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EmpireCLS is Taking Part in the MPI World Education Congress 2017

Our meetings and events team endeavors to stay on the cutting edge of the MICE industry to provide the highest level of service for our clients. As part of our commitment to that mission, our team often attends events at the national and international level to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations.

One such upcoming event is the MPI World Education Congress 2017 (MPI WEC17), which will be hosted at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. From June 19-22, service providers, suppliers, event planners and others will fill the convention center. Their common goal? To revitalize the MICE industry and promote the importance of face-to-face meetings in our increasingly digital society.

 

Education and Featured Speakers

MPI’s WEC17 will consist of over 70 different educational sessions covering a broad range of topics, including:

Plus, additional topics will be offered, focusing on how event planners can go beyond planning an event to designing an experience.  

A number of notable speakers will be hosting these sessions, such as former NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson. The diverse experiences of the numerous speakers will help attendees understand ways in which they can bring more fulfilling experiences for their clients.

 

Hosted Buyer Program

Companies attending MPI’s WEC17 have the opportunity to participate in the Hosted Buyer Program. This portion of the event allows event planners to meet with suppliers from a variety of industries that can help take their events to the next level.

EmpireCLS will be exhibiting in the Hosted Buyer Program, granting attendees the chance to meet our own Executive Vice President of Meeting & Event Sales, Seth Marcus. He will be available to discuss how our company’s innovative and ground-breaking technology can revolutionize the experience of your clients. We do far more than just provide Las Vegas limo services — with the needs of our clients always in mind, we provide the ultimate luxury transportation experience.

Our attendance at events like MPI’s WEC17 shows our dedication to staying not only relevant, but ahead of the curve in transportation. If you’ll be attending the event and wish to arrive comfortably, on-time, and in style, consider booking a luxury limo for your Las Vegas trip.

 

To learn more about us or our participation in this event, contact Seth Marcus at Seth.Marcus@empirecls.com  or by phone at 201-588-2256.

Your Trip to Los Angeles Just Got Better With LAX’s Private Suite Remote Terminal

Los Angeles International Airport isn’t just one of the world’s biggest and most heavily-trafficked — it’s also a hub of transportation for some of the world’s most high-profile celebrities and other VIPs. As a result, LAX has encountered its share of snarls over the years, namely caused by throngs of paparazzi trying to catch a glimpse of VIPs. As a solution — and to offer business and first-class passengers the luxury transportation experience that they deserve — Los Angeles International Airport has introduced the Private Suite remote terminal.

Arriving passengers enjoy transportation in a BMW 7 series car from the gate to their suite. The Private Suite remote terminal is just that — removed from the hustle and bustle of the rest of LAX, and discreet as they come, with only a plain gate and guard shack marking it. The Private Suite terminal’s exterior belies what’s within: The terminal houses 13 private luxury suites, each of which has a bathroom, a refrigerator stocked with snacks and the option to book meals. Here, VIP guests can enjoy uninterrupted peace and quiet, since staff never enter the suite without first making a phone call. Private Suite passengers are also provided with any extras they may have forgotten to pack, including replacement items like iPhone chargers, cuff links and belts.

When Private Suite passengers are ready for their flight, they’re driven directly to their gate — a setup that the Wall Street Journal fittingly called “an airport experience without ever really going through an airport.”

Such a seamless, discreet luxury transportation doesn’t stop outside the bounds of LAX, either. EmpireCLS is proudly partnered with several five-diamond hotels in LA. We offer complimentary ground transportation at each one so that guests can enjoy discretion and comfort even outside of their hotel.

If you’re not traveling through Los Angeles but still want an airport transportation experience with luxury amenities, consider EmpireCLS’s Airport Concierge service. Clients who choose Airport Concierge enjoy not only the same five-star, white-glove chauffeured service that they’re accustomed to from EmpireCLS, but also baggage transportation throughout the airport and complimentary access to VIP lounges at some of the world’s busiest terminals. Our VIP clientele who choose Airport Concierge are left free to conduct business or simply bask in some quiet while the rest is taken care of for them.

Want to learn more, or make a reservation? Call us at 888-826-3431 or visit our reservation portal.

How LaGuardia’s Redevelopment Project Affects Your Ground Transportation

LaGuardia Airport is one of the busiest commercial airports in the US, serving millions of passengers each year. Recently, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey determined that the hub’s Central Terminal Building, which was most recently renovated in the 1990s, could no longer accommodate the flow of traffic, suffering from spatial constraints for both aircraft on the runways and pedestrians within the terminal.

LaGuardia Redevelopment Program

With the intent of meeting current demands as well as accommodating for the future, the Port Authority decided to undertake an extensive redevelopment plan for LaGuardia to provide a better experience for travelers. The project includes demolishing the current Central Terminal Building and constructing a new one in its place, as well as a new aeronautical ramp and other improvements throughout the hub.

