Do your summer plans include networking with a tight-knit group of operators, next-level and immersive business training, and visiting a quaint city you’ve likely never been to? Then you’ll definitely want to join us this June 8-11 at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort for our CD/NLA Executive Retreat in a brand-new city: Savannah, Georgia! Special thanks to our Platinum Sponsors EmpireCLS Worldwide and Lancer Insurance.
Open to operators of all sizes (but limited to 200 max), our retreat is the ultimate blend of education, networking, and, of course, fun. Compared to our fall and Vegas shows, the retreat offers a patented combination of innovative educational programming with a local flair. And while we love our previous destinations and definitely plan on returning—including the endless nights in Miami, the verdant rolling hills of California Wine Country, and everyone’s fave, Nashville—we’re stoked to explore the laid-back vibe of the Old South in Savannah. But don’t be fooled: This midsize city has a small-town feel with a vibrant downtown, historic architecture, bucolic views, and postcard-worthy estates lining cobblestone streets that will scratch that Southern itch and have you sipping sweet tea with your peach cobbler.
But before dessert, we have some hearty multi-course education served up for you. Early birds will want to join us Sunday at 2:00 p.m. for a special Bonus Session from Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions entitled Finance & the Future of Chauffeured Transportation. Lucci’s engaging briefing includes financial performance data from over 1,100 operators and is the culmination of hundreds of hours of research. On Monday, we’re thrilled to kick off our sessions with Tony Perzow, a globe-trotting expert sales negotiator who has trained executives at Apple, Red Bull, and Rolls-Royce, to name a few, to be sharper negotiators. Perzow has also consulted with dozens of global brands on high-stakes negotiations, influencing well over $1 billion in sales revenue, and has a diversity of experience in multiple sectors. At our event, he will present a two-part session that will help you develop your sales negotiating skills, which will then immediately be put to the test with our rigorous interactive workshop where you can refine your new techniques in real time. This is the perfect opportunity to bring your salespeople or right-hand man for some of the best sales education around.
For our second day content, we’re pleased to announce that we’re starting things with a financial-themed session, spearheaded by CD columnist Phil Shetsen of Bona Vita Benefits. Shetsen will be covering three different areas of planning for business owners, including planning an exit strategy, leveraging the tax environment for success, and estate planning for the business owner. Then, in the afternoon, we’re closing things out with a technology roundtable. This operator-centric programming will offer an open forum to discuss the software features and equipment that you need for your business. You’ll collaborate with moderators, your fellow operators, and tech companies to shape the ultimate “wish list” that will be shared with the movers and shakers in ground transportation tech. The discussion will include other tech—AI, analytics/data, etc.—that will help you run more efficiently and profitably. Everyone will have the opportunity to share and contribute.
Negotiation Specialist Tony Perzow We’ll feed your brain during the day with our comprehensive and interactive educational sessions while we feed your soul at night with our exclusive dining experiences. Your all-inclusive retreat pass includes breakfast, lunch, and special evening events with a full open bar. You can’t learn on an empty stomach! But don’t worry, we’ve built in some downtime as well so you can unwind like only a Southerner can—whether it’s by the pool, on the greens, or surveying the exquisite cultural attractions.
On Sunday night, we start things off right with a proper Lowcountry feast on the Westin’s lush Harbor Lawn, situated on the Savannah River overlooking the state’s former capital. Enjoy live music and an open bar while you stuff yourself silly with a multi-course meal of seafood gumbo; a delicious steampot and all the fixin’s; a spread of chicken, BBQ pork loin, and blackened grouper; as well as decadent desserts.
Our retreats are often known for their on-the-water dinner experiences, so we are excited to offer a riverboat dinner cruise on Monday evening. You’ll be picked up VIP style directly at our host property and set sail for a three-hour sojourn on the Savannah River as a DJ spins favorite music. Catch spectacular views of the setting sun as you enjoy our buffet dinner and top-shelf drinks. After we dock, you can choose to keep the festivities going during our optional River Street Bar Crawl, where everyone is treated like a local (there’s ferry service to and from the hotel).
We change things up a bit for Tuesday night with a two-hour guided ghost tour through the atmospheric alleyways of Savannah. Nicknamed one of the most haunted cities in the US due to its history of wars, plundering pirates, and yellow fever outbreaks, we’ve conjured up a spooky evening filled with lore and the strange. Our guide will offer a highly curated, classic storytelling performance at its creepiest as well as tales of the city’s lesser-known history and area ghost legends. You’ll also hear accounts of modern-day paranormal encounters. The tour will provide earbuds to let you hear the guide clearly, too. Pre-registration is required for this event.
“I recently attended my first NLA Executive Retreat in Miami Beach, and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. The educational sessions and roundtable discussions were incredibly enlightening, providing invaluable insights that I’ll carry forward in my professional journey. Not to mention, the setting at the resort was simply stunning—a perfect backdrop for both learning and relaxation. My wife and I had an unforgettable experience, thanks to the warm hospitality of everyone involved. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and included. And let’s talk about the food—every meal was a culinary delight, surpassing even my highest expectations. Without a doubt, I’ll be recommending these retreats to my friends and colleagues. It’s an opportunity not to be missed for anyone seeking both personal and professional growth in a luxurious and supportive environment,” said Morley Boyer of Neumann LTD.
Ready to extend it one more day in Savannah? Be sure to stay for our optional tour that commences with an excursion through the city and wraps up with a dolphin-watching cruise featuring serene coastal waters and the weathered beauty of the Tybee Island lighthouse. Before heading back to the hotel, we’ll enjoy lunch at the Crab Shack, a famous local spot. Limited to 50 guests, this tour requires pre-registration as well as a separate fee.
Before you rush off to watch Forrest Gump or Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil to get your Savannah fix, why not reserve your spot for our retreat? We’ve negotiated a room rate of $279 per night at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort, which ends May 16. You can get all the details at cdnlaexecutiveretreat.com, and be sure to stay tuned to our weekly e-news and social media for any breaking information. If you’re interested in sponsorship (limited opportunities available), please reach out to CD President Chris Weiss at chris@chauffeurdriven.com. [CD0425]