Car Rental Show Checklist Whether this is your first or 15th Car Rental Show, a little planning will help make your trip as productive as possible.
Do Your Homework
--Register early and save. Attendees who register before March 19 get $100 off the full conference pass of $550. Book your hotel early. CRS has negotiated an exclusive room rate for attendees of $65 per night.
--Go to www.carrentalshow.com and print a list of seminars you want to attend prior to the show. Speaker presentations will be available to download after the show. Last year’s presentations are online right now.
--Check out the Web sites of exhibitors and preview their products and services before you see them on the show floor. Contact an exhibitor before the show to schedule an appointment during the show, off expo time.
What to Wear
--CRS attendees are encouraged to dress business casual.
--Las Vegas temperatures at the end of April range from the low 50s to the low 80s. Dress accordingly if you plan on hitting the town at night.
Getting Around
--Cab fare from the airport to the Las Vegas Hilton runs from $15-$20.
--Another airport option is to take a limo. Limos usually have almost no wait and will often run only $10 more than a taxi. Find the limo stand through the same airport exit as the taxi stand.
--There is no monorail stop at the airport. However, the monorail does stop inside the Las Vegas Hilton and is a good way to get up and down the Strip. Single passenger fare is $5.
Schmoozing 101
--Have you ever gone to a show and thought you’re the only person who doesn’t know anyone? To make initial greetings easier, spend time planning some conversation generators you can use to gather information.
--Bring plenty of business cards and have the cards in a pocket within easy reach. Use a separate pocket to deposit received business cards. Jot down a few words regarding your conversation on the back of the card to jog your memory later.
--Attend all of the receptions and refreshment breaks. This is a great way to network and meet your industry peers.
--Exhibitors hold their raffle drawings in the expo hall at the closing reception. If you’re not there, you won’t hear your name drawn!
--Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be on your feet a lot of the time. This from a show veteran: “Ladies, forget the high heels. Be comfortable and don’t worry about making a fashion statement.”
--Come find me, Chris Brown, at the show. I want to know about you and your business!