With on-point education and speakers, an action-packed show floor, and some high-stakes nightlife, we’ve put the wraps on the 2024 CD/NLA Show, held October 13-16 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center just outside of D.C. Many thanks to all our attendees, exhibitors, speakers, moderators, mentors, committee members, and sponsors—including Title Sponsor Volvo—for making the show such an unbelievable event for everyone!
Nearly 1,200 industry professionals from around the globe were in attendance, which not only gave us the opportunity to meet countless new faces, but also let us reconnect and spend time with many of our long-standing industry friends and peers.
“Just got back from an amazing CD/NLA in D.C.! It was fantastic to connect with so many great friends, family, and associates in the business. The energy was incredible, and I loved catching up with everyone. Can’t wait for the next one!” posts Andy Bouayad of Fox Limousine.
Our stellar CD/NLA Show Education Committee—led by co-chairs Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide and Karl Guenther of Statement Limousine—put together a curriculum that was loaded with timely and valuable sessions that proved to be beneficial to operators of all sizes and markets. Whether it was learning to safeguard against cyberattacks, harnessing the strengths of a multigenerational workforce, understanding the fundamentals of AI, taking part in our numerous conversation-stirring roundtables, or even learning directly from the education committee about what goes on behind the scenes of the show, the classrooms in National Harbor were loaded with immediate takeaway designed to improve your operation. Also, thanks to Coffee Sponsor Buffalo Limousine and A/V Sponsor Limo Anywhere for making it all possible.
But, as always, networking was the name of the game, as opportunities to share and learn among peers were in abundance. Dedicated events like our bustling Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum (sponsored by Volvo), perennial favorite Operator Mentoring Program, and always-popular Women in the Industry Networking Event were all met with raves from our attendees. Moreover, a revamped Association Summit dealt specifically with the current insurance crisis faced by operators around the country, with a panel of experts weighing in. With this lineup, and ample opportunities for some face-to-face time during breakfast or at the Gaylord’s bars & restaurants, CD/NLA Show veterans and newcomers alike made some fresh connections.
“The CD/NLA Show was a remarkable accomplishment, offering abundant opportunities to reconnect with industry professionals, esteemed mentors, and personal friends, culminating in a memorable after-party and exceptional show experience,” writes Deep Singh of Got Luxury Ride.
“My experience during the Operator Mentor Program was phenomenal. They gave me the targeted advice that I needed in order to scale up my chauffeur service to the next level. Thank you!” says Tamara Fitzgerald of AET Transportation.
The networking and camaraderie continued into sundown as our rocking nightlife raised the roof. On Sunday evening, attendees were welcomed onto the show floor for an opening night soiree that not only offered previews of the vehicles, products, and services available at the convention, but also some fun courtesy of magicians, stilt walkers, and even contortionists! The following night, we got a slice of Vegas in National Harbor as we hosted our first-ever Casino Night party. Attendees sat down at their favorite game of chance as they gambled with fun money to earn raffle tickets good for some valuable prizes, including passes to CD/NLA events.
“This year's Fall Show was very well attended and brought in many of the leaders of the industry. The location and the quality of the Venue were fantastic,” says Steve Edelmann of ROYALE/Cabot Coach Builders.
“What an amazing show. I met so many new people at the roundtable events. The Casino Night was a blast. You guys hit a home run yet AGAIN! See you all in Vegas,” says Becky Laramee of All Points Limousine.
“Congratulations on another great show and doing your best to keep the industry together,” says Robert Rodriguez of First Class Destination Solutions.
If you missed this fall’s CD/NLA Show in National Harbor, have no fear. Things are already revving up for the return of the CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas! Join us February 23-26 at the spectacular Paris Hotel & Casino for four days of world-class education and networking, and stay tuned to cdnlavegas.com for upcoming details.
We’ll have a recap and photo gallery in the next issue of Chauffeur Driven.
[10.22.24]