In 2021, this is probably one of the most important events you can attend at the CD/NLA Show. Industry unity and friendly competitiveness have always been core strengths of chauffeured transportation, whether joining together to fight against federal or state regulations or simply being able to say yes to a VIP by working with a trusted affiliate. Staying in touch to float ideas, share advice, or cheer each other on was how many of us made it through these unprecedented times, so let’s keep that conversation going.
The Operator Mentoring Program, scheduled for Sunday, October 10, matches small groups of operators (from non-competing markets) with an industry Mentor and NextGen trailblazer who will lead a roundtable discussion in whatever direction the topics go—driven by you. Don’t expect a lecture-style seminar with a PowerPoint: This is a highly interactive session, one that requires the participation of all members for best results, with the guidance of our Mentors to keep things moving and to work through issues or questions that the group may have. Collaboration and dialogue will help us all to rebound stronger and craft a roadmap to navigate the evolving business climate. Best of all, you may just walk away with a new friend or peer who you’ll add to your speed-dial for future advice.
Our roster of Mentors and NextGens includes: Darrell Anderson of A-National Limousine Service and Christina Nguyen of Concierge Limousine
Brett Barenholtz of Boston Car Service/Above All Transportation and Christina Zanone of Beau Wine Tours
Carla Boccio of Buffalo Limousine and Gus Ortis of Executive Transportation
Kristina Bouweiri of Reston Limousine and Jay Erlich of Europe Limousine
Alan Candeub of Park Avenue Limousine and TJ Doyle of Gold Shield Transportation
Eric Devlin of Premier Transportation and Evan Blanchette of VIP Global
Sean Duval of Golden Limousine and Dave Uziel of UrbanBCN Worldwide
Mike Fogarty of RMA Worldwide and Kristin Hundley of Limousine Connection
Diane Forgy of Overland Chauffeured Services and Hashim Abdi of Mint Life Limo
Athena Grimm of BAC Transportation and Fernando Carlison of Mundi Limousine
Matt Johnston of AJL International and Anthony Asaro of Desert Rose Worldwide Transportation
Jason Kaplan of the Driver Provider and Zena Kulikowska of Global Alliance Worldwide
Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus and Yoalli Garcia of Godandi & Sons
Robert Rodriguez of First Class Destination Solutions and Nick Boccio of Buffalo Limousine
Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide and Michael Gibbon of Elite Coach Transportation
Douglas Schwartz of Executive Ground Transportation and Jason Messinger of BBZ Limousine
Space is limited, and on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up early for your best chance at a shot with your preferred Mentor—although you can’t go wrong with anyone in that lineup. Link here.
When we held our first show back in 2013, the industry was moving heavily toward corporate work and adopting newer and larger vehicles. Over-the-top stretches of the early 2000s were replaced by limobuses and even motorcoaches, in addition to all-black fleets of high-end sedans and SUVs. Our economic recovery is taking us all on a new economic journey, one that includes different revenue streams, changing client expectations, and updated protocols on safety and security. Let’s keep the positive momentum going! Things may be bumpy for a while, but we’re moving in the right direction, and the CD/NLA Show is here to help you ride the waves with confidence and ease.
In case you missed our announcement last month, our preliminary show schedule is now available here. Although we’re still polishing out the scuffs on some of the final details, we have more than a dozen educational sessions and seminars on deck to get you back in fighting shape. Our speakers—both industry and business experts—will share their thoughts and advice on mergers & acquisitions, managing your team, recruiting and hiring in these precarious times, rebuilding your credit and locking down your financial health, identifying retail opportunities, the latest in public relations and social media, handling your rates and sales, lessons learned from the pandemic, and much more. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in business for five or 50 years, our educational program was designed to help operators of all sizes and shapes to aspire to next best evolution of their business.
If you’re looking to increase your affiliate network (honestly, who isn’t?), strengthen your partnerships, or maybe even meet the person who is now handling affiliate relations, our Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum is for you. Operators from around the globe literally line up to be the first to have valuable conversations with owners, affiliate managers, and key decision-makers from all major markets. With so many operators still struggling with staff or fleet shortages, this should be on your can’t-miss list.
Want to step up your game on the affiliate front? Consider purchasing a table and let your fellow operators vie for your business. Contact Jess Pavlow at jess@chauffeurdriven.com. A limited number of tables are available. That’s where you can meet operators like Royal Rides of Des Moines, Iowa, who recently won our Affiliate Central table giveaway. Congrats!
There’s plenty more to check out on our schedule of events, including the annual NLA Membership Meeting (they’ve been HARD at work for you, especially over the past 18 months); the gathering of leaders from industry organizations during our Association Summit; our always-prescient State of the Industry; affiliate, technology, and vendor user groups with FASTTRAK, Santa Cruz, Chosen Payments, and Chabé; special educational sessions on the show floor and at Limo U’s booth with Bill Faeth and friends; one-on-one time with all of the suppliers, manufacturers, and technology platforms you need for running your business; countless opportunities to mingle with your peers; and, of course, our laid-back evening events to help you unwind after a long day of education and networking.
If you haven’t already registered for the show or booked your stay at our host property, the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center, don’t delay. Gaylord Texan—conveniently located near the DFW airport and Downtown Dallas—is offering an exclusive room rate of $219 per night for all CD/NLA Show attendees. Standard room rates have increased since last month (they’re now $345 per night, up from $315), so book ASAP to avoid missing out on our show-only price.
All the details you need about the show are available at cdnlashow.com. We’ll see you in October in the Lone Star State! [CD0821]