- Details
- Category: Industry News
We’re less than two weeks away from luxury ground transportation’s event of the year: the CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas. Join us March 5-8 at the fabulous MGM Grand for four days of networking, education, and fun. This year’s show is expected to be our biggest and best yet, attracting operators from all over the world. And, while we look forward to reconnecting with old friends and familiar faces, we’re particularly excited about the number of new attendees joining us for the first time. As evidenced from the past few CD/NLA events, the industry is growing and attracting a lot of young, fresh talent and those looking to take their business to the next level.
With that in mind, new CD/NLA Show attendees are encouraged to take part in our fab First-Timer’s Event on Sunday, March 5 at 2:45 p.m. As part of this distinguished industry, we know that navigating your first international industry event can be challenging, so we make it a little easier by introducing you to all that the show has to offer and recommending events that not only maximize your ROI but save wear and tear on your body and mind. You’ll also join many operators just like you who are new (or newish) to the show experience, so you might meet a few friends and colleagues on your very first day! During this event, you’ll be afforded the opportunity to learn more about show producers Chauffeur Driven magazine and the National Limousine Association, while you connect with show ambassadors who will provide you with tips and tricks for the days ahead. Heck, even if you’ve attended our events in the past and just want a bit of a networking refresher, we invite you to attend.
Then, on Monday, March 6 at 12:45 p.m., newbies and veterans alike won’t want to miss the 2023 State of the Industry panel discussion sponsored by Driving Transactions. Join CD President Chris Weiss as he leads a wide-ranging group of operators from around the country (and world) as they explore what’s hot in chauffeured transportation today and where things are changing quickly. Our all-star panel includes Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Transportation, Tim Crockett of Transports Global Events, Matthew Johnston of AJL International, Karim Maachi of Cardel Global, and Hoss Oskouie of Atlantic Limousine & Transportation. These owners are just like you and are grappling with prices and inflationary pressures, securing insurance, purchasing new vehicles, finding and keeping new hires, and managing remote employees. They will share their advice on profitability, burgeoning markets to target, and which vehicles are most in demand. Our State of the Industry panel always generates interesting conversation, so you’ll walk away with plenty of ideas and inspiration.
If you haven’t registered for the CD/NLA Show yet, click here to sign up today! And don't forget to download our official Show App, sponsored again by North Point Global Transportation Services, where you can find all the show-related info you need, including the full schedule, speaker contact information, surveys, exhibit hall maps, and more. Click here for more details.
Visit cdnlavegas.com for more information.
[02.22.23]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Calling all Maryland area operators! The Maryland Limousine Association (MLA) will hold a board and general membership meeting this March 28 at the Captain James Seafood Palace in Baltimore. The Board meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., followed the open-to-all general meeting at 12:00 pm. Light fare will be served.
President Len Joseph of On the Town Limousine invites any members or vendors who would like to present a subject, product, or service at the meeting to reach out to him via email (len@onthetownlimousines.com) for more information and to be added to the agenda. He is also working with Maryland Public Service Commission Transportation Director Mark Gorman, the state’s regulatory body, and will discuss important updates and any pressing issues with operators at the meeting. Members are encouraged to send any questions they have for the PSC to marylandlimoassoc@gmail.com. He also reminds operators to make sure they have submitted their up-to-date rate sheet to the PSC, as required annually.
In the coming weeks, MLA will be sending a renewal invoice and options via PayPal to current members for 2023-2024 membership drive. Secretary & Membership Chair Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady urges members to check their spam if they have not received the email. The 2023 yearly membership begins March 31, 2023, and continues to March 31, 2024. Dues are currently set at $100 for operators and $500 for vendor members. New members can apply online by clicking here. Questions can be directed to Fridinger at 410.663.7000 or joanna@thelimolady.com.
Visit mdlimoassoc.org for more information.
[02.21.23]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
The Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) hosted its “2023 Kick-Off Meeting” on February 15 at the Hampton Inn in Woodbridge. More than 50 members and guests from across the tri-state area were in attendance for the luncheon meeting, including CD Editor Rob Smentek. LANJ welcomed Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions, who presented a two-part educational lecture.
LANJ’s first 2023 meeting attracted more than 50 members and guests
After welcoming new faces and old friends, LANJ President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Chauffeured Services got things started by delivering the LANJ Report, a roundup of association news. First on the docket was a rundown on what’s being done to fight the proposed congestion pricing in New York City. LANJ is working closely with its lobbyist and N.Y. stakeholders to oppose this plan, which will likely begin in 2025. Next, Sharenow informed members that the N.J. State Police have a new bus inspection team that is performing inspections on bus operators. He said that the troopers have been cooperative and friendly during their “level 3” inspections (i.e., largely paperwork).
Shady Azer of Gem Worldwide Ground Transportation (left) and LANJ President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Chauffeured Services
Sharenow then took a few minutes to discuss the upcoming CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas on March 5-8, with a particular focus on the educational content (as he serves as Co-chair of the CD/NLA Educational Committee). He then congratulated Chauffeur Driven on the recent publication of the 10th anniversary issue, which was met with a round of applause from attendees.
Guest speaker Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions
Next, the LANJ Membership Committee was thanked for their hard work with getting membership back on track. Sharenow was pleased to announce that operators and vendors are rejoining, and new members—both local and affiliate—are joining the association.
The LANJ Report was concluded with the announcement of the 2023 Board of Directors, which was unanimously approved by membership.
L to R: Vince Pipitone of Secure Trans Connection, Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet Livery Sales, and Randall Willms of Minuteman Limousine & Car Service
President: Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Chauffeured Services
First Vice President: Joe Gulino of Gem Worldwide Ground Transportation
Second Vice President: Mike Rose of My Limousine Service
Secretary: Karen Gajda of Country Club Transportation
Treasurer: Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet Livery Sales
PAC Chair: Pete Corelli of Lakeview Custom Coach
Directors: Anthony Azara of Avalon Chauffeured Services, Jeffrey Cartagena of Leros Point to Point/Royal Coachman Worldwide, Johnny Donohoe of Sterling Limousine, Jay Erlich of Europe Limousine Service, Michael Fogarty of RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, Mike Marroccoli of EPIC insurance Brokers & Consultants, John Maziarz of Arrive in Style Transportation, Jason Messinger of BBZ Limousine & Livery Services, Tim Rose of Dolphin Transportation, David Seelinger of EmpireCLS, and Chris Weiss of Chauffeur Driven
LANJ President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Chauffeured Services
Lucci then took center stage for his engaging two-part session, Creating Winning Pricing Strategies By Knowing Your Costs/Selling Value Instead of Price. In both halves, he emphasized that selling based on price is not good for the luxury ground transportation industry. Instead, operators should be instituting a value-based marketing strategy, which is when “you can tangibly justify a higher price.” Lucci also touched upon the importance of dynamic pricing, which is “underused” in our industry. While he sayt there may be some resistance to fluctuating rates among corporate clientele, there are ways to institute demand pricing, such as surcharges, add-ons, green-outs, and by-vehicle pricing. Lucci’s accompanying PowerPoint presentations will be made available to LANJ members via email blast.
Visit lanj.org for more information.
[02.21.23]