2017SCMA-GMOA-AMA Regional Meeting

Sheraton Arlington Hotel and Arlington Convention Center Arlington, TexasJuly 29 - August 2

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On behalf of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, it is a pleasure to welcome SCMA-GMOA-AMA to our great city. We are pleased that you selected Arlington to host a gathering as important as The 2017 Regional Meeting. While in the American Dream City, we encourage you to visit Arlington’s many landmarks. The Entertainment District offers major league excitement at the Globe Life Park in Arlington, plus AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, which doubles as a contemporary art gallery. Shopping and dining are always on our menu at Arlington Highlands, Lincoln Square and Parks at Arlington Mall. Arlington recently unveiled plans for the 100,000 square foot Texas Live! Entertainment Complex near Globe Life Park. This project, which is slated to open in 2018, is the next chapter in a City of Arlington partnership with the Texas Rangers that spans more than four decades. Texas Live! will feature multiple best-in-class restaurants, and entertainment venues, along with a signature event space. We wish you great success during your meeting. We are certain that you will witness first-hand the Texas-sized hospitality that we are famous for, and we look forward to showcasing all that the Arlington and the DFW Metroplex have to offer. Thank you for selecting Arlington, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future!

Ron PricePresident & CEOArlington Convention & Visitors Bureau

Welcome to Arlington, Texas

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Saturday, July 291:00 – 6:00 Registration12:30 – 2:00 SCMA Board of Directors MeetingNote: AMA and GMOA Board Meetings to be held by conference call the week prior to the meeting. This is subject to change if either board decides they would rather meet onsite. If that occurs, we will push back the start to an earlier time to accommodate the additional board meetings.2:30 – 4:00 TSA Presentation: Security Risk Assessment for Motorcoach Operators4:15 – 5:15 FMCSA Rules and Regulations: A Panel Discussion5:30 – 6:00 Association Business Sessions7:00 Welcome DinnerAfter dinner networking event (to be determined)

Sunday, July 30 7:00 – 7:30 Registration 12:30 – 6:00 Registration7:30 Board Coaches7:45 – 12:00 Breakfast/Morning Refreshments with the Manufacturers A time of progressive visitation, traveling between the facilities of each major manufacturer. All are located within 15 to 30 minutes of the hotel and convention center.12:00 Board Coaches12:30 – 1:30 Lunch1:45 – 2:15 New Member/First Timer Orientation2:00 – 5:45 Operator Education Sessions 2:00 – 3:00 Preparing Proper Financials: A Panel Discussion 2:00 – 3:00 What is in a Background Check? 3:15 – 4:15 How Not to Hire Your Next Workers Comp Claim 3:15 – 4:15 Revenue Growth through Rural/Intercity Transit Opportunities 4:30 – 5:30 Best Hiring Practices/Is Your Background Check Sufficient? 4:30 – 5:30 Techniques for Good Driving Habits2:15 – 3:45 Associate Education Session (TBD)4:00 – 5:45 Meet the Operators Round Table Discussion6:30 Board Coaches Note: Group Leaders should arrive in ample time to check into their hotel(s) and arrive at the Sheraton in advance of coach boarding time. Group Leaders will participate in the Association tours on Monday afternoon.

7:00 Early Bird Dinner at the Arlington Museum of Art(Food stations prepared by restaurants featured on Travel Channel and Food Network.)Sponsored by Arlington CVB and its partners.

Monday, July 317:30 – 5:30 Registration7:30 – 8:15 Breakfast8:30 – 10:00 Market Place I Blue Dot8:30 – 10:00 Associate Session (TBD)10:15 – 11:45 Market Place II Red Dot10:15 – 11:45 Associate Session Repeated12:15 Board Coaches for Tours Boxed lunches to go.Sponsored by Arlington CVB and its partners. Tour 1: Fort Worth – Cowboys and Culture Tour Tour 2: Denton – The Horse Country Tour Tour 3: Dallas – The Big Things Happen Tour Tour 4: Arlington – The Hidden Gem Tour Tour 5: Arlington - Sports Fanatic Tour12:30 Board Coach for Golf Tournament7:30 Ice Breaker at AT&T Stadium, home of NFL’s Dallas Cowboys

Tuesday, August 17:45 – 8:45 Breakfast8:00 – 5:00 Registration9:00 – 11:30 Market Place III Red Dot9:00 – 11:30 Associate Session (TBD) 11:45 – 12:45 Networking Lunch1:00 – 2:15 Display Booth Visitation 2:30 – 5:00 Market Place IV Blue Dot Note: Group Leaders will depart upon the conclusion of the Final Market Place.2:30 – 5:00 Associate Session Repeated6:30 – 8:00 ReceptionSponsored by the 2018 host city, Discover DeKalb 8:00 – 9:30 Awards DinnerAfter Dinner Networking Event to be determined. Wednesday, August 29:00– 10:00 Joint Board of Directors MeetingThis will be a working, continental style breakfast meeting.

