Planning a meeting in Las Vegas or attending a convention in Las Vegas and having to organize satellite events?
Transportation Made Simple
One of the biggest nightmares for meeting planners is coordinating individual and group travel for an event. Attractive options to alleviate the stress and complexity of transportation needs for both the planner and the attendees are hiring charter buses or limousines. With the convenience, luxury amenities and cost and safety benefits, charter buses and limousines truly are avenues to consider seriously.

Benefits of Using a Charter Bus
When everyone comes from different locations via different methods, it often means scheduling and coordination issues as well as time wasted waiting for group members to arrive. With charter buses, large groups of travelers reach their destination all at once without extra individual hassles. Bus charters provide destination-specific pick-ups and drop-offs almost anywhere in their service area, and some offer multiple pick-up and drop-off points for added convenience. While certainly easier for meeting planners, it is also great for attendees; they can sit back and enjoy the ride while someone else drives. Plus, if a group outing involves alcohol or late-night driving, attendees don’t have to worry about it. In addition, large groups get the opportunity and enjoyment of traveling together, which means fun and excitement as well as more chances for team building, networking and camaraderie.

Charter buses feature myriad amenities, from reclining seats, adjustable footrests and personal reading lights to on-board restrooms and high-tech entertainment systems. All charter buses are climate-controlled and built to offer the feel of a luxury automobile ride. Depending on the needs of your group, charter buses come in many shapes and sizes with seating capacities ranging anywhere from eight to 300. Each company has its own Web site or information center that gives details about the amenities and services they offer.

Many event organizers think, with all the posh amenities associated with charter buses, that the price would not fit their budget so the group cannot take advantage of the convenience they offer. However, when the costs of driving multiple cars—rental and insurance fees, fuel, mileage reimbursement, parking or maintenance—are compared to the cost of many people in one charter bus, it is a surprisingly economical, competitive option. Moreover, in the current economy, the price of charter buses has become very reasonable, and companies are fiercely competitive for your business, often offering special packages, attractive terms and increased amenities at discounted rates. Be sure to shortlist a few bus charter companies, and take your time comparing quotes before making a decision to get the best bang for your buck.

Another benefit of chartering a bus for your event is that it is statistically one of the safest forms of travel. In addition to the logic of “safety in numbers,” charter drivers are highly regulated so the industry has an unparalleled safety record in terms of road transportation. The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulates the nation’s charter bus industry. Companies are required to have insurance policies to protect its customers while in transit. Drivers are required to carry a current USDOT Physical Exam Card, be drug tested and maintain a log for miles and hours of service so they do not exceed maximum drive time and thus become tired behind the wheel. Plus, charter buses are safer for the environment, achieving the highest passenger miles per gallon (MPG) and the lowest passenger MPG of carbon dioxide emissions of all forms of road transportation.

The Lap of Limo Luxury
Hiring limousines for your event transportation certainly is a way to impress, but finding a good limo service can be more difficult than it seems. The sheer number of companies out there ensures selection, but how do you narrow it down to get the best value and quality for your money? When looking for limo transportation, always use caution and research to find reliable and honest companies that will give you the service you expect and deserve.

When searching for a company, most want the lowest price, but cheapest is not always the best. Although the service seems the same, often a slightly more expensive business invests in its back office, which ensures quality service. This includes experienced chauffeurs with background checks; vehicle maintenance and liability insurance; and 24-hour dispatch and protected credit card data. Going for a deal is fine, but just make sure you’re getting quality.

One of the best ways to find a good limo service is through referrals, either from associates or the Better Business Bureau. First-hand referrals and published reviews go a long way to ensure satisfaction. In addition, determine what you want or need from the service by asking about available amenities. Whether you want entertainment media, food or alcohol, spaciousness or simply a nice ride, there are services for many budgets.

“Limos” come in all shapes and sizes—from town cars to stretch SUVs—therefore price points vary. Inquire how many vehicles a service owns, vehicle age and their capacities. Although the number of cars does not predict quality of service, it indicates the company’s focus. Small companies typically offer one type of highly personalized service. Medium companies have a variety of vehicles and services. Big companies handle large-volume corporate accounts. All vehicles should have fewer than 200,000 miles, or well-maintained older vehicles should have million-dollar insurance policies. Also important is the availability of backup vehicles for emergencies.

1
2
Gallery
 
Submit an Article
If you have expertise in a particular area relevant to planning meetings and or events, you may submit a 400 to 750 word "how-to" article for possible inclusion in any of our magazines and/or our websites.

If accepted, your submission will be edited for length and clarity. There is no monetary payment if your item is used; instead, you can publicize yourself through a five-line biography with your contact information that will appear at the end of the article.

Send submissions to
editorial@MeetingPlannerResources.org. We will contact you if your submission is chosen.