Now that you’re caught up on all the spectacular details from our recent show in Boston, we’re keeping the positive energy flowing as we race toward 2020 and the debut of our CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas this February 23-26 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. This will be the first show that we officially produce with our partners, the National Limousine Association. If you enjoyed Boston, you’re going to love all that we have in store for you in Vegas!
Let us first thank our steadily growing list of generous sponsors who make all of this possible, especially our Title Sponsors Grech Motors and Ford-Lincoln Limousine & Livery Vehicles. We appreciate their unwavering support of the industry as well as the CD/NLA Shows! As it stands now, our show floor is about 85 percent sold out, so expect to see all of the industry’s leading vendors, tech providers, suppliers, and, of course, manufacturers. You can see the full list of exhibitors on our website (CDNLAshow.com). Or, better yet, search your favorite app store for our official show app, sponsored by North Point Global Transportation Services. We’ll be posting regular updates and adding more content regarding everything you need to know about the show, so why not download the app now?
Speaking of our app, we know many of you loved participating in our Digital Passport, which earned you points when visiting exhibitors on the show floor and scanning their QR code. Well, it’s back and even better because we’re adding more chances to earn and win. During the show, we’ll have special opportunities to score points at select times—but you’ll have to be fast! Last year’s prize was an incredible all-in package that included a pass to every show and retreat in 2020, accommodations, and an article the Chauffeur Driven about the experience, a prize worth an insane $4,000. You can expect that we’ll have a sweet prize again in Vegas. We’ll share more details as we get closer to the show, but get your fingers limber now.
"I have attended many industry shows over the years, but I think that the interaction is best at the Chauffeur Driven ones. I am looking forward to Las Vegas next year!” - Dennis Jansen of Dutch Business Limousine B.V.
Last month, we took you through our newly released schedule, including our educational lineup (sponsored by FASTTRAK) and all of your returning favorites such as our Women in the Industry Networking Luncheon and State of the Industry. The CD/NLA Show offers education on all four days and we take your professional development extremely seriously. Of course, the NLA is known for its commitment to furthering the knowledge of its members and also has a strong history in producing quality seminars and workshops. In fact, NLA President Gary Buffo has made educating smaller and midsize operators one of the cornerstones of his leadership through initiatives like No Operator Left Behind, which is facilitated by Bill Faeth and the Limo University team. Faeth has also been instrumental in tailoring content for those growing companies and their unique operational needs through regular seminars, his Limo U Academy sessions at his booth, and Boot Camp classes (available for an additional fee). We are serious about building ROI into every event we pack into each of the four days, with plenty of chances to network, soak in some knowledge, and mingle with friends new and old. Vegas will have all the events you love, plus a few that you’ll fall in love with, so read on for more details.
Affiliate Central: First Time in Vegas!
Seasoned Chauffeur Driven Show attendees know that the Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum is a perennial hit, and one of the most popular and well-received events at our fall show. Operators from around the globe literally line up to be the first to have valuable one-on-one time with owners, affiliate managers, and key decision-makers from all major markets, both in the U.S. and internationally. After all, networking with your peers is one of the top reasons you come the shows. At our Boston show, Affiliate Central was positively electric, with more than 1,000 attendees bouncing from table to table to meet new potential partners. Affiliate Central is right now on track to be our largest ever with several dozen global companies expected to display their services. This CD exclusive event will be a first for Sin City, so expect this to be huge. If you are looking to expand your company’s presence, absolutely add this to your list!
Keynote Grant Cardone
Keynote: Grant Cardone
Need we say more? Grant Cardone built his fortune through real estate, among other ventures, and now is an internationally renowned sales trainer and bestselling author of several books, including The 10X Rule and If You’re Not First, You’re Last. He works directly with everyone from entrepreneurs with no staff and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies by helping them hone their sales training and turn their teams into selling machines. He is also the founder of the 10X Movement and the 10 Growth Conference, which is recognized as the world’s largest business and entrepreneur conference. You will not want to miss this Keynote!
