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]