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Although we haven’t crossed into the new year, Chauffeur Driven (CD) and the National Limousine Association (NLA) are thrilled to release the schedule for the upcoming 2025 CD/NLA Show, which will be held February 23-26 at the Paris Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Based on the enormous buzz and early-bird registration numbers setting new milestones, we’re expecting this next CD/NLA Vegas Show to have record-breaking attendance.
We’ve assembled a lineup of sessions, roundtables, and networking events that will appeal to operators of all sizes across all markets. While the CD/NLA Education Committee (co-chaired by Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide and Karl Guenther of Statement Limousine) are close to finalizing the educational lineup, we can reveal that the 2025 Show will offer more than ten seminars and sessions that will touch on numerous hot topics related to our industry. You can expect education that will guide and teach as much as it will inspire and spark ideas for your own business. We have sessions in the works that are geared up specifically toward large operators, smaller operators, and those who want to expand their retail service, as well as content geared for our international contingency. And we’ve got a whole new spin on our sessions for Wednesday as we present a bonus Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) training session that’s free with your registration. Click here to view the full schedule.
While education is the heart of the show, it’s impossible to discount the importance of networking at CD/NLA events. As such, we’ve assembled several dedicated events designed for operators to expand their business network. For example, we’re pleased to offer our ultra-popular International Meet & Greet (we’re already seeing a high number of worldwide registrations) and the famed Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum (sponsored by Volvo), where we expect to have more than 100 tables with operators spanning the globe.
For attendees who have never been to our annual event, we realize that it can be a little intimidating setting a show schedule and forging new relationships. That’s why we’re pleased to offer a returning favorite, the First-Timers’ Event, which will help newbies make new connections and get the most from our Vegas show. We’re also happy to mark the return of our CD Advertiser Meet & Greet (sponsored by GNet)—the inaugural event last year in Vegas was a rousing success, and we’ve been tweaking and refining it to make it even better in 2025.
And you can bet that we have some incredible nightlife activities in store for our attendees. On Sunday night, it’s the return of our Show Floor Opening Night Party, sponsored by Titus Leasing, which gives you the opportunity to preview the deals and steals available from our amazing vendors and manufacturers. Then on Tuesday—yes, you read that correctly—we’re thrilled to host our Bon Voyage extravaganza. For now, we’re keeping the deets on this one close to our chest for the time being, but you’re certain to have a très magnifique time at this event.
What’s more, we’re thrilled to report that the exhibit hall is close to selling out already—nearly four months before the show. Numerous OEMs have stepped up their commitment to the industry and are offering products at every point price and level of luxury. Manufacturers like Volvo, BMW, Cadillac, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Lucid, and Nissan/Infiniti will all be there with their latest vehicles to service this industry. Additionally, most of the major motorcoach manufacturers will be present along with a wide array of choices for Sprinters, Transits, and cutaway buses all under one roof. You can also expect to see virtually every industry-related product, service, or technology that could make an impact on your efficiency, profitability, and safety. It’s true buying power and side-by-side shopping.
Speaking of manufacturers, a huge shout-out to Volvo, who is once again our Title Sponsor.
Registration is open, so now is the time to take advantage of our incredible Early Bird Rate of $575 for a full show pass ($475 if you’re an NLA member), with our hotel block going for $165 per night.
While you anticipate the upcoming February show in Vegas, why not flashback to our incredible Fall Show in National Harbor. Take a peek at our exhaustive photo gallery that documents the event from beginning to end. Click here to view hundreds of pictures and see if you and your friends were captured on film at the Gaylord National.
Visit cdnlavegas.com for more information.
[11.19.24]
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It is with deep sadness that Forest River announces the passing of its founder, Peter Liegl. He not only was a visionary leader who transformed the RV industry, but one of Indiana’s proudest citizens and most generous philanthropists, according to a press release from the company.
Liegl is best known as the founder of Forest River and the man who in 2005 sold Forest River to famed investor Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. But his legendary role in building the RV industry into a multibillion-dollar enterprise began from humble beginnings. Sales and management positions brought him valuable experience in production, operations, and customer service. He worked his way to the role of president at Midas Motorhomes and then on to Shasta, a Coachmen-owned company, before deciding to venture out on his own when he co-founded Cobra Industries. Cobra Industries went public and Liegl was “fired.” This led him to build his first RV by hand in a barn. Driven to succeed, Liegl brought his first units to Louisville and sold them outside under a lamp post—which was the beginning of “Where the forest meets the river.”
In 1996, Liegl established Forest River in Elkhart, Indiana, with the vision of bringing the power of nature to as many Americans as possible. His goal was to create a company that could meet a wide range of consumer needs, and he did just that. Forest River grew rapidly under his leadership, expanding its product range to include not only RVs but also buses, cargo trailers, and marine products. He believed in providing the best product at the best price. His strategic acquisitions and commitment to innovation helped Forest River to become one of the largest RV manufacturers in North America.
His management philosophy emphasized empowering employees, fostering a culture of accountability, and always focusing on the needs of the consumer. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” Liegl said recently. “But we’re very serious about what we do.”
In 2024, despite announcing a succession plan for the company, Liegl remained at the helm of what he called “the quiet company,” working every day—including Saturdays and Sundays—while presiding over a slate of internal innovations and investments that will provide the foundation for growth and excellence for years to come.
A man of faith, Liegl’s journey inspired many, highlighting themes of redemption, leadership, and unwavering commitment to one's beliefs.
Liegl was very proud of his roots in Elkhart, and privately made generous philanthropic contributions, supporting causes in education, healthcare, conservation, and local communities. In the end, it is his determined strength of character, booming laugh, and a twinkle in the eye that will leave a lasting impact on those who knew him best.
He is survived by his wife Sharon; daughter Lisa Rees, son-in-law Logan Rees, and grandchildren Adrienne (6) and Ryan (3); and brother-in-law Gary Chamberlin.
[11.19.24]
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It’s baaaack: The on-again, off-again congestion pricing toll is being revived in New York City after a brief stay of enforcement this summer. Congestion pricing will now go into effect January 5, 2025.
The new program will see a lower price tag—down to $9 from $15—and will assess motorists entering south of 60th Street in Manhattan during peak weekday hours (5 a.m.-9 p.m.) and weekend hours (9 a.m.-9 p.m.) via E-ZPass. It excludes FDR Drive, West Side Highway, and the Carey Tunnel. Those without the electronic toll tag will be billed by mail via plate reader and will have to cough up a higher fee. Buses would be charged $14.40-$21.60 depending upon the hours. Users of Uber and Lyft will see a $1.50 per ride surcharge, while the taxi surcharge is currently 75 cents. Read more about the For-Hire Vehicle toll structure here.
You’ll remember industry associations—national and local—cheering the unexpected postponement of the controversial program, the proceeds of which would go toward funding improvements for the city’s public transit system, MTA. Based on the previous schedule of $15 per passenger vehicle, the MTA expected to see upwards of a $1 billion per year from these fees; however, it’s uncertain how much the new fees will raise—or how the MTA plans to make up the shortfall for their anticipated subway and bus upgrades.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul
New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who paused the program shortly before it went into effect this summer—says that tolls are necessary for the future of the city’s vast public transit system. Tolls are projected to stay the same through 2027, at which point they will jump to $12 and then to $15 by 2031 for most passenger vehicles ($18 and $22.50, respectively, without E-ZPass).
The program—groundbreaking in the US but common in parts of Europe—would be the first of its kind in the nation. Its goal is to reduce gridlock and pollution, while encouraging the use of public transportation.
Click here to read more about the tolls according to vehicle and hours of entry.
[11.19.24]