- Details
- Category: Industry News
While we’re stoked about the upcoming 2022 CD/NLA Show in Vegas that starts this weekend, we’re always looking forward. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that we’re bringing our super-popular Executive Retreat back for the first time since 2019—and there’s no better place than Miami South Beach for our returning event! This year’s Retreat is being held at the world-class Loews Miami Beach Hotel, perfectly located in the heart of SoBe and right on the coast, this June 12-14. If you recall, Loews was also the host property of our 2015 CD Show.
“I would 100 percent recommend everyone attend the Chauffeur Driven Executive Retreats. I personally valued the smaller crowd because it gives you a chance to get to know people you may have never had the opportunity to speak to. The retreats are extremely organized, educational, and a lot of fun!” – Chelsea Candeub of Park Avenue Limousine
Anyone who has attended our Retreats in the past (Nashville, San Diego, and Austin, to name a few) knows how focused and intimate the networking is, in addition to a blend of high-level educational content, local food and flavor, tours and team-building events, and of course, a bit of quality time by the pool or on the sand to create an amazing, relaxing, and revitalizing experience from beginning to end.
As always, this event is limited to just 200 operators, so you have a chance to get to know every person who attends—and people come from all parts of the globe (who doesn’t love an international destination like Miami?). It’s the ideal environment for building lasting relationships.
“The Executive Retreat is always a great time. It’s a smaller, more relaxed event than the shows and that provides you with a lot more quality time with other operators,” says John Oulton of Richmond Limousine.
We’re in the process of putting together seminars, workshops, and overall event programming and entertainment, but we already have a few things in the works. As is the case with most of our Executive Retreats, our education is concentrated, cumulative, and conducted by expert professional trainers from outside of the industry (such as The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center and Franklin Covey from previous events) that you might not normally get at the larger shows.
The education for this Retreat will explore “how to do more with less,” and will include an efficiency expert and a business/life coach to help you find that right balance at home and on the job. Some of the other topics we are developing include the current climate of M&As and how to prepare for it, as well as leveraging technology and the impact of cybersecurity.
“I love this event. I attend all sessions and always learn. The social events are first class and intriguing. Having a limited number of people and no show floor makes for more meaningful interactions between attendees.” – George Jacobs of Windy City Limousine & Bus
What’s more, we’ve secured an incredible room rate at the Loews of $289 per night—which is half-price for this stellar property. If you weren’t at our 2015 show—can you believe it’s been that long?—you can visit the Loews online by clicking here.
Special thanks to all our Platinum, Gold, and Affiliate Sponsors—including Platinum sponsor Lancer Insurance—for supporting this highly anticipated comeback event. Other sponsors include Gold: Century Business Solutions, Complete Fleet, and Driving Transactions; and Affiliate: Buffalo Limousine, Ecko Transportation, Elite Coach, and Gateway Global.
“I make it a point to attend every CD Executive Retreat for the networking and great events planned in each city. The event is always well planned and an absolute joy.” – Tamekius Breland of Certified Chauffeured Transportation in Charlotte, N.C
Visit cdexecutiveretreat.com for more information.
[03.22.22]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
The countdown is on and we’re now less than two weeks away from the industry event of the year: The CD/NLA Show in Vegas. After two long years, we’re looking forward to seeing our peers and partners at the Paris Hotel & Casino on March 27-30. If you haven’t booked your room at our host property, we’ve extended our exclusive rate of $159/night until Wednesday, March 16. Now’s your last chance to take advantage of this amazing deal.
By now, you’re undoubtedly more than a little interested in the 2022 CD/NLA Show events and sessions, and who can blame you? But if there were only a simple and easy way to get the lowdown on the entire show and plan your time in Vegas… Well, thanks to returning sponsor North Point Global Transportation Services, the show app is here! This app is your gateway to all our show’s exhibitors, attendees, speakers, events, floor plans, social media, and so much more—in other words, everything you need to navigate the event like a pro. Just head to your favorite app store and search for CD/NLA Shows 2022 to download the newest version of our show app (it’s a green logo). It’s easy, free, and we’re adding new information every day!
After you download the app, you’ll have full access to our show schedule, including our education lineup. In last week’s e-news, we shared a bit about what you can anticipate from our sessions and speakers, and now it’s time to put the finishing touches on the educational itinerary. Special thanks to Education Sponsor FASTTRAK Cloud and Coffee Sponsor Buffalo Limousine.
Our Tuesday morning sessions kick off with Remote Work Is Here to Stay: What Does That Mean for Your Business? We have news for you: remote work continues to be a rising trend even in our industry, and it could be beneficial for both you and your team. Moderator Robyn Goldenberg of Strategy Leaders and speakers Gary Arrington of Party Over Here and Dave Uziel of Urban Worldwide each run their own remote operations, and they will provide an update on best practices for hiring and managing off-site employees and offer tangible takeaways to apply to your business.
