Planning a meeting in Las Vegas or attending a convention in Las Vegas and having to organize satellite events?
Corporate Transportation in Vegas
At first glance, it might seem that planners have the advantage when it comes to transportation in Vegas. On the Strip, the majority of the marquee resorts, casinos and attractions are in close proximity to one another, giving the impression that transportation isn’t a big deal. What planners should know, though, is that there is no parking available on the Strip or in the downtown area, which means attendees will have to utilize cabs for their outings. Cab fare is quite expensive when you consider that it can cost anywhere from $10 to $20 just to move a group from one location to another just a few blocks down.

This expense is part of a larger problem that planners often neglect to prepare for adequate transportation that is cost-effective and conducive to their budget. It’s easy to get wrapped up in other parts of the planning process and forget about transportation, assuming that it’s the least of your worries. However, often planners realize too late that there is no more budget left to take care of important transportation needs, which results in the above scenario and puts the burden on the attendees. Not taking care of transportation first nullifies all your other efforts. After all, it doesn’t matter if you have the perfect even when no one can show up to it.

Many of the top transportation companies in town allow for planners to contract their services by the hour. Planners can tabulate the number of hours their attendees will need transportation during their stay, and then the company will be able to provide vehicles and drivers whenever they are needed. This is an excellent arrangement for planners who will be hosting attendees that will not be traveling together on a regular basis. Obviously, a charter bus would be ideal for large groups, but if there is no predetermined itinerary that attendees are required to adhere to, these programs give planners the resources they need to make sure their attendees have accessible transportation at all times.

For example, what if you have a group of attendees that will be arriving at multiple times, maybe on different days? Obviously a charter bus wouldn’t work. It wouldn’t be cost-effective to arrangement for a large bus to pick up only a handful of attendees from the airport only to have to arrange for the bus to come back the next day. Instead, planners can plan a customized charter which would make sure that there is transportation waiting for each attendee as they arrive in Las Vegas. The end result is a more cost-effective alternative to individual pick-ups, and one that allows planners to take control over conflicting logistics.

Most companies have diverse fleets that offer a wide range of vehicles, from town cars to shuttle buses and limousines to SUV's. This has proven to be beneficial to planners who have a variety of transportation needs, and who are caring for the specifications of different levels of attendees. It doesn’t matter if you have a mix of executives and staff members in your group. With a diverse fleet, most companies can get the job done.

If planners are dealing with large groups that will be taking excursions outside of the city, buses are definitely the best bet. Today’s buses are certainly not the buses of the past. Transportation companies like Earth Limo and Buses have introduced new bio-diesel vehicles into the market that are not only beneficial for the environment, but have all the luxury amenities of a limousine. There’s no better way to enjoy the beauty of the Las Vegas landscape than by traveling in a comfortable bus that also contributes to the city’s eco-friendly initiatives.

Planners should also remember that transportation is part of the Las Vegas experience. Even if attendees are only going to spend a fraction of their time in transit, the planner’s choice of transportation is still a way to leave a significant impression. With that in mind, it might surprise many that limousines are relatively inexpensive forms of transportation. In fact, they can be less expensive than cab fare, especially when you break the cost down per person.

Cab fare is charged by the mile, but limos are contracted by the hour. Most companies required a minimum of at least two hours, which is perfect for short evening excursions through the city. If attendees are planning on enjoying the nightlife at a few locations, then hiring for a few hours can be cost-effective considering the mileage that can easily be accrued in a cab, especially if the venues are on opposite sides of the city. Even if it’s just getting to and from the meeting facility, limousines are a great choice of transportation since luxury is synonymous with Las Vegas. By emphasizing the trip’s thematic elements in every detail, planners can help create a more enjoyable and memorable experience.

Of course, there’s always the rental car option for attendees who will need to have frequent access to personal transportation throughout their stay. Many of these attendees choose to take care of their own transportation needs, especially if they are part of a rewards program at a particular rental car company. But if planners need to make these arrangements, they should first contact each company and ask if there are any discounts for group rentals or if there are any incentives for corporate event planners. Most planners will have to utilize rental cars eventually, so the best thing they can do is to start building a relationship with one company. That way, planners will become regular clients that are easily recognized and identifiable as VIP patrons. For example, Dollar Rent-A-Car actually offers planners money back for use of their group programs.

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