It’s full speed ahead for the industry’s comeback train! It was a FOMO-worthy CD/NLA Show this past November 13-16 as nearly 1,100 industry professionals—including many first-timers and fresh faces—descended upon the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. We couldn’t be prouder of the overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received, both during and after the show.
With on-point education and speakers, an action-packed exhibit floor, and electric nightlife, it was the strongest and best-attended fall show since 2019 in Boston. Many thanks to all our attendees, exhibitors, speakers, moderators, mentors, committee members, and sponsors—including Title Sponsor Ford Pro—for making the show such a rousing success!
Our stellar CD/NLA Show Education Committee—led by co-chairs Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide and Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus—put together a curriculum loaded with timely and valuable sessions that proved to be beneficial to operators of all sizes and markets. Whether it was learning to manage a remote workforce, getting the lowdown on M&A, getting some sales tips from a pro, or even taking part in our numerous conversation-stirring morning roundtables, the D.C. show was loaded with immediate takeaway designed to improve your operation. Also, thanks to Education Sponsor United Private Car as well as Coffee Sponsor Buffalo Limousine and A/V Sponsor Amaren for making it all possible.
“You could tell from the first session on opening day that the organizers spent time and care planning this event. Total fireworks. I returned home inspired with new ways to grow and improve my limo business,” says Sean O’Connor of White Sands Transportation.
“The educational seminars were excellent. The content and experts on the subjects were amazing along with their delivery,” says Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines.
But, as always, networking was the name of the game, as opportunities to share and learn among peers were plentiful. Dedicated events like our bustling Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum (sponsored by Volvo and once again on the show floor) and perennial favorite Operator Mentoring Program, with more than a dozen industry Mentors leading the groups, had people talking and exchanging business information and ideas. Our always-popular Women in the Industry Networking Event, with an inspiring and aspirational presentation from Carolyn Howell of Events USA and organized by the Women’s Leadership Council, was met with raves from our attendees. Moreover, the standing-room-only Association Summit highlighted the advocacy and efforts made on behalf of the industry by the leaders from industry associations around the country. With this lineup, and ample opportunities for some face-to-face time during breakfast or at the Gaylord’s bars and restaurants, CD/NLA Show veterans and newcomers alike made some fresh connections.
“The Women in the Industry Event was so amazing, and I cannot say how inspiring it was as a first-time attendee. I felt supported and welcomed by everyone. I cannot wait to go to Vegas,” says Syreeta Norman of Basic Black Transportation.
The networking and camaraderie continued into sundown as our always-popular nightlife events raised the roof. On Sunday evening, attendees were welcomed onto the show floor for a unique soiree that not only offered previews of the vehicles, products, and services available at the convention, but also some fun courtesy of magicians, jugglers, and even George Washington! The following night, guests headed to our Monday Night Tailgate Party wearing the colors or jersey of their favorite sports team. While CD and NLA staffers were bummed to see their beloved Philadelphia Eagles lose against the hometown Washington Commanders, the defeat didn’t spoil the electric vibe of the party. Thanks to ANB Trans and U.S. Sedan Services for sponsoring the event.
Speaking of the show floor, exhibitors were doing plenty of schmoozing as a record number of deals were made. After fueling up with some show-provided lunch, attendees browsed—and bought!—products, vehicles, and services from the dozens of industry suppliers who displayed at the show. Of course, vehicles of all sizes were a hot commodity as operators are once again looking to replenish and expand their fleets.
“Best show ever! I had an incredible experience at the CD/NLA Show at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. It was inspiring to meet so many new owners and operators and it was comforting to see so many friends and familiar faces. I couldn’t think of a better way to have spent the last four days! Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make it so memorable. I can hardly wait to see you all in Vegas!” wrote Tiffany Hinton of MOTEV on Facebook.
“The best CD/NLA Show I’ve attended so far,” raves Neil Davies of Secure Ground Transportation.
Whether attendees connected with each other via our Official Show App (sponsored by North Point Global Transportation Services) or navigated the schedule by our Pocket Program (sponsored by Premier Transportation), it was four days filled to the brim with education, networking, and a ton of deals on our show floor. Thank you to all our attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors for being a part of one of our best-ever fall shows!
If you missed the show, have no fear. Things are already revving up for the return of the CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas! Join us March 5-8 in Sin City at the spectacular MGM Grand Las Vegas Hotel & Casino for four days of world-class education and networking, and stay tuned to cdnlavegas.com for upcoming details. [CD1222]