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Much of the conversation focused on the sharing economy, competition, and technology: The future of not only airline competition but also travel distribution’s landscape, the choice to either disrupt or be disrupted, technology’s effect on the customer experience, customers’ desire for their booking experience to mirror the ease of their online consumer experience, and the rise of services like Airbnb and TNCs were among the timely topics explored across the conference’s five days.
As one of the largest gatherings of travel professionals in the world, the conference both draws from and delivers a wide swath of content to a membership base that spans six continents. The annual event brings together professionals from all walks of the travel industry for an event that offers panels, guest speakers, educational programs, and an expansive expo floor.
The 2015 conference heard from a number of speakers beyond the scope of the industry: actor Kevin Bacon, who discussed his Six Degrees Foundation that puts grassroots charities in touch with celebrities; Apple co-founder and philanthropist Steve Wozniak was interviewed by Fortune’s Nina Easton and spoke about technology’s impact on travel; and Fox News journalist Megyn Kelly spoke to GBTA’s Executive Director and COO Michael McCormick in a Q&A about her personal and professional life.
On Tuesday, July 28, McCormick led the four-person panel “Ground Transportation in a Sharing Economy.” He was joined by GBTA Allied Leadership Council President Scott Solombrino of Dav El/BostonCoach, David Seelinger of EmpireCLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services, and John Rose of iJET International. During the panel, new data was presented that showed how many companies have yet to implement a policy regarding employees’ use of TNCs for business-related transportation. The panelists agreed that while there are some impressive new technologies on the market, travel buyers need to ensure that such services will deliver a high Duty of Care standard. They also called for a level playing field to allow for a fair, competitive marketplace. A video of the half-hour panel can be seen at here.
Don’t miss the September issue of Chauffeur Driven, where you’ll find an in-depth interview with Seelinger and Solombrino expounding upon the topics they addressed at their GBTA panel, such as TNCs and the future of the ground transportation industry.
The 2016 GBTA Convention is scheduled for July 16-20 in Denver, Colo.
Visit gbta.org for more information.
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The NLA and Commerce-as-a-Service company Deem forged the strategic technology and marketing alliance for the purpose of developing and deploying a cloud network and mobile application that will: optimize operations and maximize fleet utilization for chauffeured transportation operators; provide advance reservations and ride-hailing services for corporations and customers alike; and substantially enhance data security and customer care, safety and privacy. Additionally, the co-branded mobile application will be easily configured to reflect each NLA member operator's brand, consumer and corporate rates and policies and preferences, as well as offer the services of another NLA member operator when the user's primary operator of choice is fully booked.
"In an increasingly mobile-first society, it is abundantly clear it is time for a mobile application that combines the convenience of ride-hailing applications with the unequaled Duty-of-Care, incomparable service, and unrivaled safety standards offered by NLA members," Buffo said. "We chose to collaborate with Deem because of its established reputation for innovation and reliability and its unique combination of cloud and mobile commerce capabilities, corporate travel and ground expertise, and significant intellectual property in ground and mobile GPS technologies. Deem is a sound choice with whom to partner and to develop and deploy the NLA's technology solution and, in so doing, revolutionize and transform the chauffeured ground transportation industry."
"Our marketing and technology alliance with the NLA aligns perfectly with Deem's mission of helping businesses to lower costs, increase revenue, and deepen customer loyalty so that they can invest more fully in their people, customers, and communities," Grady added. "The NLA has set the definitive standards in terms of quality, service, and safety in the chauffeured ground transportation industry, and their members comprise the finest operators throughout the world. Together, Deem and the NLA will provide thousands of ground transportation operators with a uniquely configurable and reliable cloud network and mobile application for use by their corporate and private customers."
Visit limo.org for more information about the NLA. Visit deem.com for more information about Deem.
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The show’s moderators, Steve Adubato and Rafael Pi Roman, interviewed Shanker in regard to traditional operators’ biggest issues with TNCs, the differences and similarities between TNCs and the taxicab and limousine industries, independent contractors, insurance and who’s responsible when a TNC driver gets into an accident in a personal vehicle, and the importance of public safety.
A representative from Uber had previously been on the show, which Shanker said lent an air of debate to his interview, allowing him to explain both chauffeured ground transportation’s and the association’s stance on TNCs in the context of seeking—but not opposing—fair competition, rather than reiterating a previously outlined argument.
“They weren’t looking for me to give a speech; they were looking to almost debate the public policy as a whole by asking some pointed questions to make sure that our facts were correct and that our philosophy was that of a competitive nature,” Shanker said.
Shanker added that he appreciated the opportunity to present the industry’s point of view, and has “received nothing but positive feedback” since his interview aired—which, thanks to the help of social media, has already reached a far-ranging audience.
“We’re very happy to try to get our message out to the populous,” he said. “By having the opportunity to present our side of the story to the media and have it broadcast throughout New Jersey and also to social media by putting it on Facebook, we’re hoping we’ll help bring to light that we’re not trying to thwart competition, we’re just asking for competition on a level playing field. But with that, the major push is toward public safety. Our industry has been regulated almost since the turn of the last century: These regulations were put in place not to stop business but to protect the public.”
The interview can be seen here.
With further action regarding AB-3765 “pushed back indefinitely,” LANJ has been continuing its grassroots efforts to meet one-on-one with elected officials, as well as focusing inward by pushing forward with its membership drive. With the association’s Social Media and Membership committees both working hard to the association’s benefit, Shanker said that Executive Director Patty Nelson, Treasurer John Epstein of Royal Coachmen Worldwide, and directors Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet Livery Sales and Jeff Brodsly of Chosen Payments all deserve “a lot of kudos.”
The next LANJ meeting is scheduled for September 16. A representative from the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey will be on hand to discuss what’s happening at the Newark airport and there will be a presentation on the online chauffeur education course Safety Training Operators Program, or STOP.
Visit lanj.org for more information.
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