First Chauffeur Driven/NLA Show Hits the Jackpot

Las Vegas — With just under 2,000 operators, exhibitors, and sponsors rolling into Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on February 22-26 from all over the globe, it’s safe to say that the first Chauffeur Driven (CD)/National Limousine Association (NLA) Show was a jackpot. From standing-room-only educational sessions and a bustling show floor to a ground-breaking keynote and truly rocking after-hours parties, the positive energy was felt in all corners of the event. Many thanks to our committees, staff, attendees, and sponsors—especially Title Sponsors Grech Motors and Ford-Lincoln Limousine & Livery Vehicles—for making this event one that will not be forgotten. Social media—not to mention our inboxes—has been abuzz with effusive praise and enthusiasm, with “Best Show Ever” being shared frequently.

“You guys put on the best show this industry has ever seen,” says David Seelinger of EmpireCLS.

“This show was our best show in our 8-plus years working within transportation. In all the years I’ve worked with the NLA, I have to say that I was blown away by this show. The CD/NLA team is so organized and dedicated and the positive energy they exude is contagious. That vibe… so fresh,” says Sarah McKee of Chosen Payments.

Certainly, a high point of any trade show is getting to see the many familiar faces that have become extended industry family, and this CD/NLA Show was no different. However, it was truly special to see so many new faces from around the globe experience it for very first time. Sunday afternoon’s First-Timers’ Event offered a packed house of fresh faces and industry newbies the ins and outs of our show while providing some instant networking with show veterans.

“As a first-timer, it was more than I expected. Lots of great information from all the speakers and sessions. I can't wait until the next show,” says David Saunders of Arrow Prestige Limousine & Coach.

Speaking of networking, dedicated events like the Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum, the Women in the Industry Networking Luncheon, and International Meet and Greet attracted record numbers of enthusiastic participants. Similarly, our education and Limo University (led by Bill Faeth) sessions were overflowing with attendees hungry for knowledge and ready with tons of questions for our array of speakers. And, while we’re talking about speakers, it’s impossible to discuss the CD/NLA Show without mentioning Grant Cardone, who delivered a rousing Keynote. As predicted, the bestselling author and #1 sales trainer was more than hype: With his dynamic (and always entertaining) presentation, Cardone gave attendees an actionable new outlook on their business and their lives. Many thanks to Grech Motors and Mercedes-Benz for sponsoring this game-changing event.

“Special thank you to CD and the NLA for an outstanding industry show,” raves Nancy Vargas of DH2 Transportation. “A big shout-out to Tracy Raimer who co-chairs the NLA Women Leadership Council with me for an amazing Women in the Industry Luncheon. Truly honored to be surrounded by great industry professionals. There was so much empowerment, mentorship, and education in the last few days.”

“I would like to congratulate all those who helped, participated, and were involved in creating this year’s CD/NLA Show. The networking, panel discussions, seminars, information, and knowledge shared was incredible, relevant, and pertinent,” says Louis Weiner of Regency Global Transportation Group. “Grant Cardone knocked it out of the park! By far one the best shows—if not the best overall—I have ever been to in at least 15 years. Thank you to the CD team along with the NLA for your incredible effort in putting this event together. And to all the sponsors and the many people who worked behind the scenes to organize, recruit, and schedule, you have done an incredible job!”

With associations so vital to the strength of our industry, CD and the NLA were proud to have many state, local, national, and even international associations represented at the show. One of our kickoff events was the Association Summit, which allows the leaders of state and regional associations to come together for a roundtable discussion about the common issues faced by operators across the nation. The moderator of that session, NLA Treasurer Rick Versace of A1A Airport & Limousine, also hosted an open-house meeting of his home state association, the Florida Limousine Association (FLA). In just 45 minutes, the FLA meeting packed in four guest speakers, not to mention a heap of Sunshine State news. The CD/NLA Show was also host to the first meeting of the newly formed European Passenger Transportation Association (EPTA), made up of leading operators from across the continent. If the attendance of this inaugural meeting is any indication of where the EPTA is headed, expect great things from this organization. And, of course, the NLA hosted its annual membership meeting, which saw seven-term NLA President Gary Buffo announce the election of Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide as new president, effective immediately.

“The CD team did a great job on this show; what a great turnout,” says Gus Ortis of Executive Transportation. “Thank you for allowing me to participate in the Association Summit, which was a great experience to share. See you in Orlando!”

“This show is what the industry has been anticipating for years. The EPTA is proud to have been launched at the show with the support of CD, and will continue to support CD and the NLA in the fantastic years ahead,” says Karim Maachi of Cardel Global.

In addition to all of our networking and educational events, the show floor was a monster hit. With more than 100 exhibitors over 120,000-square-foot hall, the floor offered something for everyone, from tech and services to the heaviest metal available. The hustle and bustle in the exhibit hall was nonstop and valued by attendees and vendors alike—and the conversations and deals continued well beyond show floor hours.

“The CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas was off the charts! An action-packed schedule filled with education, networking, speakers, and the latest industry trends kept us busy from the time we landed to the time we flew out. Thank you to everyone who made it happen. We came back with great ideas and a huge purchase (or two),” posts Coastal Limousine of Charleston on Instagram.

“From a vendor's perspective, this was by far the best show I have ever attended. Great to see so much energy in the room. I was able to have some very honest and insightful conversations with operators who see the value that I can bring to them, even in this difficult market,” says Mike Marroccoli of EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants.

If you missed the first CD/NLA Show, we’ll be returning to Vegas in 2021 at the MGM Grand on February 21-24. Can’t wait that long? Then consider joining us in Orlando at the Gaylord Palms for our annual autumn show on October 11-14.

“Great show. Great people. Awesome friends. Let’s connect and move the world,” says Samad Khan of RideCar.

Read a full recap of the entire event in the April issue of Chauffeur Driven, or visit CDNLAshow.com for more information.  [CD0320]