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Ever since we brought our annual CD Show to the Loews Miami Beach Hotel way back in 2015, we’ve heard a familiar refrain from the industry: “When are you going back?” The wait is over because the CD Executive Retreat returns to the spicy South Beach location this June 12-14.
Conveniently located in the heart of the popular Miami Beach district, the Loews’ beautiful beachfront setting and 5-star amenities is the perfect setting for our “working vacation” event. We’ve secured an incredible room rate of $289/night at this exquisite property, which is nearly half-off the regular price. Don’t snooze: Book your room before May 20 to take advantage of the amazing price because once the block is filled, the price will increase significantly. And don’t forget, until May 15, we’re offering early-bird pricing of $799 for this highly anticipated event—that’s $100 off our standard admission price.
While the retreat will give you the opportunity to enjoy the sun by the pool or get some sand between your toes, you’ll also be taking part in some of the most exclusive networking and immersive education that our industry has to offer—with numerous meals and drinks included. Limited to just 200 operators, our retreats offer attendees the opportunity to get to know their peers on a more intimate level while receiving instantly applicable educational insights from experts both in and out of the industry. This year, we’re raising the game—so to speak—as we’re introducing a team-building and competitive element to the programming.
The fun starts Sunday night at our stellar kick-off dinner at the Loews, where we’ll explore the tastes and sounds of Old Havana. Here is where we’ll break into the teams you’ll work with for the duration of the retreat’s events, including our interactive roundtables and Beach Olympics. But before the games begin, we’ll break bread and clink glasses as a group so attendees get acquainted or catch up with old friends. This open-bar event will feature the flavors of the Caribbean, spirited Latin beats, captivating dancers, sweet cocktails (did we mention open bar?), and a cigar roller so you can enjoy a stogie in the company of your industry peers.
On Monday, your newly assigned team will face its exciting first challenge, Interactive Roundtables: Classroom Competition , as you’ll discover whether you have the mental fortitude and collective input to tackle common operational challenges as a group. It’s a race against the clock to see how well members of your team can collaborate, draw on experience, and creatively solve the issues that we present in the classroom—just like a real-time crisis in your business. Challenges could range from the serious (accidents, losing a key employee) to the everyday (determining whether an account is profitable, increasing rates, affiliate issues), so bring your A game, coopetition, and an open mind.
For our final group challenge on Tuesday, you’ll go for the gold during our Beach Olympics. We’ll head outdoors where you’ll mix brains, brawn, and cooperation with plenty of laughs and a few adult beverages for a worthy closing event to our Retreat. Utilizing the different skills of your teammates, our fun contests will include a sports relay, Blindfold Construction, Team Scrabble, Giant Puzzle (Sudoku style), and more. The Beach Olympics will emphasize leadership as much as team collaboration, so participation from every angle is key to scoring the ultimate grand prize. A business primer and a celebration, this is closest you’ll get to being a kid again, while also learning valuable tools that you can immediately apply to your own operation. We’ll be keeping score throughout the event, and there will be prizes for the winning team at the close of our games.
Be sure to visit cdexecutiveretreat.com for all the latest information about our Miami Beach getaway. For operators looking to make their trip into a mini holiday, we’re currently offering a $399 non-industry spouse pass that will let your significant other join us for our after-hours dining events and tours (including our private dinner cruise on Monday night). Contact our Director of Events Jess Pavlow at jess@chauffeurdriven.com for more information.
[05.10.22]
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Bus manufacturer Motor Coach Industries (MCI) announced that Brian Hill has rejoined the organization as MCI private sector regional vice president for new and pre-owned coach sales, Midwest region. He left MCI in 2020 after 23 years and worked in the commercial financing sector before accepting this new position.
MCI Private Sector Regional Vice President Brian Hill
With more than 20 years of experience on the MCI sales team and based in Des Plaines, Ill., Hill will be responsible for new and pre-owned coach sales to private operators in the Midwest region, including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
"We are pleased to welcome Brian back to our team as he succeeds Richard DeYoung, who is set to retire in May,” said MCI Vice President of Private Sector Sales Patricia Ziska. “Brian’s track record demonstrates extensive expertise in the motorcoach industry, as does his unparalleled commitment to building long-lasting relationships. Leveraging this experience, Brian will lead our Midwest private sector coach sales and support customer needs across an expanding and market-leading product range.”
Prior to rejoining MCI, Hill’s responsibilities spanned sales, customer management, support team leadership, and strategic planning. A four-time MCI sales award winner, his many accomplishments include expanding MCI’s pre-owned footprint in the Southeast market and establishing long-standing partnerships with key operators across the region.
Visit mcicoach.com for more information.
[05.10.22]
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Former TLC Commissioner Matt Daus (left) with nominee David Do
New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently nominated David Do as chair and commissioner of the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) following the resignation of Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk. Do is an experienced leader and regulator in the for-hire vehicle industry and currently serves as the director of the Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) in the nation’s capital.
“I am so proud to welcome a groundbreaking and supremely qualified and capable nominee like David Do to the TLC,” Adams said in the announcement. “After a financial crisis and a devastating pandemic, a strong taxi industry is a prerequisite to a just and equitable economic recovery for our city, and this administration is going to deliver that for New Yorkers. Thank you to Acting Commissioner Ryan Wanttaja for his years of dedicated and continued service to the TLC and the city.”
As DFHV director, Do successfully launched DC Microtransit, an on-demand shuttle service to meet travel needs for residents living in hard-to-reach areas. He also led the agency through the COVID pandemic and distributed personal protective equipment to drivers to keep them safe on the job.
“I want to thank Mayor Adams for putting his trust in me to lead the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission at this pivotal point in the history of our industry,” said David Do. “Increased competition and the global pandemic have put our industry at a crossroads, and I look forward to partnering with Mayor Adams to deliver a strong economic recovery for our yellow and green taxi, livery, and for-hire industries. We will continue to work closely with our communities to ensure we protect our drivers, visitors, and passengers through advances in innovation, safety, accessibility, and equity.
The announcement has earned the praise of many in the industry, including former Commissioner Matt Daus, New York Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Bhairavi Desai, and Black Car Fund Executive Director Ira Goldstein.
“David Do has the experience and expertise to guide TLC into the future, while ensuring drivers and operators have the support they need to move our industry and our recovery forward,” Goldstein said. “The Black Car Fund looks forward to working with David to create safer streets, a better transportation network, and conditions that allow drivers and the for-hire vehicle industry to thrive.”
"I know firsthand how challenging this position is, and he is the right person at the right time–to bring order, morale and confidence back to the TLC," Daus said. "His experienced leadership will guide the industry toward further innovation and multimodal integration, while making strides to promote access and equity."
Under the New York City Charter, any nominee for TLC commissioner must be confirmed by the City Council.
You can find more information about the agency and its objectives here.
[05.04.22]