So Many Shows — So Many Decisions

Yes, 2019 LCT East is really happening. It's the industry's more sophisticated event with a premium on advanced, useful education and networking, minus the retro industry drama and politics. (LCT photo)

There is a lot of chatter on social media about the number of trade shows the industry is involved in, and more specifically, this question: Why do we have so many? A better question might be, why do we have so many golf tournaments in this industry? But, that’s another blog. This blog is about why each show is important on its own merits.

Every trade show, regardless of who organizes it, who sponsors it, where or when it is held — offers opportunity. You simply must choose how many opportunities you want to take, select your personal educational and operational goals, and decide where to invest your money and time.

As an educational example, the upcoming LCT East Show has a session about the difference between advertising and marketing. Many people don’t know the difference. My session is one I present regularly at high school and college campuses. Many operators have never been exposed to such a basic class, yet this is one vital to your success. You won’t find this session anywhere else. While you might encounter plenty of social media-oriented classes at all shows, until you understand whether you need to run and advertising or a marketing campaign, any social media campaign can and will fail.

The networking opportunities at any show are invaluable. There never seems to be enough time to sit down and have a relaxed meal with people you know or more importantly, people you want to know better. Smaller shows provide more opportunities for one-on-one time while larger shows pack in more punch with more vendor booths, more educational opportunities, late-night network parties, and structured networking events such as B4 Business, a kind of speed dating opportunity to meet new affiliates in a unique way.

LCT launched the first limousine show some thirty-five years ago in Atlantic City. The Las Vegas-based International LCT Show has always been the largest chauffeured transportation industry show in the nation with participants coming from as many as 39 nations around the world.

The opportunities for networking, learning, and keeping abreast of technology and trends have always been the primary focus of all LCT Shows. The upcoming LCT East Show at the Hard Rock Hotel Casino Atlantic City (Nov. 3-5) will be no different as we draw upon decades of experience on the very turf where Ty Bobit launched his very first limousine show in 1984. I bet many of the people who work in this industry today weren’t even born yet when LCT made history in Atlantic City.