What happens when you pull the industry’s most driven leaders out of their daily grind and drop them into the electric atmosphere of Miami Beach? Evolution.
We’re talking about the 2026 CD/NLA Executive Retreat, of course, which returns to the world-famous Fontainebleau Hotel this June 14-17. This isn’t just another industry gathering. It’s a high-level strategic recharge designed to help operators of ALL sizes recalibrate, expand your global network, and return to the office with a clear roadmap and fresh ideas for the future. Plus, it’s an all-inclusive experience—food, drink, and entertainment included, which alone is worth the price of admission. Running your business is a 24/7 commitment, and burnout isn’t just for the corporate executives you’re shuttling to the airport. Whether you’re feeling uninspired, stuck, or simply ready for change, it’s time to take a step back so you can move forward. 
Miami continues to be one of the industry’s favorite destinations, so we chose a host property that matches that energy: the Fontainebleau. Once the East Coast playground of Hollywood’s golden era, it still carries that vibe—updated for today. Set right on Collins Avenue with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, it’s equal parts history and modern luxury. You’re here to work, but in a setting this legendary, it won’t feel like it.
Where our Executive Retreat really shines—and differs from our fall and Vegas shows—is the concentrated education and exclusivity of the three-day event. We cap attendance at 200 operators, and that’s by design to foster smaller groups, better conversations, and real access. You won’t get lost in the crowd, and you won’t leave without making or reaffirming meaningful connections. You’ll interact during workshops and break bread together at meals, but when you’re ready for downtime, the pool, ocean, or city awaits (or your comfy bed—we won’t tell). Our schedule is full but not packed to the point of exhaustion. Plus, it’s Miami. What’s not to love?
We craft our education differently at the Executive Retreat. Sessions are built for operators who are serious about scaling, and the lessons across our program deliver a deeper perspective—helping you build a flexible, practical framework you typically can’t get in a single one-hour course.
Monday’s focus is sales, whether you’re spearheading the effort yourself or managing a salesperson or team. Remember when we said to work on your business rather than in it? This is where things get real, with practical application instead of theory. It won’t be your typical sales seminar. There’s nothing mysterious about sales, but your technique and vision are what hold the ship together—and our Monday lineup will help you strengthen both.
We’ve tapped globally recognized sales trainer Victor Antonio to lead the day’s education. Beyond his 20-year track record as a top sales executive and author of 18 books, Antonio delivers on-point messaging with humor, clarity, and methods that are both fresh and time-tested. The morning segments will focus heavily on sales mindset and processes, followed by hiring your first salesman or building a department so that your efforts are uniform across an ideal client profile.
With that groundwork laid, the afternoon is where things really get cooking ... and interactive. We will explore how to capitalize on leads already coming into the business and the critical role reservationists play in upselling. Finally, the day will conclude with strategies for overcoming objections and reducing buyer resistance. Expect role-playing and real-time feedback to make your sales approach stronger and more effective.
On Tuesday, the focus shifts to you, so get ready for a session that will push you out of your comfort zone while showcasing the power of shared insight and critical thinking. We worked with Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions to assemble this gamified experience exploring the three stages of business—from early growth mode (about 10-20 vehicles), to scaling operations (20-50 vehicles), to fully mature companies (50+ vehicles) where fine-tuning profitability, M&A, and even succession considerations are possible. Within each of these stages, attendees will tackle four core challenges—operations, financials, team culture and training, and fleet/service excellence—delivered through hands-on competitions that bring real-world business problems to life. Regardless of where you are with your business, you will benefit from this fun and inspiring exercise.
In the afternoon, AI is the name of the game for our final roundtable session. We’re constantly impressed by the resourcefulness of this industry, and while our AI-skilled moderators will help keep things moving, it’s you who might hold the key to helping a peer solve a challenge using these ever-evolving tools. Even if you’re already a proficient user of AI, you’ll find value here as the technology continues to develop at a rapid pace. In addition, industry software providers offer a growing range of solutions to today’s chauffeured transportation challenges, and this interactive workshop will open your eyes to new ways AI can simplify your workload and strengthen your operation.
We don’t have a traditional show floor at the Executive Retreat, but our Vendor Meet & Greet (conveniently paired with our lunch) keeps things simple: make the rounds, start conversations, and then fill up a plate. Whether you’re exploring new solutions or just putting faces to names, it’s an easy way to connect and reconnect with the people behind the products. Think business conversations in shorts and flip-flops. A special thanks to all our sponsors, including Lancer Insurance.
Our education and networking are strong, but the evening events bring their own energy. Sunday night sets the tone as we kick things off with our exclusive opening party on the rooftop at Shiso, a popular Asian-fusion hotspot in the Wynwood neighborhood. The evening begins with some savory apps, open bar (including specialty cocktails), and live music. Then we’ll enjoy a wildly creative gastronomic experience, served family-style, that blends Japanese precision with wood-fired BBQ and Caribbean soul. It’s relaxed, social, and the kind of setting where networking happens naturally. You’ll be ready to hit the ground running for Monday’s sessions.
On Monday night, we turn things up with a trip to Little Havana’s Calle Ocho—one of Miami’s most vibrant districts—for authentic and absolutely delicious Cuban cuisine at Old’s Havana. Expect us to pull out all the stops with a buffet-style meal, an open bar (including mojitos and margaritas), a live band, and a crowd that doesn’t need much encouragement to get up and dance. We may even have salsa dancers and instructors on hand to help you join in. Go loco.
If you’re looking to turn the retreat into a full getaway, consider extending your stay through Wednesday and joining us for an optional tour on a 50-foot catamaran through the sparkling blue Miami channel. The four-hour trip includes beer and seltzers, lunch, a DJ, and a stop at a sandbar for some off-the-boat fun. Space is limited to about 40ish passengers and will require an extra fee.
June will be here before you know it, so be sure to register ASAP to secure your $999 rate. The retreat is limited to no more than 200 operators, and we’re always filling up quickly. Don’t forget to book your stay at the Fontainebleau—we secured a rate of only $289 per night, a steal for a property that regularly sells rooms for more than $600! All the latest deets are at cdnlaexecutiveretreat.com and in our weekly e-news. Don’t just work in your business—come to Miami and work on it. [CD0426]