Effects on Travelers Using For-Hire Vehicle Transportation

While the project will ultimately improve operations at the airport, in the meantime, certain areas will be closed, causing headaches for travelers. One of the primary issues right now concerns Terminal B. For-hire vehicles that would normally pick up passengers at Terminal B, which serves as the gateway for those flying American, JetBlue and Southwest, are no longer allowed to wait directly at the terminal. Instead, they must wait in lot 10, and then wait for a dispatch to allow them to come to the newly designated pick-up area, which is labeled “Car Services, App-Based Rides & Black Car Pick-Up Area.”

For travelers, this means that they must take a 10-minute shuttle ride to the car pick-up area and then wait for their chauffeur service to arrive at the designated location. If you have a meeting scheduled following your arrival in New York, you may want to consider booking an earlier flight to accommodate for this additional procedure.

How EmpireCLS Is Prepared

EmpireCLS always has contingency measures in place for unexpected issues such as the changes at LaGuardia Airport. All of our drivers been apprised of the new procedures that are in place at the airport and will appropriately allot extra time as needed to ensure that they arrive early. We will also send out a communication to all of our customers to keep them informed of the situation and to advise them of this new limo service pick-up procedure, allowing them to plan the details of their trip accurately.

To learn more about how EmpireCLS is staying ahead of the game in LaGuardia airport and at hundreds of other airports worldwide, visit http://www.empirecls.com.

How to Address the Concerns of Female Travelers

Today, women are key players in the business travel industry: Not only do they make up nearly one-fourth of business travelers, but they also make approximately 80% of travel decisions. With these facts in mind, it is imperative to consider the female perspective on safety while traveling to provide exemplary service to all clients.

Why Safety is Paramount

Most travelers will feel somewhat uneasy the first time they travel to a new location, but women may have additional concerns compared to their male counterparts. From a young age, women are trained to be vigilant of their surroundings when traveling alone, clutching handbags close and carrying keys in hand to ward off potential attackers. By understanding our client’s travel anxieties, we are able to put measures in place to give them a greater feeling of security.

How We Put Our Clients at Ease

EmpireCLS is aware of the needs of both their male and female travelers, allowing them to assuage the fears of all their passengers. We offer the following advanced safety measures:

Over the years we have continued to implement state-of-the-art security measures to give all of our guests the peace of mind they deserve during their travels. Book your next limousine service with us and experience the difference that personalized service makes.

2017 Luxury Cars That Spark Our Inspiration

Luxury cars are more than just a way to travel from point A to point B; they inspire us with their heart-pounding acceleration, exquisite styling and superb handling. Luxury vehicles, including wedding limos, serve to remind us of the utter joy of mastering the road, cradled in supple leather. For some of us, owning such a vehicle remains only a dream, but these three cars are certainly adding fuel to the fire of our fantasies.

Porsche 911 Turbo S

The latest addition to Porsche’s 911 GTS line is scheduled to hit the States this April. A powerful 580 hp engine with a whopping 553 foot-pounds of torque is packed into a captivating little coupe. Though unmistakable as a Porsche thanks to its chic front-end styling, this otherwise unassuming vehicle will be sure to turn heads as it accelerates from zero to 60 in under three seconds.

Lamborghini Huracán Spyder

The Italian powerhouse doesn’t disappoint with this latest incarnation of the Huracán Spyder. The ultra-sleek styling of this sports car is as impressive within as it is without. The 610 hp, V10 engine hums with unbridled power that just begs to move fast. Even the everyday commute can become a joyride with this commanding vehicle. Like its namesake destructive force of nature, the “hurricane” is sure to blow away its competition.

Rolls-Royce Wraith

It’s nearly impossible to mistake a Rolls-Royce for any other car. The Wraith exudes luxury with its classy exterior style and plush, comfortable interior. Despite its impressive size and weight, the car is surprisingly agile with a 624 hp, V12 engine, and over 600 foot-pounds of torque. The sumptuous interior offers a quiet and refined ride.

For classic rock aficionados, Rolls-Royce is creating nine one-off examples of the Wraith. The company partnered with musicians from iconic bands like the Who, the Rolling Stones and the Kinks to create one-of-a-kind vehicles with artwork and lyrics inspired by their music. Proceeds from the vehicles will be donated to the musician’s charity of choice.

EmpireCLS understands the importance of arriving in style. Our own fleet of vehicles for corporate limo services consists of meticulously maintained luxury vehicles that allow you to reach your destination in total comfort. Book an appointment online today for your next corporate meeting.

