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Affiliate Channel 8 interviews Chauffeur Driven President Chris Weiss
Amid the hustle and bustle of the 2024 CD/NLA Show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas last week, Chauffeur Driven President Chris Weiss sat down with Brian Will of local Vegas CBS news affiliate Channel 8 to discuss the event. Set up by CD West Coast Editor David Hartson, the interview provided Weiss with the opportunity to expose the show to the public and share a bit about the state of the industry.
AWG Ambassador CEO Alan Waxler speaks about the industry’s Vegas footprint with Channel 8
“It was exciting to be featured on the 8NewsNow segment,” says Weiss. “It’s rare that our industry gets featured by the mainstream media. Many attendees caught the story while in their hotel rooms and were discussing it at our Monday night party, as well as the next day on the show floor. It’s exposure that I hope we can build upon in the future.”
Also featured in the segment was AWG Ambassador CEO Alan Waxler, who spoke about the industry’s local footprint in Vegas.
“Las Vegas is one of the last destinations that provide ‘limousine’ service,” Waxler shared with Will.
The 8NewsNow segment also touched upon the challenges faced by the industry, notably chauffeur shortages and the competition from rideshare companies.
Click HERE to view the story.
[03.12.24]
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With nearly 2,300 operators, vendors, and suppliers, including hundreds of first-time attendees, the 2024 CD/NLA Show offered off-the-charts education, networking, and fun. If we had to sum up the March 3-6 event, we’d say it boiled down to three E’s: energy, excitement, and enthusiasm. The positive vibes displayed at the show had to be experienced to be believed, and we can’t thank you enough for making this the best show we’ve ever seen. And a special thank you goes to all our sponsors, including Title Sponsor Volvo, for their continued support and their part in putting together the event of the year (you can see the entire list of our generous sponsors at cdnlavegas.com).
Those three E’s were in full effect, starting with our three standing-room-only Sunday opening sessions, and it was evident that our attendees were hungry for well-timed solutions to current challenges. With that very goal in mind, the CD/NLA Education Committee, spearheaded by co-chairs Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide (who also moderated several of the sessions) and Karl Guenther of Statement Limousine, knocked it out of the park with their programming.
Whether it was seminars about cybersecurity, business management, estate planning, or marketing, our attendees showed up early, packed into the rooms, and were ready to learn. Equally popular were workshops and sessions that delved into FMSCA compliance, electric vehicles and technology, and wellness—both physical and fiscal. Our Education Sponsor Driving Transactions (along with Coffee Sponsor Buffalo Limousine and Audio-Visual Sponsor Limo Labs) stepped up and played an important role in bringing pertinent knowledge to operators of all sizes and markets.
“This was our first show, and it was wonderful. We learned quite a bit from the educational sessions,” says Peter Fallabeck of Fallabeck Enterprises.
“This was my first time back to the Las Vegas show in nine years. Wow! I was impressed with the educational portion of the show, and the show floor was one of the best yet. Plus, the turnout was great with lots of opportunities to meet affiliates. The CD/NLA Team did a great job. Can't wait until next year's show,” says Jonathan Andrus, Andrus Limousine Service.
From the opening hours, it was obvious that newbies were present and intended to play an important part in this show’s’ success. As such, our First-Timers’ Event (sponsored by Aurora Payments) was a bustling, elbow-to-elbow introduction to the CD/NLA experience. Equally impressive was our Keynote Address, courtesy of sponsors Grech Motors and Onroute. Again, this SRO event, provided by leadership expert and Navy SEAL combat veteran Brent Gleeson, had the industry buzzing with his goosebumps-inducing delivery.
“It was my first time at the CD/NLA Show and it was a great experience! The show floor was impressive and, overall, the whole experience was motivating and educational. I look forward to returning next year,” says Suzy Clifton of Altamont Limo.
“This was my first time coming to the CD/NLA Show. I had a great time, and the classes were amazing,” says Gabrielle Kravetz of JVS Services.
“Excellent show! The speakers were great and on point. I particularly enjoyed the Keynote,” says Gary LeCroy of White Knights Limo and Chauffeured Transportation.
Enthusiastic networking abounded at every corner of the show, both at dedicated events and informal get-togethers. Our Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum (sponsored by Volvo) offered wall-to-wall networking among a record-breaking 107 exhibitors from around the world, eager to meet with operators to forge lasting and beneficial industry relationships. Meanwhile, operators were making new friends and exchanging information at our morning breakfasts and afternoon lunches on the show floor, running into each other in elevators or in the lobby between sessions, or while grabbing a drink at CD’s first-ever Advertiser Meet & Greet (sponsored by GNet). It’s clear that our attendees meant business!
“A never-miss event. The CD/NLA staff knocked it out of the park. The networking opportunities are amazing,” raves Dave Shaw of Olympus Limousine.
“The show is a great way to meet our affiliates and learn something in the process. The roundtable discussions are a great way to force the introvert in me to actually speak to folks instead of just listening,” says Gary LeCamu of Diamond Chauffeured Transportation.
“The CD/NLA Show provides the best networking experience. This is the fourth year that we have come—and will continue attending! The Advertiser Meet & Greet was the best idea ever,” says Rodrigo Medina Marsan of Ibiza VIP Bus.