Motorcoaches and larger vehicles are an investment that can have a big payoff if you play it right—but staying on top of regulations is a must. On Tuesday morning, Join Speaker Danielle Smith of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for Bus Like a Boss, a session that will address some of the more pressing issues facing our industry in 2022, including top violations and how to avoid them, Entry-Level Driver Training, emergency egress requirements on specialized vehicles, and more. Whether you’re a motorcoach newbie or just want a refresher on FMCSA regs, this session should be on your list.
The sessions continue Tuesday with Retail Pivots: Five Ways That Operators Have Adapted to the Changing Landscape. Moderated by CD/NLA Education Committee Co-chair Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide, join five industry operators as they share how you can maximize your profits in the broad retail landscape. Learn how these operators have successfully shifted strategies to market to retail customers.
On Wednesday, we conclude our educational programming with a session that tackles one of the hottest topics in ground transportation: Electric Vehicles. In our session Embracing Change—The Pros & Cons of EVs, Tiffany Hinton of Motev and Simon Chen of Eight Black Transport will share their real-world numbers on how integrating EVs into their fleets has worked for them, the pros and cons, customer and driver feedback, and more. They will also address issues concerning range anxiety and reliability.
And while you’re using the app to plan your CD/NLA Show experience, don’t forget to check out our after-hours networking events. On Monday night, we’re activating our DeLorean time machine for a return to radder times. Back by popular demand is our Totally Awesome ’80s Party. The DJ’ed music and quick bites—not to mention our endless drinks—will transport you to those days when big hair and pagers ruled and “zoom” wasn’t the dreaded virtual meeting platform. Bring your neon duds, Miami Vice blazer, old concert shirts, Wayfarer shades, or any other accessory that screams 1980s, because, no duh, the Totally Awesome ’80s Party is one you won’t want to skip.
Visit cdnlavegas.com for more information.
[03.16.22]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Nearly two dozen operators, industry vendors, and board members attended the recent Limousine, Bus, Taxi Operators of Upstate New York (LBTOUNY) Zoom meeting on March 3. It was the first meeting of the year and was led by LBTOUNY President Kevin Barwell of Giorgio’s Limousine Service.
Several other state association representatives also joined the call, including Limousine Association of New York President Jeff Rose of Attitude New York, Long Island Limousine Association President Tom Gouldsbury of Azure Limousines, NLA First Vice President Doug Schwartz of Executive Ground Transportation, and Bill Yuhnke of Liberty Cabs on behalf of The Transportation Alliance. Each were offered time to discuss the issues impacting their area of the Empire State.
LBTOUNY President Kevin Barwell
After brief introductions from attendees, Barwell turned the mic over to the guest speakers from the insurance world: Stephanie Ruggles and Alex Gesicki of National Interstate Insurance and Mark Crisafulli of Haylor, Freyer & Coon. As N.Y. operators continue to struggle with insurance rates and new burdens of coverage limits, including the mandatory $1.5M SUM insurance that covers under- and uninsured motorists in an accident, the trio offered their assessment of the market and tips for a favorable renewal. Communication with your broker, detailed hiring practices and training, and use of in-vehicle cameras all topped the list. And because the market is so tight from primary and excess carriers leaving the state and the industry, they warned that a canceled policy may result in difficulty in securing coverage and may be limited to risk pools with rates many times higher.
LBTOUNY Legislative Chairman David Bastian
Next, Legislative Chairman David Bastian of Towne Livery shared the goings-on in the state capital. They have seen an increase in TNC and livery drivers without the proper plates and thus, the required insurance, picking up passengers, which Bastian said was ultimately a safety issue should an accident occur. Thanks to a great working relationship with the state, both Bastian and Barwell encouraged operators to take and send pictures of these vehicles—including buses—so that they can help with enforcement. Barwell also shared that he’s been made aware of the DMV issuing the incorrect plates to TNCs without the required insurance, which is an issue they are following closely. They are also working to get a sales tax exemption for the industry through the Assembly and to the governor after already passing the Senate.
The effects of the Schoharie crash in 2018 continue to linger, but the association and industry will officially have representation on the newly created Limousine Passenger Safety Task Force. David Brown of Premiere Transportation was appointed, although he is only one of two livery companies on the committee that mainly comprises families of the crash victims and other agencies that are pushing for additional regulation. Brown says he hopes to be able to provide a balance between a public that wants stricter regulations and the industry’s ability to operate safely but also profitably.
Barwell noted that the association is the preliminary stages of organizing a Day on the Hill for Albany and hopes to resume in-person meetings this summer, including their late-season baseball outing. The next meeting is scheduled for April 28 via Zoom.
Visit lbtony.com for more information.
[03.15.22]