Second Annual Global Meetings Industry Day Emphasizes Relevance of Industry

For the second year in a row, companies around the world will participate in Global Meetings Industry Day. Events will be held on April 6, 2017 at dozens of locations across the globe to advocate for the importance of in-person business meetings, conferences and trade shows, as well as to share the latest industry-relevant news and research. EmpireCLS is excited to be participating in #GMID17. Our representatives will be attending the event hosted by MPI Greater New York and NYPCMA at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge.

Meetings Professional International (MPI) was founded in 1972 as a way for business professionals to network and share information to help grow the industry. MPIGNY is one of more than 90 chapters of the organization that exist worldwide. Along with the New York Area chapter of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the group will be holding its second event. One of the primary topics of focus will be the future of professional meetings, as well as what types of opportunities will be available in the industry.

Why do face-to-face meetings matter?

In the digital age, it’s easier than ever to connect instantly with people around the world; yet no matter how far technology advances, there will never be a substitute for meeting someone in person. An additional level of understanding is added to a conversation when you can clearly detect nuanced gestures, hear subtle changes of tone or feel the grip of a new business partner’s hand as you seal the deal.

Always arrive on time and in style.

First impressions matter. That’s why EmpireCLS provides services like corporate limo services that are second-to-none. We have our own fleet of luxury vehicles to transport you reliably to your next meeting or event. Our chauffeurs always arrive early to ensure that you reach your destination on time.

Never stop innovating.

Innovation is at the heart of our industry, and #GMID17 brings that idea to the forefront by rallying together a variety of professionals who make great meetings happen. EmpireCLS has continually been an innovator in the event transportation industry, offering the latest reservation and tracking technologies, as well as advanced safety features for all of our executive car services. We are also working to improve technology in the field of Strategic Meetings Management (SMM).

Global Meetings Industry Day is a fantastic opportunity to meet with other professionals in the industry and to catch a glimpse of what the future holds.

To stay up to date with #GMID17, follow @MPISCC and @MPIGNY on Twitter.

Kind Words About EmpireCLS Shared By Where® IN New York Magazine

Writers of service reviews often feel one of two ways. Commonly, those that feel they’ve received poor service relate their thoughts and experience in an altruistic interest, to protect others from what they see as a raw deal.

Perhaps less commonly, those who feel that they’ve received exemplary service, worth more than the price they paid for it, share their experience to encourage others to support the business behind such work.

Never taking this kind of thing lightly, we’re pleased to share that not one, but seven different reviews of our service were shared by Where® IN New York magazine. The reviews came from a concierge event we chauffeured on January 16th, during which we provided transportation from Benjamin Prime steakhouse to a performance of DCINY’s “Reflections of Peace” at Carnegie Hall for several NYC hospitality providers.

See what some of them had to say:

“The ride in the EmpireCLS bus was smooth, along with the driver being careful and caring by dropping us off in a very safe location across from Carnegie Hall.”– Nicole Longchamp, Concierge, 1 Hotel Central Park

In the world of business, the right words from the right person can go a long way. Hearing kind words about our corporate limo services from some of New York’s foremost hospitality service staff is as great an honor as getting to serve them in their functions.

“EmpireCLS was great. The driver was super friendly and the bus was brand new and spotless. The mini water bottles at each seat were a great touch!” — Brittany Safe, Guest Services Manager, Seton Hotel

New York chefs know the best places to eat in the city. New York musicians know the best clubs to see live music. Working in the service industry, we consider it an immense achievement to be the choice of the concierge.

“It was wonderful of EmpireCLS to bring us from Benjamin Prime to Carnegie Hall. The bus was immaculate, smelled fresh and had brand-new seats that were very comfortable. I loved the water at each seat.” — John-Paul Palace, Concierge, Hotel Mela Times Square

At EmpireCLS, comfort and luxury go hand hand. Chosen all over the world, from Miami to Moscow, by those who know service best, our limo service is available to show you what your transportation needs have been missing. Visit http://empirecls.wpengine.com to learn more.

Courchevel: Connecting With Nature

EmpireCLS is the premier name in luxury corporate limo services: We’re trusted above all others to provide a world class transportation experience to the most exclusive hotels and resorts across the globe. The hospitality industry continues to adopt cutting-edge technologies and integrate them in ways that transform the most remote locales into opulent oases, something we mirror in our own industry by integrating smart technologies like weather alerts into our services.  

Perhaps the most recent news of the technological trend is Courchevel Tourisme. Courchevel is a billionaire’s paradise, a ski resort that has already received wide acclaim as perhaps the most enjoyable mountain vacation in all of France.

Due to the massive size of the resort and its distance from civilization, state-of-the-art transportation infrastructure was built to accommodate visitors and provide them with access to the entirety of the course in the most convenient manner. The infrastructure provided for a need; however, its impact on the course’s clientele was dulled by the lack of information shared between accessible points. Simply, skiers wanted to know what the weather conditions were like at other parts of the mountain range so they could find the best experience without trekking from point to point.

