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“This was our best show ever,” she said, adding that the event saw a turnout of more than 130. “This conference was born from a UMA (United Motorcoach Association) event in Atlantic City. Being back here for our Sweet 16 and what was probably our best-attended show really was huge for us.”
The multi-day event primarily stuck to the Trump Taj Mahal and Resorts Casino—plus a few off-site events that took attendees around the seaside city—and featured an array of seminars, vendor highlights, networking receptions, and demonstrations.
Chauffer Driven’s Editor Madeleine Maccar was on hand for the conference’s packed Friday schedule, which offered a great deal of crossover information beneficial to the chauffeured ground transportation industry, especially as it gravitates more toward high-occupancy vehicles. Members of the state police and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Division Administrator Christopher Rotondo led an in-depth Level I FMCSA Inspection Demonstration, walking all in attendance through the roadside inspection of a bus and what the process entails, highlighting key areas of passenger safety throughout.
A familiar face to chauffeured ground transportation operators also spoke at the conference: Bob Crescenzo of Lancer Insurance Company—a frequent speaker at CD’s shows—discussed “Motorcoach Fires: Why They Happen and How to Avoid Them.” The hourlong session drew on audience participation while citing real-life examples of on-the-job bus fires to stress the importance of safety, preparedness, and making sure that everyone from the driver to the passengers have a clear understanding of how to respond to emergency scenarios.
One of the most well-received moments from the conference was an address from FMCSA Administrator Scott Darling, which he delivered to a rapt audience on Saturday.
“It was his first official speaking engagement as administrator of FMCSA,” Presley said. “I think that was one of the highlights, that he took time out of his busy schedule to come and talk to the group. They were just in awe of him.”
All in all, Presley declared NAMO’s 2016 event as yet another hit for the organization.
“Feedback has just been fantastic,” she said. “I’ve gotten some really great reactions and no negative comments. I tried a new tactic and gave everyone more free time because they really appreciate being able to sit around and commiserate, to meet with their peers, and they responded very well to that.”
Visit namocoaches.org for more information about NAMO.
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“I’m proud of the many positive ways our industry is evolving, from new apps to new business lines to a renewed focus on customer service,” Kines wrote on the Fleet Forward blog (tlpa.org/Fleet-Forward-Blog). “Many of these changes that may be well-known inside your companies, while other changes may not have attracted attention outside of your own operations, either among the public or your industry peers.”
The driving idea? TLPA members can inspire and communicate with others by bringing their stories and innovative business practices directly to their peers via the Fleet Forward blog.
“We aim to strengthen internal messaging to current and prospective TLPA members and, when possible, help tell those stories to broader audiences. And in order in order for this to work best, we want to hear from you,” Kines shared.
Using social media platforms, video, and more, the TLPA will showcase its members and their stories, and encourages those interested in participating to join the conversation, especially by sending stories about evolving fleets and outside-the-box thinking to John Boit of TLPA’s PR firm Melwood Global by emailing jboit@melwoodglobal.com.
The Fleet Forward plans include:
• Using social media to share messages and ideas, so now’s the time to join the conversation on platforms like Twitter and Facebook;
• Creating more short, informative, and engaging video content, bolstered by TLPA’s success with effectively harnessing the power of video during its Legislative Fly-In Event this past June;
• Increasing focus on some of the exceptional women leaders within the transportation industry to illustrate the industry’s gender diversity;
• Embracing webinars to create informational, educational opportunities for members between TLPA’s yearly conferences, with plans to host at least two webinars before 2017; and
• Conducting more polls, both through members and the public, with internal efforts to identify the questions that TLPA members are especially interested in having answered—especially if there’s a broader audience appeal.
“By imparting new ideas, showcasing best practices, and communicating them through multiple channels, we believe we can strengthen companies’ relationship with TLPA,” Kines wrote. “Helping members inspire others is the way to strengthen the industry and the association in the process.”
TLPA’s next event is its 98th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Phoenix from November 1-4.
Visit tlpa.org for more information.
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Tubbs will direct and coordinate all company sales and marketing efforts, including oversight and management of all public relations and marketing-related activities, as well as business development including market research, strategic planning, and strategic account development. In her leadership position, Tubbs will identify and develop strategic relationships with partners and potential customers. She will develop a pipeline of new customers and projects in key strategic accounts through customer contact and negotiations, working with marketing, sales and product development teams to implement business development initiatives.
“I am tremendously excited to join TBL Group. This is a wonderful opportunity to join a remarkable team with great vision and unlimited growth potential,” said Tubbs.
Tubbs’ extensive experience in the group travel and ground transportation industry includes former positions with Coach America, US Coachways, and Laidlaw (Greyhound Travel Services). She has also held executive and supervisory posts with market leading transportation providers, including Bell Trans, Coach USA, and Las Vegas Tonopah Reno Stage Lines. Within these positions, Tubbs led numerous sales and marketing initiatives, controlled day-to-day operations and effectively increased operations efficiency, achieved and surpassed revenue and safety goals, and developed and launched national branding campaigns.
Tubbs has been recognized for her industry contributions and is the recipient of the Women of Achievement Award/Tour and Travel and the Distinguished Women of Southern Nevada Award. Additionally, she has served in the following chair roles: Transportation Logistics Chair for the Western and National Governors’ Conference and Transportation Logistics Chair for The Governor’s Conference on Tour and Travel.
“With her strong background in sales and marketing, as well as business operations, Kim is a rare find for our organization,” said John Ferrari, CEO, TBL Group. “Her cross-disciplines and knowledge span the full spectrum of operations and will greatly enhance our efforts to mine new market opportunities that align with TBL’s overall business strategy.”
Visit afchouston.com or echotransportation.com for more information.
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