In 2009, limousine operators that attended The Limo Digest Show showed a resiliency, while in 2010, there was a renewed passion for the industry and perseverance like never before. Those signs of life we saw in the last few years were not short-lived. The 2011 Limo Digest Show this past November at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, N.J., was a spectacular and electric event. Gone was the trepidation and uncertainty that were the hallmarks of the recession. With ever increasing attendance and an influx of attendees from countries around the world, spurred in part by the return of our All In $499 package including hotel accommodations and a four-day Show pass, this was truly a global event that shattered even the wildest expectations. Each year Chris Weiss, Show director; Megan Hogue, assistant Show manager; and Tom Mazza, industry consultant and Limo Digest Show education coordinator, pinpoint the exact areas that will interest and excite the industry. Both Weiss and Mazza travel the country meeting with operators of every shape, size, and market served, and with industry feedback, they created a Show chock full of fresh ideas relevant to operating a business today. Companies are now running leaner and smarter than ever, and that hard work and austerity has paid off. Numerous operators across the country have reported that 2011 was their most profitable year—ever.

Education for Every Business
This past Show, aptly themed “Knowledge Is Power, With Power Comes Change” and once again exclusively sponsored by Cadillac, certainly lived up to its message. Owners, office staff, and chauffeurs were there to soak up best business practices that only four days of incredible education and networking can provide. There were some old familiar favorites, like the Women in the Industry Networking Reception and Referral Guide Live!, where operators continue to meet other operators from across the country, with a few new surprises, like the first-ever After-Hours Rainforest Party on Sunday night (sponsored by Maxim Limousine Worldwide and Sunset Luxury Limousines) and an app that worked with your smart device (sponsored by Grand Avenue Chauffeured Transportation). For the hungry early risers, our daily breakfast buffet, sponsored by BeTransported, was a welcome addition to our packed lineup. “I really appreciated the breakfast buffet. It was wonderful and very convenient,” says Larry Chrystal of A-1 Mr. Limo in Wickliffe, Ohio. “It’s sometimes a pain to go elsewhere for breakfast and still make it to the seminars on time. I vote for it again next year!” What better way to start a full day of activities?

“I can’t say enough about how great David Benton’s seminar was. You saved the best for last! I took his energy and information back to my employees and discussed how we truly are in the hospitality business.”
– Carey Fieldhouse, R&R Limousine in Louisville, Ky.

The seminar series, sponsored by FASTTRAK Cloud Livery Systems, continues to get better with each year. It featured 10 timely and pertinent sessions dedicated to helping operators thrive today and prepare for the future. “I personally enjoyed the seminars,” says Debbie Sievers, national affiliate manager for Harrison Global in Waltham, Mass. “For me, they were subjects I could identify with and apply to my day-to-day work.” With everything from PR and mystery shopping to affiliate work and hotel partnerships, the information was tailor-made for the current business climate. The sessions and speakers—including many professionals from related industries—were assembled by Mazza and Weiss, who is also the president/publisher of Limousine Digest. A special thank you to speaker and guest moderator Jeff Hitt of Allaire Global Transportation for assisting Mazza.

The standing-room-only State of the Industry Address, was presented by EmpireCLS CEO and BeTransported.com founder David Seelinger. No subject was taboo, but he focused mainly about how the industry is being changed for the better by technology—a topic he is clearly passionate about and well-versed in.

Another event that grows more popular every year is the Association Summit, presented by The Hudson Group. Almost 150 people attended the Summit this year to hear from our esteemed panelists of seasoned operators and association leaders, which included Mike Pazzaneze of the New England Livery Association, Rich Azzolino of Greater California Livery Association, and Doug Schwartz of Long Island Limousine Association. Topics ran the gamut from building membership and fundraising to DOT laws and employee classification. Even though each state may be dealing with its own individual regulatory battles, coming together to educate each other is invaluable; you never know when the same difficulties will arise in your market. Debates sparked during open discussion time, proving that it is becoming increasingly evident how important local, state, and regional associations are to bringing attention to these issues and protecting our industry.

