Car rental managers, executives and employees from corporate, franchised and independent companies across the U.S. and overseas came together at the 2014 Auto Rental Summit from Nov. 10-11.

Designed to improve customer service and enhance value of car rental operations, this two-day training and education conference at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., featured an exhibit hall with vendors, informative seminars and networking opportunities (including an “Opening Act Rock Star Party”) for 260 registrants, a 24% increase in attendees over 2013.

The Summit included several breakout seminars, including tips for maintaining customer service in the damage recovery process, how to improve counter sales and how to select top job candidates. Technology was also covered in the seminars on utilizing mobile apps and software to streamlining everything from reservations to inventory control, as well as using technology (websites, social media, blogs, etc.) to find new business.

In addition to the seminars, several awards were presented at this year’s Summit.

Auto Rental News announced the four winners of its third annual Professional of the Year Awards, which honor associates who demonstrate and promote outstanding customer satisfaction within the car rental process.

CarRentalExpress.com honored the winner of its second Renter Rated Award, which recognizes the top- scoring independent car rental agency in its Renter Rated Program. This year, honorable mentions were also given to runners-up in three sub-categories: staff, vehicles and “recommend to others.”

For more photos of the event, click here to visit the Auto Rental Summit photo gallery.