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For last month's Benchmark & Best Practices column, we reached out to operators from around the world and asked what part of the CD/NLA Show has the most takeaway for their business. Hands down, the most popular response was the Affiliate Central Global Forum. Year after year business owners, decision-makers, and affiliate managers make this the most attended event at our show. In fact, in Orlando, more than 1,000 people took part in the forum.
“While I find all aspects of the show to be beneficial, we especially enjoy Affiliate Central as it has allowed us to expand our worldwide network by meeting potential affiliates in person. It’s a goldmine for anyone involved in or interested in affiliate marketing. The practical tips and expert advice shared here directly impact our marketing approach, helping us to optimize our affiliate campaigns and maximize ROI,” says Moe Bouayad of Crown Worldwide Transportation.
When we return to Vegas, look for our biggest Affiliate Central Global Forum to date. Sponsored by Volvo, this year’s event—held Tuesday, March 5 at 1:15 p.m.—will host upwards of 85 different companies, representing markets from around the world. You'll meet dozens of operators from all corners of the globe who are looking to expand their networks and exchange business with you. We provide the forum, you set the pace and conversation as you hop from table to table. This is an incredible opportunity to grow your company’s presence within the global marketplace. Don’t forget to bring those business cards and a killer elevator pitch! If you’re interested in exhibiting in the forum, a few tables/markets are still available. Contact Director of Events Jess Pavlow at jess@chauffeurdriven.com for more information.
“Participating in Affiliate Central has significantly expanded our network, fostering numerous partnership opportunities worldwide. They’ve also been a cornerstone for elevating our brand visibility across diverse markets. Attending trade shows allows us to stay at the forefront of industry trends while presenting our services to a broad audience. These experiences continually prove instrumental in our business growth and development,” says Andrew Tighe of RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation.
As Vegas is a favorite destination for our industry worldwide, you can anticipate a large representation of operators from overseas. In fact, the CD/NLA Show attracts business owners from every continent short of Antarctica. With that in mind, we’re proud to bring back the popular International Meet & Greet networking event to the show on Monday, March 4 at 5:45 p.m. Like our Affiliate Central, our International Meet & Greet remains one of the best-attended events in our lineup. The casual yet semi-structured setting is the perfect way to mingle with like-minded operators from across the pond—whatever pond that may be.
“An exceptional event with great presentations with quality content—and an incredible group of people attending. A lot of good business will be done as a result of these relationships,” says Vince Robinson of RCS of London.
As much of the country is battling record cold temps and snow, we can’t stop thinking of the hot action coming at the 2024 CD/NLA Show in Vegas on March 3-6 at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. With fewer than six weeks left to the industry event of the year, now’s the time to register. Simply click here to sign up. And while you’re at it, take advantage of our exclusive room block averaging just $152 per night.
Visit cdnlavegas.com for more information.
[01.23.24]
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The US Chamber of Commerce (USCC) and the US Travel Association (USTA) are laying out their predictions for the business climate ahead, and it shows good news for small business owners—but there’s some work ahead in the business travel arena.
On January 11, USCC held its State of America Business via video, which included a welcome address from USCC President & CEO Suzanne Clark. As a staunch supporter of free enterprise, Clark’s message—which is consistent as the goal of the organization—was one of optimism now and looking ahead. Acknowledging the pessimism that is plaguing the country leading up to the next election, Clark instead chose to focus on what’s happening on Main Street.
USCC President & CEO Suzanne Clark
“Does America have challenges? You bet we do. Are we at the US Chamber of Commerce pessimistic about it? Not on your life,” she said regarding the divisive political ads and headlines prominent during the election year. “When you try a new technology, when you launch a new product or service, when you sell into a new market, when you make a 5-year plan, or you simply show up to work and give the best that you’ve got … it’s all optimism.”
As the organization is in favor of government policies that don’t inhibit free enterprise, she explained: “The role of government is to foster the conditions that enable human potential and empower businesses to serve people, solve problems, and strengthen society. That means letting markets work and protecting them from government intrusion. Passing pro-growth public policies that are workable and predictable. Setting smart regulations that clearly signal to businesses the rules of the road and exercising the fundamental duties of keeping the government open and running.”
The full address is available here.
Around the same time, USTA released its biannual forecast through 2027 (in conjunction with Tourism Economics) regarding travel to and from the US. International travel to the US continues to recover, and while it’s growing quickly, it still lags behind pre-pandemic levels at around 84 percent. Predictions for 2024 suggest it will hit 98 percent.
Business travel is also seeing growth, it too has yet to cross 2019 highs. The forecast shows that incoming US business travel could hit 95 percent of pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year, although predictions for domestic business travel don’t show recovery until after 2027.
Leisure travel, which fueled the post-pandemic bump, is slowing down a bit; the report cited higher borrowing costs, tighter credit conditions, and the restart of student loan repayments as the reasons.
USTA President & CEO Geoff Freeman
“While we inch back to pre-pandemic travel numbers, other countries are actively advancing strategies to gain international visitors and are now ahead of the United States in the race to win back the global travel market,” said USTA President & CEO Geoff Freeman. “The federal government can and must enact specific policies to jumpstart a more seamless, efficient and globally competitive travel industry.”
USTA has been calling attention to the issues it sees as the biggest impediments to full international travel to the US, namely the visitor visa interview wait times that are in excess of 400 days in certain markets, as well as customs excessive delays at US points of entry. Among the solutions proposed are long-term fixes to the FAA Reauthorization Bill and adopting the use of biometric security screening like other countries worldwide.
Read the full forecast report here.
Visit uschamber.com and ustravel.org for more information.
[01.23.24]
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The PRLA welcomed 30 members and guests at their holiday meeting
Kicking off their 40th year of incorporation, the Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association (PRLA) hosted their annual dinner party on Tuesday, January 17, at Pepper’s in King of Prussia, Pa. Thirty members and guests were in attendance, including CD Editor Rob Smentek. The meeting was sponsored by Advantage Remarketing Solutions.
Eric Coolbaugh of Advantage Remarketing Solutions
The dinner party was preceded by a meeting with the PRLA Board of Directors, and President Anthony Viscusi of Global Limousine Service provided a brief rundown on the topics discussed. First and foremost, the association is looking to bolster the content of their quarterly meetings by adding an educational component. Plans are already underway to invite guest speakers to the fall meeting in September. Viscusi also said that the PRLA is looking to have a permanent location for all their meetings, likely in the King of Prussia area. The Board will be reaching out to the membership for their feedback. Then, Vice President Bob Euler Jr. provided a financial report about the association’s savings.
PRLA President Anthony Viscusi of Global Limousine Service
Next, Meeting Sponsors Eric Coolbaugh and Darren Martin of Advantage Remarketing Solutions were invited to say a few words about the services they provide. Coolbaugh provided a brief history of the Maryland-based company, and shared a bit about the range of specialty vehicles they offer. Martin then shared a bit about the financial services he can offer through Advantage. The pair also brought vehicles to the event, including an L.A. West Sprinter with European portal doors.
After dinner was served, a pass of the 2024 CD/NLA Vegas Show was raffled. Ace Shaer of Ace Limousine & Airport Service was the winner of pass, which grants him free admission to the March 3-6 event at MGM Grand.
Visit prlainc.com for more information.
[01.23.24]