L to R: Denny Leinhos of Avant Garde Limousines, CLA President Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Transportation, and Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines
The Colorado Limousine Association (CLA) held their Summer Meeting & Conference on July 9 at the Courtyard Marriott Cherry Creek in Denver. Attracting more than 80 members and guests, the day-long event offered opportunities for education and networking for the participants who came from all over the country. CD President Chris Weiss was among those on-hand as a guest speaker.
“It was fantastic,” says CLA President Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Transportation. “The meeting brought out a ton of new people who don’t typically attend our meetings. As we were marketing the event, our membership increased by nine operators who joined with the intention of getting a ticket to the meeting. This is not a moneymaker for the CLA; we do this solely as an educational event. We have a lot of small operators in our membership. Last year we did it as a half-day event, so this year we wanted to expand on it a bit more. Our full intent is to bring educational opportunities to operators who might not experience the shows. The networking is nice since we get new people who might get to meet new faces.”
NLA Board Member Tiffany Hinton of MOTEV with CD President Chris Weiss
In addition to presenters from firms like Driving Results, Career Driver, PAX Training, and Limo Anywhere, the National Limousine Association (NLA), and Chauffeur Driven, the meeting also offered locally relevant information from both the Denver International Airport and Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC). First up was Walker Sears from the airport, who discussed upcoming fee changes fee changes to the membership.
“[The airport] is doing a 20 percent increase in fees, which may seem shocking, but they haven’t had an increase in 5 years. It was nice for them to have a face-to-face opportunity to explain that better,” shares Bugbee.
L to R: CLA Sergeant of Arms Moe Bouayad of Crown Worldwide, Chris Weiss, and CLA President Erica Bugbee
Similarly, Nate Riley from the PUC also was on hand to talk about financial matters as the commission is adding an annual fee for operators, which has never been instituted before.
However, the bulk of the summer conference was devoted to education. After the board and sponsors were introduced, the day kicked off with a presentation from Andy Norman of Limo Anywhere, who provided updates about the software provider as well as advances in AI for business. Later, Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions offered a split session devoted to pricing and selling value.
CD swag recipients including Show Pass Winner Nadia Pettignano of Eight Black Airport Shuttle (far right)
“This year’s Colorado Limousine Association Summer Meeting & Conference was exceptional. For a one-day event, the agenda was packed with great material and action items that operators could take back to their businesses and implement. My morning presentation highlighted tactics to sell value instead of low price, and then in the afternoon I provided a session on knowing your costs and formulating pricing strategies,” says Lucci.
Guest speakers: James Blain of PAX Training, Tiffany Hinton, Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions, Jodie Lethgo of Career Driver, and Andy Norman of Limo Anywhere
During the afternoon, the CLA welcomed NLA Board Member Tiffany Hinton of MOTEV talked about the NLA and the organization’s GreenRides Initiative, which is designed to promote and implement environmentally responsible practices across the industry. Following an afternoon break, Jodie Lethgo of Career Driver presented on Marketing Strategies for Driving Digital Results, while James Blain of PAX Training shared the Secret to Creating Fiercely Loyal Customers. Blain encouraged operators and their staff to go the extra mile when it comes to providing service.
Weiss was the day’s final speaker, and he wrapped things up by discussing the role of CD in the industry, as well as what first-time attendees can expect from CD/NLA events, such as the Fall Show at the Gaylord National on October 13-16. He then offered an array of giveaways including CD lapel pins, t-shirts, and branded earbuds. A pass to the Fall Show was raffled off and won by Nadia Pettignano of Eight Black Airport Shuttle.
Bugbee revealed that the CLA is planning a September meeting in Vail.
“This will expose us to as many as 50 operators from the mountain region,” she says.
Visit cololimo.org for more information.
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