LCT EAST EDITION: “Speed-Date” Networking A Turn-On For Operators

MOHEGAN SUN RESORT & CASINO, CT — While networking has become more critical then ever, connecting with the right operators who can provide more business in your market area is not always an easy task.

Trade shows afford a great opportunity to meet people, but you do not always get adequate face time with those powerhouse companies that you have heard give scads of jobs out daily. LCT’s first-ever Affiliate Speed Meet delivered that much needed opportunity to get in front of the Who’s-Who of the chauffeured transportation industry.

The concept of speed dating emerged during the past decade, putting singles together for a short period of time as a means of efficiently detecting any mutual sparks. The practical concept was applied to networking at LCT East. Companies looking for providers set up tables while those who wanted to get a piece of that business waited in the lobby and hallways practicing their “elevator intros.” LCT held three speed-meet sessions and could easily have added more as the buzz about the event spread throughout the conference. Companies with tables included Limos.com, which sponsored the event, Empire International, RMA, Commonwealth Worldwide, and Urban Ride.

The first group piled into the room lining up two per table. Tables circled the room. Each participant was given exactly two minutes to pitch the company they were visiting before the bell rang and each shifted to the next table. The energy at the event was high. Attendees embraced it with enthusiasm and walked away with leads to follow up on and new contacts to build on.

Participants were impressed with the format. Theresa Stivers of International Limousine Service, Inc. in Washington, D.C. felt that the event was the hit of the show. “What a great way to market your company,” said Stivers, who was among the participants in the first group.

Bito Pimenta of Enova in Fort Lauderdale, FL is looking forward to the next speed meet event. “This was the best. I believe that I will get business as a result of doing this.”

Mitch Bornstein of Urban Ride based in New York City had a table at the event. “This was really good. I met people in areas that I needed service and I now have back up for other areas. I would definitely do this again.”

Juan Tavares of Legion NY LLC, based in Brooklyn, N.Y., felt that the event was the best part of the LCT Eastern Conference. “I am a very small base operator and this event was amazing for my business,” Tavares said. “Speed networking paid for my trip through the number of contacts and new opportunities I have found. This was awesome. Do it again soon!”

LCT plans to offer an expanded, improved speed meet networking event based on operator feedback at the International LCT Show in Las Vegas, January 25-27, 2010.

Source: Linda Jagiela, LCT Magazine