One of the most talked-about events was our Keynote Address, sponsored by Cadillac, titled “Igniting Your Employees’ Passion for Service Excellence.” The Keynote was delivered by Jeff Hargett of The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center, a facility that trains not only the award-winning employees of one of the world’s most respected hotels, but also any company that wants to learn how putting customers first leads to success. Businesses spend thousands of dollars for information like this. Hargett showed that our industries have much in common to achieve the same end goal: repeat business. He used real-life examples of employees who went far beyond the limits of their job descriptions to solve a problem or make a customer happy—including an employee who not only found his guest’s wedding ring lost in the ocean, but went to the trouble of wrapping it in a chocolate box and delivering it to the newlywed’s room. Not since Donald Trump’s or Suze Orman’s keynote speech have we seen such a riveted crowd on the edge of their seats.

“I have to say that Jeff Hargett and his message really stood out,” says Joe Rivera of AllGems Transportation in Orlando, Fla. “He is a phenomenal speaker. The information David Seelinger shared was very enlightening. All of the seminar topics were on-point and gave us immediate ideas to implement. Overall I have to say two thumbs up!”

Jam-packed Show Floor
The Show floor, which was sold out and had a waiting list for exhibitors who wanted to display, was nothing short of amazing. Operators were there to buy, and suppliers were definitely offering plenty of special Show-only deals. As a true testament to the changing industry, five OEMs were represented on the floor—Cadillac, Ford, Hyundai, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz—showing off their stunning offerings for the industry. On opening day just after the ribbon cutting, Krystal Enterprises debuted its brand-spanking-new stretched MKT, the successor to the erstwhile Town Car. The sleek vehicle wasn’t the only one turning heads. Dozens of buses, sedans, vans, limos, and SUVs dazzled attendees who were looking for their next fleet addition. From valued-priced to the sky is the limit, there was something for every pricepoint and everything in between.

Vehicles weren’t the only highlight of the Show floor. Well over 100 suppliers from insurance companies and marketing agencies to dealers and technology providers showcased their latest products and services to operators ready to expand their businesses. On Tuesday, Titus Leasing Company sponsored a delicious lunch for Show attendees.

And you couldn’t miss the flavor and camaraderie on Association Alley, sponsored by The Hudson Group. For the third year in a row, we offered free booth space to all associations to tout their triumphs and encourage membership. Some associations added flair to their displays (the NCLA booth looked like a Tiki cabana) while others appealed to taste buds by handing out edible goodies (the Philadelphia soft pretzels were a crowd-pleaser). Everyone has fun with it, but ultimately Association Alley remains a quality opportunity for these organizations to attract new members and network with each other.

Non-stop Networking
If you’ve been tempted to think of The Limo Digest Show as the “East Coast Show,” think again. Not only did the 2400 attendees come from almost every state in the union and Canada, but there were an unprecedented number of first-time and repeat attendees from countries around the world.

“Last time I attended a show was about 5 years ago. Needless to say, things have dramatically changed … of the better,” says Catherine Chaulet, senior vice president of BostonCoach in Mass. “The audience is now so much more professional. I was also impressed with how far reaching the attendees were. We actually met companies from around the world. I was expecting to maybe have two interesting leads, but I actually came back with many more companies worldwide that we may do business with.”

Limo Digest, in conjunction with Living Tradeshow, featured an app that allowed operators, suppliers, and just about anyone to exchange information without having to pull out a business card. You’ll definitely see more of this technology in the next years as we continue to make the Show even more efficient for attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors.

The highlight of affiliate connections continues to be Referral Guide Live!, the speed networking forum that pushes operators to put their best foot forward in two-minute intervals. Over 40 companies signed up to host a table, and the corresponding slots easily filled again this year. “We always find new affiliates and reinforce our previous relationships,” says Kal Sanghera of Regent Limousine Service in Victoria, British Columbia.

