The United Motorcoach Association (UMA) is celebrating 50 years representing the motorcoach industry, comprising mostly family-owned, multi-generational companies that have been a part of some of their passengers’ best days and most cherished events. But the challenges this past year have made it even more important to come together as an industry, and UMA is hoping to do just that as it heads to the Orlando convention Center this April 21-25 for its 2021 Motorcoach Expo. Registration is still open, so you can still take advantage of this special opportunity to celebrate the golden anniversary of the association.
UMA is among the first conferences to return in person, with plenty of education to help operators through the next year and the recovery. Among the featured speakers are sales training coach (and frequent UMA speaker) Jim Pancero and hotelier and entrepreneur Harris Rosen who will offer their perspectives on how to navigate the new economy, capture sales, and find those opportunities. Keynote speaker Stephen Shapiro, the author of several books including Invisible Solutions and Best Practices Are Stupid, will explore how to solve difficult problems during difficult times, while Wayne Smith—who is the former executive director and founder of the UMA and whose company once managed numerous associations including the National Limousine Association—will reminisce about the association’s storied 50-year history. The full schedule is available at motorcoachexpo.com.
Additional virtual sessions during the Expo include Mechanic Training, which will be held on April 23 at 10 a.m. at Prevost’s Orlando facility and hosted by Prevost’s Director Aftermarket Training, North America Robert Hitt. The session is free to UMA member mechanics; for non-members, the rate is $49 per person or $249 for unlimited participants from one company. You can register here.
Bob Crescenzo of Lancer Insurance
A virtual driver training session will also be held by Bob Crescenzo of Lancer Insurance on April 23 at 9 a.m. New and experienced drivers are invited to attend. More information is available here.
In addition to an expansive schedule of educational sessions and events, the UMA is hosting a series of evening networking events designed to offer a blend of familiar faces and opportunities to learn and share in beautiful spaces with a friendly atmosphere. On Wednesday, attendees can look forward to a Welcome Reception at the Rosen Plaza Pool Deck, while Thursday night will offer a Sneak Preview After Party at the Hyatt Terrace. And, on Friday, make sure you bring a napkin for the Southern Barbecue Dinner at the Rosen Hotel (sponsored by BYD).
Masks and social distancing will be enforced. More information about the safety and sanitation practices followed by the Orlando Convention Center and the UMA can be found here. All facilities are providing distanced seating for meals, plexiglass guards, grab and go items, and pre-wrapped condiments and silverware.
"I feel very safe down there and I truly believe all the right steps are being taken," said Mitch Guralnick of Prevost, following his recent advance visit to Orlando.
Visit motorcoachexpo.com to register or for more information.
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