With on-point education and speakers, an action-packed show floor, and electric nightlife, we’ve put the wraps on the 2023 CD/NLA Show, held October 22-25 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center just outside of Orlando. Many thanks to all our attendees, exhibitors, speakers, moderators, mentors, committee members, and sponsors—including Title Sponsor Volvo—for making the show such a raging success!
Nearly 1,300 industry professionals from around the globe were in attendance, which not only gave us the opportunity to meet countless new faces, but also let us reconnect and spend time with many of our long-standing industry friends and peers. And, we couldn’t be prouder of the overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received—both during and after the show—and on Facebook.
“It was an amazing event, and next-level education at the 2023 CD/NLA Show in Orlando this year. Hats off to CD President Chris Weiss and the amazing CD/NLA team for all their hard work and preparation for the show. It was great to see everyone and meet new people. I look forward to Vegas in 2024,” said Anthony Asaro of Desert Rose Limousine.
“We were thrilled to attend the CD/NLA Show in Orlando, staying ahead of the curve to provide the best for our Atlanta clients. Building strong connections with our fantastic affiliates nationwide is the icing on the cake. A huge shout-out to Jessica Pavlow and Chris Weiss for making it all happen,” said Maria Priestly of Empress Elite Limousine.
Our stellar CD/NLA Show Education Committee—led by co-chairs Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide and Karl Guenther of Statement Limousine—put together a curriculum that was loaded with timely and valuable sessions that proved to be beneficial to operators of all sizes and markets. Whether it was From Chaos to Clarity: Taking Control of Your Financials or Navigating Challenges and Opportunities for Small Operators, not to mention our numerous conversation-stirring morning roundtables, the Orlando show was loaded with immediate takeaway designed to improve operations with a dozen timely sessions for today’s challenges. Other highlights included The Secrets to Using AI, Building a Business Continuity Plan, Mastering Business Financial Solutions, and Critical HR Do’s and Don’ts. Also, thanks to Education Sponsor A1A Global as well as Coffee Sponsor Buffalo Limousine and A/V Sponsors The Driver Provider and Executive CLS for making it all possible.
“The speakers and presenters were very informative, and shared valuable insights and expertise in their respective fields. It was well-organized and educational and at times engaging. I highly recommend these shows to anyone seeking a valuable learning experience and for connecting with others in the industry,” says Lori Lange of Ecko Worldwide Transportation.
“The 2023 CD/NLA Show was another successful conference. Thank you to the entire CD/NLA team, along with the Show Education Committee Co-chairs Jason Sharenow and Karl Guenther for the countless hours to put this event together. We truly enjoy our time being around our industry colleagues and friends,” said Moe Bouayad of Crown Worldwide.
For a snapshot of what’s happening in the larger business travel ecosphere and expectations for the economic conditions ahead, we invited two heavy-hitting speakers to offer their insights during our standing-room-only State of the Industry (sponsored by Driving Transactions)—and they were armed with the data to back it up. After a one-on-one discussion between CD’s Chris Weiss and Suzanne Neufang of the Global Business Travel Association about the continued recovery in the global business travel arena, attendees were treated to a presentation by Sean Snaith, Ph.D. of the Institute for Economic Forecasting, University of Central Florida, regarding his predictions for the economic road ahead. There was plenty to chew on as the two speakers used solid numbers for their projections.
“Kudos to everyone involved in the 2023 CD/NLA Show in Orlando! From the educational programs, State of the Industry to the show floor, everything was well orchestrated, professional, and top notch!“ says Mike Rose of My Limousine Service
“The State of the Industry was not only a powerful learning experience, it was incredibly uplifting. GREAT speakers,” rave Richard and Wanda Van Dyke of Ambassador City Chauffeurs
But, as always, networking was the name of the game, as opportunities to share and learn among peers were in abundance. Dedicated events like our bustling Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum (sponsored by Volvo), perennial favorite Operator Mentoring Program, and our always-popular Women in the Industry Networking Event (again sponsored by Driving Transactions) were all met with raves from our attendees. Moreover, the 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 Operator Mentoring Program was incredible and I look forward to being able to participate in that again in the future. One of the best roundtable sessions I’ve attended was on Tuesday morning. It felt more intimate and I learned more than in past roundtables. I would love to see smaller breakouts,” says Jana Hightower of Ascent Luxury Transportation.
“Had a great time at the CD/NLA Show in Orlando. It was great to see everyone, catch up, talk business, and have some fun. See you all in Vegas,” said Guri Rajput of SRTC Limo Worldwide.
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 an opening night party sponsored by TEMSA that not only offered previews of the vehicles, products, and services available at the convention, but also some fun courtesy of magicians, tarot readers, and a caricaturist! The following night, guests showed their spooky sides at the Monday Night Halloween Party sponsored by ANB Trans, Centennial Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, and Crown Worldwide Transportation. While Michael Myers and Ghostface roamed the room creeping out partygoers, everyone showed their wild and creative sides. From Darth Vader to Aquaman to the Super Mario crew and Pink Ladies—and even a funky chicken—a fantastic time was had by all.
“From insightful seminars to belly-aching laughs, the CD/NLA Show had it all. Thanks to the entire Chauffeur Driven/NLA team and all the incredible industry friends who made it a memorable show,” wrote Ariadna Noches of Mundi Limos.
“In every part of the conference I was able to take valuable information away for the growth of my company,” says Devin Waring of Galleria Limousine.
We closed things out on Wednesday with our wildly successful charity golf outing at nearby Falcon’s Fire Golf Club. More than $22,000 was raised for ALS in honor of legendary industry consultant Tommy Mazza. Many thanks to the golfers and sponsors who made the outing a huge triumph.
“I definitely see the value of attending the CD/NLA Show. One connection we made at the show was worth the investment alone, but we made several connections we would never have had to opportunity to make,” says Jeremy Butler of Butler Transportation.“The shows are getting better and better every year,” says Steven Garcia of American Limousines.
If you missed this fall’s CD/NLA Show in Orlando, have no fear. Things are already revving up for the return of the CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas! Join us March 3-6 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.
To view all the photos from the CD/NLA 2023 Show in Orlando click here.
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