening of the show as we honor those who stand out among their peers for community service/charity, safety, chauffeuring, customer service as well as NextGen/emerging leaders and the association of the year at our Driven By Excellence Awards Dinner & Charity Auction. The elegant evening will feature a dinner, an awards gala, and a charity auction to benefit the NLA’s Harold Berkman Fund, named for the late founder of Music Express. You can submit your nominations now through January 8 online at cdnlashow.com.
Wednesday
It’s not over yet! Hey, we weren’t kidding when we said that it was four full days bursting with events. Soak in some knowledge with several sessions, including Safety First: Don’t Lose Sight of Your Top Priority, It Could Be You: Developing a Proactive Crisis Management Strategy, as well as an additional Limo U session hosted by Bill Faeth.
A hearty thank you to our Show Committee, which includes Co-chairs Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide and Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus, Matt Assolin of Nikko’s Worldwide Chauffeured Services, Alan Candeub of Park Avenue Limousine, Ken Carter of Aadvanced Limousines, Colin Devine of Devine’s Worldwide Chauffeured Services, Kim J. Dolniak of BEST Transportation, Sami Elotmani of Destination MCO, Robyn Goldenberg of Strategy Leaders, Andy Hernandez of CTA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, Douglas Schwartz of Executive Ground Transportation, Tony Simon of Reston Limousine, and Scott Woodruff of Majestic Limo & Coach, for developing our program. More details and speakers are coming soon.
“Chauffeur Driven and the NLA have created an event that was just as rewarding to newcomers like myself as it is to the long-time companies who have attended in the past. The networking opportunities that I was able to experience still have me answering emails from prospective affiliates from around the globe! I plan to attend the upcoming Las Vegas event as a vendor to represent my services on the show floor,” says Joseph Robinson of Best in Chauffeur.
Wednesday afternoon is also the last chance to take advantage of all the show deals and fabulous offers that you can only get during the CD/NLA Show. Our exhibit hall is THE place to comparison shop for all of the goods and products that are part of your daily operation—and all under one roof. This is also an excellent opportunity to speak with vendors one on one and allow them to earn your business, including numerous tech companies.
"The educational seminars were very well presented and very relevant to our business. Using the show app helped me plan my schedule.” - Declan O Callaghan of Devine’s WW Chauffeur ServicesSpeaking of the show floor, we’re also bringing back our Digital Passport, which can be exclusively accessed through our app. Many of you enjoyed fighting to win our ultimate grand prize by scanning QR codes with our participating exhibitors, so we’re taking it up a notch (or three) with more chances to earn points on our show floor ... and beyond. Trust us, this will be worth the effort!
Accommodations
Now is the time to reserve your room at our host property, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, for only $168 per night or its sister property (right next store) Delano for only $198 per night. We checked Expedia at the end of October and rooms were going for $203 and $289, respectively, so you know it’s a great deal! Visit cdnlashow.com for all the deets on how to secure your space.
Need more information? Have questions? We have you covered! Keep in touch by visiting cdnlashow.com, watching for breaking news and information through the NLA’s weekly newsletter and CD’s e-news, and in the pages of Chauffeur Driven. Mark your calendars now because we want to see you in Sin City, baby! [CD1119]