The Limo Digest Show is also the place for local and national associations to host meetings and invite new members to experience camaraderie on a whole new level. Five associations held packed meetings at the Show, including the first-ever Minority Limousine Operators of America, as well as annual gatherings of the Limousine Association of New Jersey, Luxury Base Operators Association, Florida Limousine Association, and Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association.

But the biggest networking surprise was saved for the ladies with the Women in the Industry Networking Reception, sponsored by Blue Diamond Worldwide Transportation and Two Step Total Transportation Worldwide. With the help of Barbara Curtis of Two Step and Carrie Peele of Blue Diamond, we shook up the old format and added some live entertainment, signature drinks, and delicious desserts. Ladies left energized and ready to get back to work. “The Limo Digest Show was tremendous this year,” says Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady in Parkville, Md., and president of Maryland Limousine Association. “I was so impressed with the attendance and the positive attitude that everyone had. The Women in the Industry was just over the top! I can’t wait until next year’s Show!”

A Fitting Way to End the Day
Hey, you don’t just come to The Limo Digest Show to learn, right? With the return of business and the optimism of attendees, a little fun was in order. Beginning on Sunday night with our Tailgaters Bash, sponsored by Ambassador Limousine and Sedan and complete with games, prizes, finger foods, and operators showing their team spirit with jerseys, it was a fitting opening to the four-day event. The night was just getting started, however, with the debut of our After-Hours Rainforest Party into the wee small hours of the morning. Party-goers were treated to the hot sounds of Matt Daus’ band, Class Action—which was definitely a different side of the normally conservative IATR president and former New York City TLC commissioner. The band made a special appearance at the Bourbon Street Jamboree on Tuesday night as well. The event, sponsored by Limousine Livery, was our take on the spirit that is New Orleans with lots of great music, photo ops, colorful beads and fancy masks to add to the fun, and laidback attitude reminiscent of hot NOLA nights in the French Quarter.

“You all knocked it out of the park this year. Everything from the All In package price that included breakfast to the fun parties with live entertainment was just unbelievable.” – Michael Greene, A Platinum Plus Limousine in Baltimore, Md.

But the crowning jewel of The Limo Digest Show is always our Industry Achievement Awards Gala & Make-A-Wish Charity Auction, sponsored by Atlantic Limousine & Transportation and Torgro Worldwide. This year we honored 10 of our industry’s best, from operator of the year to best chauffeur, and even marked the start of a new award, the Dean Schuler “Friend of the Industry,” which honors the late owner of Signature Livery, the Carey New Orleans franchise. The night kicked off with our annual charity auction, in which attendees once again opened their hearts and wallets to raise an astounding $80,000 for the children’s charity. Every single penny goes straight to Make-A-Wish as we edge ever closer to our goal of besting $1 million!

Thank you to all of the generous donors who contributed amazing auction items from sports memorabilia to once-in-a-lifetime trips and special packages. A special thank you to our affable and hilarious auctioneer, George Jacobs of Windy City Limousine in Chicago.

The round-up to the night—and the Show—was our infamous After-Hours Suite Parties, this year again hosted by CLI Worldwide Transportation, ETS International, Torgro Worldwide, and ZBest Executive Global Transportation Services. The drinks were on them as hundreds of operators flocked to the 14th floor for some sizzling conversation and good fun before returning to the grind of work.

Ready for the New Year with a New Attitude
It’s been a heck of a journey to 2012, but those who made it are stronger and wiser for the wear. Attendees proved that this industry not only has staying power, but can adapt to change and forge ahead. This is going to be an exciting year economically and politically, but the industry is ready to tackle any challenge head-on. Join us again later this year in Atlantic City for our 2012 Limo Digest Show this November. We guarantee it will knock your socks off. LD01/12