Farming work between motorcoach and luxury chauffeured transportation companies has become an essential part of doing business. Operators from both industries regularly share knowledge and best practices at networking events so they can collectively grow and thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.
Those are the goals of the CD/NLA Show, a four-day event this Feb. 23-26 at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas that is co-produced by new partners Chauffeur Driven magazine and the National Limousine Association (NLA).
The annual trade show, themed “New Horizons” and sponsored by Grech Motors and Ford-Lincoln, offers hours of timely education with several sessions dedicated specifically to issues affecting bus operators, plenty of networking opportunities including exciting evening events and a vast exhibit floor where you can meet one-on-one with all of the major motorcoach and cutaway bus manufacturers (among the largest selections under one roof), tech providers, association leaders (including the UMA) and industry suppliers.
UMA discount
United Motorcoach Association members can register for the special price of $420 for a four-day pass—a savings of $75—with code UMA75. Also, rooms are available at Mandalay Bay for only $168 per night, or next door at the Delano for only $198 per night. Everything you need to register, book your accommodations, or see a full lineup of events is available at CDNLAshow.com.
Professional development
With more than 25 hours of seminars and workshops, CD/NLA education was designed with a crossover appeal to meet the needs of the changing industries. Expert speakers will explore every facet of running a transportation company, such as creating dynamic pricing models, profitability vs. scale, effectively paying drivers, developing plans for safety and crisis management, advice from a dedicated bus and motorcoach panel and more.
Leading industry consultant Bill Faeth of Limo University also created content for small and midsize operators that are in growth mode, with group sessions at his booth on the show floor and additional available Boot Camp classes.
Since sales are a vital function of any business, Grant Cardone, the number-one sales and marketing trainer and best-selling author of the 10X Rule, will deliver a rousing keynote. Cardone has consulted with everyone from new entrepreneurs to massive Fortune 500 companies, so his message will resonate with operators at any stage of development. For diehard fans who want even more, available VIP and Diamond VIP Experiences include three copies of his bestselling books (one signed), photo ops and even lunch. See CDNLAshow.com for more details and pricing.
Networking opportunities
Affiliate work is crucial to survival and growth, so the CD/NLA Show offers several events tailored to creating and nurturing those relationships. Dozens of companies from around the globe will be on display at the Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum, which attracts more than 1,000 operators each year.
For a more casual approach to meeting global affiliates, the International Meet & Greet is the perfect way to mingle with like-minded operators from across the pond—whatever pond that may be. Industry ladies can also make new connections and be inspired by panelists at the Women in the Industry Networking Luncheon. Plus, fun themed after-hours parties with drinks and light bites, music and games punctuate a day filled with learning great ideas and expanding your professional network.
First-Timers Orientation
Whether you’re new to a CD/NLA Show or the industry, the First-Timers Orientation aims to allay those jitters and ensure that you always have a friendly colleague at the ready who can offer a guiding hand on must-attend events and people to meet so you can get the best ROI for your time and effort. You and several other newbies will be paired with a seasoned operator for an instant network and support group.
Industry associations
If advocacy is important to you, representatives from many industry associations—including UMA and the NLA—will be on hand on the show floor to answer any questions. Interested parties are also invited to attend the meetings of the NLA and Minority Limousine Operators of America as well as the Association Summit, where state, local and national association leaders will share legislative updates, trending ideas and local victories that impact you.
