Networking, Education, and Generosity Abound at the 2018 CD Show

National Harbor, Md. — With on-point education and speakers, wall-to-wall networking, electric nightlife, and an unforgettable charity event, we’ve put the wraps on the 2018 Chauffeur Driven Show, held October 7-10 at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center. Many thanks to all of the attendees, exhibitors, speakers, moderators, mentors, committee members, and sponsors—including Title Sponsors Ford-Lincoln Livery Vehicles and Grech Motors—for making the show possible!

Industry professionals from around the globe were in attendance, which not only gave us the opportunity to meet many new faces, but also let us reconnect and spend time with many of our long-standing industry friends and peers. The positive feedback has been off the charts—both during and after the show. This show also marked the return of Director of Events Jess Pavlow, who hit another one out of the park.

Thanks to our hard-working Education Committee—led by co-chairs Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide and Kristen Carroll of The LMC Group—this year’s show was loaded with timely and valuable sessions that proved to be beneficial to operators of all sizes and markets. Whether it was learning the basics of networking, getting the low-down on values-led leadership, or even discovering creative revenue streams to increase that bottom line, our attendees gained heaps of know-how that provided instant takeaway.

“As a small operator, I have to carefully pick and choose what shows I can attend. I need to get the most bang for the buck, so I researched and decided to attend CD this year for the first time,” said Renee Dorsey of Airport Limousine Service. “I was blown away by the Operator Mentoring Program and my Benchmark Breakout session. These two programs alone were worth the price of admission. It was fabulous to be with the two groups of operators, discussing issues and challenges—and to find out that I am not alone. Others have the same struggles as me, even the BIG operators. I am already taking steps here at base to use the knowledge I gained last week.”

Certainly, as with years past, networking was the name of the game, as opportunities to share and learn among peers were in abundance. Dedicated events like our perennial favorite Operator Mentoring Program, the jam-packed Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum, and laser-focused Benchmark Breakouts were all met with raves from our attendees. What’s more, Tuesday morning’s one-two punch of the revamped Women in the Industry Networking Breakfast and the International Meet & Greet received rave reviews from the flock of early birds who attended these sessions.

“The Chauffeur Driven team did a fantastic job bringing everyone together, especially the Mentoring and Benchmark sessions. I am always amazed at the amount of information we can take back to our company. It’s well worth the trip!” said Chris Peifer of Susquehanna Valley Limousine.

The networking and camaraderie continued into sundown as our always-popular nightlife events raised the roof. On Sunday evening, attendees were welcomed into the Gaylord’s Cherry Blossom ballroom and atrium, which was adorned with famous international landmarks for our first-ever Around the World party. The following night, guests dressed up and partied down as their favorite TV or movie characters at our Costume Party. Once again, the industry stepped up and donned some of the most creative, hilarious, and spectacular costumes we’ve seen to date. Who will ever forget the Beetlejuice army comprising some of the industry’s most notable figures?

But, without a doubt, a true highpoint of the show was our Annual Charity Dinner and Auction. For the third year, we’ve given our support to WISH for OUR HEROES, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting active and retired members of the United States military and their families with everything from crippling medical bills to buying groceries. Thanks to the generosity of the auction’s donors, as well as those who bid on the offered items, our industry raised a staggering $125,000 in a single evening—which founder Jeff Wells said will immediately be used to assist more than 25 families.

We’re already jazzed about next year’s Executive Retreat in Texas at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown on May 5-7, not to mention the 2019 show in Beantown at the Westin Boston Waterfront., on October 13-16. In the meantime, look for a full recap of the 2018 Chauffeur Driven Show—as well as loads of pictures—in the December issue of the magazine.

Visit chauffeurdrivenshow.com for more information.

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