Are you a Cardone fan and want some extra goodies? For $500, our VIP Experience guarantees you front-row seating at our Keynote, three of his bestselling books (including one signed copy), and a photo op with the author. Are you a diehard fan? Then you may want to consider our Diamond VIP Experience, which includes all of the above plus lunch with him for $1,000. You MUST pre-register for this event on our website at CDNLAshow.com. Both have extremely limited availability and are on a first come, first served basis. (Hey, don’t worry: You can still come to the Keynote if your peers beat you to the opportunity to meet Cardone in person.)
More International Content
Vegas is a wildly popular destination for visitors from and outside the U.S., and many of our friends from around the world are excited about lineup of events tailored specifically for global operators. First up is our International Session, which is a panel and open discussion about doing business around the world, and it’s one that is a favorite for many operators. We’re putting the finishing touches on our list of panelists that will be announced soon, but go ahead and mark that as a must-attend.
Ever wish you could chat one on one with an operator from a specific region about local traditions, differences in service expectations, and issues that impact their market? Confused about gratuities, airport procedures, or insurance liability? Wish granted! Introducing our brand-spanking-new Global Exchange. Set up by country and/or region, operators will be on hand to discuss whatever burning questions you need answered when sending clients to those areas. You set the pace and talk to as many operators that you want. We know doing business outside your comfort zone can be tricky, so take the mystery out of it and get the info you need to work effectively with the international community at large.
"This is a great show every year. We really like interacting with midsize operators and the new generations of companies.”
- Gus Ortis of Executive Transportation
Like our Affiliate Central, our International Meet & Greet remains one of the best-attended events in our lineup. The casual yet semi-structured setting is the perfect way to mingle with like-minded operators from across the pond—whatever pond that may be. Traditionally held in the early or late morning at our fall Show, we’ve moved this to the early evening and right before the general break, so you can perhaps continue the conversation with your new peers over dinner.
Calling all global companies: The charter meeting of the newly formed European Chauffeur Driven Association (ECDA) will take place at the CD/NLA Show on Monday, February 24. This association was created at the show in Boston by our international peers with a mission to develop and promote common European and international standards for chauffeur training and certification. They recognize that the world is only getting smaller, and the need for their collective voice is only that much more important. Further, it aims to act as an advocate for the European chauffeur driven community by lobby EU authorities and other local entities involving issues impacting them. You can read all about the formation of the ECDA in the next issue because they have a compelling story that you’ll want to hear. All are welcome to join the meeting during the show. All politics are local, but business is global. Get involved.
First-Timers Event
We’re all intimately familiar with the excitement, anxiety, and overwhelming feelings that envelope you when you’re a newbie, so we’re here to help with our First-Timers Event. We’ll start with a brief orientation on Sunday, February 23, where you and your fellow first-timers will be paired with an industry professional who can make recommendations for the best events to attend, people to meet, and any other confusion you have about the show. You can always reach out to anyone on the CD or NLA teams for more assistance, but we take it one step further. Lifelong friendships and business relationships often start at our shows, so you’ll know at least a few people who can lend a hand. All you have to do is concentrate on your investment of attending the show. Not only will you have an instant network and support group, you’ll also never have to attend any of the show’s events alone.
Driven By Excellence Awards
As we mentioned last month, we’re thrilled to be hosting our first-ever Driven By Excellence Awards, held in conjunction with our Awards Dinner & Charity Auction. Nominate yourself, your company, or your colleague in the following categories:
• Association of the Year
• Charity & Community Service
• Customer Service Excellence
• Pinnacle of Safety
• Chauffeur of the Year
• NextGen/Emerging Leader
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. The deadline for nominations is closing in quickly—January 8, 2020—so head on over to CDNLAshow.com to complete your online nomination form now. There’s no better way to be celebrated by your industry and share the honor with your customers as an award-winning company.
Ready to join us in Vegas? What are you waiting for? Our early-bird rate is only $395 through 12/21/19, so sign up today and save a little extra dough for the holidays. And don’t forget to secure your room at Mandalay for the low rate of only $168 per night (or $198 at the Delano, located right next door). When the room block is gone, it’s gone for good. We’ll see you in Vegas! [CD1219]