Sensing that there was a solution to this issue, Courchevel Tourisme partnered with Digital Social Retail in late 2016. Digital Social Retail specializes in driving consumer engagement through smart applications. The mission for the two entities came into focus almost immediately: to build a system that could monitor the weather conditions across the area and provide updates to residents and tourists.

Strategically placing the connector technology throughout the terrain, Digital Social Retail could monitor safety and weather conditions while simultaneously alerting anyone on or around the mountain of the changes through mobile notifications.

As the world’s smartest ski city, the course has grown even more in popularity for the 2016-2017 season as visitors now know that they can fully maximize their skiing time thanks to the new system. The hospitality industry is watching Courchevel closely, and if it continues to be successful, more resorts may adopt the strategy. Our service adopted weather-intuitive technology years ago, alerting clients of inclement weather changes and altering travel plans accordingly.  

We’re looking forward to a smarter hospitality industry and continue to research new technologies that make the travel experience even more convenient. To learn more about traveling to Courchevel Tourisme with EmpireCLS or our other luxury car services, visit us online or call us at 855-989-6429.

Is Online Personalization Lacking in the Luxury Industry?

During any shopping experience, you want to feel involved and valued. After all, it’s your hard-earned money that you’re spending – so your purchase and overall shopping experience should be prioritized by a retailer. However, according to a recent report by Luxury Daily, many consumers are finding that their online experience is seriously lacking.

The luxury industry has quite the problem, it turns out. As technology has seamlessly blended with the shopping experience, luxury has been sluggish to adapt, relying on more traditional means of paying personal attention to clientele. Retaining old-school flair isn’t a bad thing, but as technology continues to dominate our world, online personalization should be a tool that is utilized for affluent clients to feel like they are a part of something exclusive. Whether it’s a limo service or a high-end jeweler, luxury brands should step up their ability to make clients feel special through online booking, buying and communication experience.

A Look at the Statistics

The luxury industry’s sluggishness to adapt to technological saturation and provide end users with personalized online experience is backed up by some concerning statistics. According to a recent L2 report:

These statistics prove that a lot of work remains to be done by luxury industry players in regards to online personalization – and that adapting it can be incredibly lucrative.

Data Disconnect

So what is contributing to this problem? One thing that can be taken into account is grabbing data.

Data such as transaction impetus, conversion rates and expedited payment options are fantastic ways to boost online sales and gauge how to move forward with a personalized approach. For luxury brands, utilizing this data can be valuable since the average luxury retailer captures only 7.8 data points per online account signup compared to an average 12.2 data points. Obviously, there is work to be done.

Providing consumers with this personalized experience online is vital. At EmpireCLS, we strive to rise above this knock on other luxury brands and provide the finest and personalized approach.

On our website, you will find that it is easy to book a reservation as a member or a guest with our online registration. As a member, you can receive flexibility as options such as price quotes, receipts for past trips and reservation information are all available in real time.

Whether you are booking a reservation for limo service from Chicago to Washington DC or Paris to Berlin, we will provide you with a personalized approach.

Benefits You’ll Receive at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills by Using the Travel Program from Virtuoso

Anyone can feel like a Hollywood A-lister if they choose to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills (opening soon in April 2017) by traveling with Virtuoso, the leading luxury and experiential travel network of which EmpireCLS is proud to be a part. As recently announced, Virtuoso will provides travelers who stay at this hotel with exclusive advantages that will make them feel as though they’re royalty.

As an opening offer, if you book your stay at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills through a Virtuoso travel advisor, then you’ll receive a three-piece collection from luxury skincare brand La Prairie, which is valued at $150. You’ll also receive the following benefits at no additional charge:

We know that your stay at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills will be nothing less than a sophisticated and unforgettable experience. The 170-room hotel features a triple-height lobby with a contemporary Art Deco design, custom chandeliers, hand-painted murals of the California landscape and the signature Waldorf Astoria clock. The hotel also has gardens on every level, which serves as an escape for your soul and senses.

If you’d like to receive these amenities along with the combination of California ease and true luxury, consider using the Virtuoso travel program.

At EmpireCLS, we understand how important it is to treat customers like royalty, especially if they’re traveling to different places. If you have a wedding in the near future and need luxury wedding transportation, we have you covered. If you need a limousine to get you around a new city, you can count on us, not only for transportation but for white-glove service, discreet chauffeurs and expertly maintained luxury fleet vehicles with five-star safety ratings. It’s this tireless dedication to our customers’ luxury experience that’s earned us a place in the exclusive Virtuoso network.

To learn more about our business limousine service at EmpireCLS, visit us at http://empirecls.wpengine.com/.