That excitement, however, extended way past our session rooms; our biggest show floor in years was consistently bustling as operators were actively buying vehicles, technology, and services as they got a taste of the latest products from the vendors that were present. With many operators looking for the latest model years, the show floor presented the perfect opportunity with bus, motorcoach, and OEM exhibitors on hand to supply the newest models geared for our industry. The show floor also hosted some unexpected media coverage and showbiz fun as CD Publisher Chris Weiss was interviewed by Brian Will of local CBS affiliate Channel 8. What’s more, Sirius/XM’s Jonathan Blitt was on-hand with the Howard Stern Show’s Ronnie the Limo Driver, courtesy of Complete Fleet Sales, to talk to attendees about the industry event.
“Best show ever. It was busy and the show floor was crowded. Great job,” says Jimmy Barnes of Jimmy’s Limousine Service.
“This was probably the best show we have attended. A great variety of speakers and events, a packed show floor, and an incredible participation by the international attendees. We couldn’t be happier,” says Yasmin Zafar of GRiDD Technologies/GNet.
And of course, our nighttime networking events kept the energy high long after the lights were turned off in our classrooms. This year, we once again brought a bit of fun to our show floor for our Opening Night Show Floor Party on Sunday night, courtesy of sponsor TEMSA. Live entertainers regaled our attendees with their feats of gravity-defying ball and stilt walking, while magicians mystified with their sleight of hand. What’s more, Marilyn and Elvis strolled alongside the sleek vehicles on display, while caricature artists and photo booths provided showgoers with a light-hearted souvenir. On Monday, we traded limos for a metaphorical time machine, as we stepped back for a battle of the decades for our ‘80s vs. ‘90s party! Thanks to sponsors ANB Trans Inc., Centennial Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, and Crown Worldwide Transportation, our guests were treated to an incredible night of live music from a band pumping out your favorite hits of the past. What’s more, a photo booth was on hand to capture attendees decked out in their favorite neon and flannel.
“The CD/NLA Show excels in fostering professional connections within the industry, creating an environment that is both accessible and easy to navigate. The investment in their proprietary app (courtesy of North Point Global) significantly enhances user experience, offering a platform that is both efficient and user-friendly,” says Stephanie McKeon of Joshua's Worldwide Transportation.
“Amazing show and networking. The best one in years for attendance and engagement!” says Darren Croasdale of La Costa Limousine.
Once again, we thank our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees for making this event another one for the books. We look forward to seeing our friends and colleagues at the future events we have planned for2024. First is the CD/NLAExecutive Retreat in Miami on June 2-5 at the legendary Fontainebleau Hotel. Limited to 200 operators, our retreats offer a blend of high-level educational content, unique networking, local food and flavor, tours, and team-building events to create an amazing, relaxing, and revitalizing experience from beginning to end. Then, October 13-16, we return to the Gaylord National just outside of D.C. for our fall CD/NLA Show.
We’ll have plenty of photos and reminiscences of the 2024 CD/NLA Show in the April issue of Chauffeur Driven.
[03.12.24]
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On March 6, Congress took a major step in helping the for-hire transportation industry get back on its feet post-COVID by requiring the General Services Administration (GSA) to sell half of its annual fleet it sends to auction each year directly to the for-hire transportation industry.
“We cannot thank Representative Carol Miller (R-W.V.), a small business owner herself, enough for introducing this legislation today. Let me be clear, this is not a government handout, nor are these vehicles being given to us,” stated Transportation Alliance (TTA) President Bill Yuhnke.
Transportation Alliance (TTA) President Bill Yuhnke
“COVID-19 had a devastating impact on the passenger ground transportation industry and caused a gap in transportation services available around the country. The Small Business Transportation Investment Act will help local transportation companies stay in business while providing jobs to workers and mobility to the public. This bill will require the GSA to set aside half of the annual inventory of government vehicles it auctions to the public for purchase by small businesses, ensuring the success of local companies throughout the United States,” said Congresswoman Miller.
For-hire transportation services, including non-emergency medical transportation, on-demand transportation, taxis, and charter fleets, contribute significantly to the local economy by providing employment opportunities for drivers and supporting various related industries such as vehicle maintenance, insurance, and fuel services. This industry isa driving force behind economic growth in communities across the nation.
“Our industry was decimated when the country shutdown. A large number of our member companies lost 70, 80, 9 percent of their business. We survived, barely, but today we still need a partner to help us recover. As a company we try and turnover a large percentage of our fleet each year. Since COVID that has been impossible. The cost of vehicles and the shortage of vehicles has made this impossible. This new program would help us recover, while also helping protect the environment,” added C&H Taxi CEO Jeb Corey.
Shared services contribute to reducing the number of individual vehicles on the road, thereby decreasing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions. As most for-hire fleets offer shared ride options, they can be an environmentally conscious choice, aligning with the global push towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
“This legislation is a win-win for industry, the government, the environment, and the community. Industry gets access to newer vehicles at a price they can afford. The government ensures small businesses continue to provide needed tax revenue to the federal coffers. The environment wins by industry retiring older, less fuel-efficient vehicles, while putting newer more fuel-efficient vehicles on the streets. The community also wins. When we take a vehicle off the street we donate it to a local charity, school, or family in need,” concluded Yuhnke.
Visit thetransportationalliance.org for more information.
[03.12.24]