The CD/NLA Show at the Gaylord Texan had it all: Jam-packed sessions? Check. A bustling show floor? Check. Endless networking? Check. Nearly 1,200 enthusiastic attendees? CHECK! The positive energy coming from our attendees and exhibitors was off the charts, and we can’t thank you enough. And, we extend that gratitude to our generous sponsors who helped to make our October 25-28 event so successful.
In a change of pace for the Fall Show, things got off to an awesome start on Saturday, with an all-day Limo Anywhere Academy that let users get hands-on learning, product deep-dives, and actionable insights about the platform. Sunday marked our official kick-off with standing-room only education sessions covering customer service and LinkedIn, with afternoon seminars on the Big Beautiful Bill, AI, and shuttle operations. Regarding our informative sessions, special thanks goes to not only the CD/NLA Show Education Committee, but also Education Sponsors Premier Transportation and the Hoffman Family of Companies, not to mention Coffee Sponsor Buffalo Limousine who kept attendees charged. On perennial favorite, the Operator Mentoring Program, was filled beyond capacity that afternoon and left a lasting impression on first-timers and veteran business owners, as attendees shared best practices with some of the leading talent in our industry.
“As a first-time NLA Show attendee, it was great connecting with like-minded professionals across the industry. I look forward to continuing the conversations and building stronger collaboration with fellow operators moving forward,” says John Franks of Echo East Coast Transportation.
On Sunday evening, everyone got a chance to be a cowhand, courtesy of sponsor Ultimate Toys and the Opening Night Party on the show floor. With the theme of the State Fair of Texas, attendees played carnival games, enjoyed fair-themed snacks (and open bar), and got a preview of our incredible show floor offerings. The night offered a sea of cowboy hats and smiling faces.
“Everything is BIGGER in Texas and so was the education and networking!” says Tom Halsnik of Walsh Chauffeured Transportation.
Monday’s education got off to a start with The Owner’s Mindset, a well-received panel discussion that offered real stories and practical advice on navigating entrepreneurship. Similarly popular was Marketing Techniques That Deliver Results from outside expert Valerie Levay, while EOS Implementer Mike Zappone wowed attendees with Finding and Fixing Profit Leaks, an energetic and interactive workshop that offered practical tools to make your business more profitable.
Late in the morning, we had back-to-back memorable general sessions that informed, enlightened, and entertained. First was NLA Presents: Travel Trends and Association Highlights. Sponsored by National Interstate Insurance and Premiere Transportation, this event offered a one-on-one conversation between NLA President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Maine Limousine and GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang about global travel trends, along with a rundown of what’s happening within the NLA. Then we welcomed a terrific trio of industry heavyweights for our State of the Industry, moderated by CD President Chris Weiss. Sponsor Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions kicked off the session with an overview of important industry data, some of which was compiled via a survey with Chauffeur Driven. Then Weiss welcomed John Ferrari of TBL Group, Tim Rose of Hoffmann Transportation Group, and Tami Rutter of Commonwealth Worldwide for a thoughtful (and often funny) discussion that explored the most pressing issues and emerging opportunities in chauffeured transportation.
“A great show put on by Chauffeur Driven and the NLA. The educational seminars were excellent with a lot of participation from the attendees. The show had non-stop action from 7:15 a.m. all the way up to the evening hours!” says Dave Shaw of Olympus Limo.
Following lunch, attendees made their way to the hopping show floor to see the latest and greatest in products and services available to the industry. Many of the major OEMs and vehicle manufacturers were present, but the floor wasn’t limited to metal—so whether you were looking to shop for your new technology, insurance, marketing, or financial service, the show floor was the place to be!
Monday closed with our always popular Women in the Industry Event, sponsored by Amaren, Elite Coach, and Motev. Under the theme of Lead Like a Woman, this year, we were pleased to offer Executive Business Coach & Corporate Trainer Elizabeth Mahusay. In addition to presenting a better path of thinking and leading, the event also provided ample time for networking among attendees.
Things continued to move at a fever pitch on Tuesday, as we got an early start with three more educational sessions. Cognitive Overload: The Hidden Dangers of Phone Use While Driving gave operators an eye-opening look into the science of distracted driving, showing exactly how our electronic devices impair the brain and lead to crashes. This was one to think about, for sure. Tuesday also saw the return of Limo University Founder Bill Faeth into the fold as he presented Sales on Cruise Control, a step-by-step look at creating a scalable sales system. Our final session, Over-the-Road Work Isn’t Hourly, dove into the challenges of OTR work as compared to traditional hourly charters. Operators were left with practical tips to keep trips efficient, compliant, and profitable.
“The CD/NLA Show has tons of knowledge flying at you. It’s like drinking from a fire hose. Soak it up quick, mingle and talk with other operators, and take your business to the next level,” says Brian Esteves of For Sure Chauffeur.
Of course, before we hit the show floor on our final day, attendees made their way to one of the CD/NLA Show’s most popular activities: The Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum, sponsored by A1A Global Ground. The hustle was on as upwards of 1,000 attendees met face to face with 65 companies from around the world, all looking to expand their business network. It’s always incredible to witness this high-energy activity on full display.
“Attending the CD/NLA Show has contributed to my professional growth by allowing me to network with industry peers and learn from others who have faced similar experiences. It has also supported our company's growth by building relationships with affiliates around the world,” says Jana Hightower of Ascent Luxury Transportation.
Many said we saved the best for last when it came to our nightlife networking events. Our Closing Night Party at the resort’s Glass Cactus nightclub, sponsored by Black Swan Executive Chauffeurs and Reseau Chauffeured Service, offered beautiful lakeside scenery combined with a high-energy rock and roll venue. Our guests hit the dance floor for the Keaton Adams band, who offered a set of contemporary country-fied sounds. Whether you were there for the rhythm, the dancing, or just a well-earned farewell with your fellow peers, we sent you home in Big Tex style.
“Between the educational opportunities in the networking events, going to the CD/NLA Shows are among the most important times of the year for me and my company. The people that I get to meet at these shows become great affiliates, mentors, and friends. I truly believe that my company would not be where it is, without attending these shows,” says Scott Archer of D & D Executive Transportation.
Of course, we wish to again thank our sponsors and exhibitors for their important role in making the CD/NLA’s Texas Show a ten-gallon success. We look forward to doing it again in the Spring when we head to Vegas on March 1-3 at the MGM Grand for our annual show.
Visit cdnlashow.com for more information.
[11.04.25]