Tentative Schedule of Events

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Hotel Reservations

Sheraton Arlington Hotel1500 Convention Center Dr.

Arlington, TX 76011

Call 800-442-7275 to make reservations or visit to association website to reserve a room online. The group code is South Central

Motorcoach Association.

Be sure to reserve a room by June 27 to receive the group rate of

$155 per night.

Hotel ShuttleThe Sheraton Arlington provides

complimentary shuttle from Dallas-Fort Worth Airport only,

on a call-on-arrival basis.

The shuttle runs every hour on the half hour from the hotel from

6:30am - 9:30 pm.

Contact: (817) 261-8200

Return shuttle may be scheduled at the front desk the day before

departure.

There is no hotel shuttle offered for Dallas-Love Field Airport.

Registration Confirmation

Your registration confirmation will be emailed to you shortly after you register. Be sure to review the confirmation for accuracy according to what you

submitted.

If you signed up for a tour and find that your plans change, be sure to notify association staff as quickly as possible. Guaranteed numbers are given to host sponsors beginning about two weeks in

advance of the regional meeting.

The operator registration list will be published in electronic form unless the SCMA-GMOA-AMA office has been

notified to send it by mail.

SCMA-GMOA-AMA’s regional meeting and market place will offer booth space for those associates who wish to bring a display. The displays will be placed convenient to the market place and other meeting events. A breakfast buffet is planned for networking

and booth visitation on Tuesday.

It is estimated that as many as 15 display booths, space permitting, will be available. They will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis after the announcement is made. If interested select the display booth option on the registration form. Display booths present an excellent opportunity for a prize drawing to promote your product as well. You will be responsible for the drawing and delivery of your prize. If you have questions, please contact Julia at the SCMA-GMOA-AMA office, 877-501-1878 or email julia@motorcoachassociation.com.

Display Booths

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DRESS CODEPack for comfort keeping in mind that while you’re dressing for comfort, you’re a professional. Dress code for all meeting events will be business casual unless otherwise specified. Logo wear is acceptable. If you have questions or concerns, please call the SCMA-GMOA-AMA office. Staff welcome the opportunity to be of service. If you have special needs, please alert staff prior to the regional meeting.

GROUP LEADERSOperators are encouraged to invite their Group Leaders, also known as charter customers, to participate in market place. Many trips will be initiated by Group Leaders participating in this opportunity, trips that take the motorcoaches out of the parking lot and out on the highways! Arlington CVB has created unique familiarization tours. Operators will receive a Group Leader registration packet.

GIFTS AND DOOR PRIZESAssociates are encouraged to donate a door prize for operators. Door prizes will be accepted on a limited basis. Complete the sponsor form which has been emailed to all members. Fax or email the form to the association office. If you have questions or want to check the status of registered door prizes, please call Cindy at 877-501-1878 or email at cindy@motorcoachassocation.com.

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATIONIf you are a new member or this is your first time to attend the regional meeting, come join us to learn, not only information about Market Place and the associations in general, but maybe pick up a tidbit of information that might help you, as a new member or a first timer, network effectively with operators, gain their confidence and trust, and gain more motorcoach group business. Veteran Members, including operators and associates, are welcomed in the new member orientation session. Your expertise in the group market over years of experience is priceless when shared with new members or first time attendees. New members may submit questions in advance by calling Linda at 877-501-1878 or email at info@southcentralmotorcoach.org. Audience participation is encouraged and welcomed.

MARKET PLACE AND OPERATOR EDUCATIONBecause the Regional Meeting is being held in Arlington and the coach manufacturers are located within a short drive, coach sales will be done in a different way this year! Operators will enjoy the opportunity to visit the coach manufacturers’ facilities for a brief tour and “kick” some tires. Personnel will be on hand to answer questions about their brand. Be ready to board coaches for the tour at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, July 30.

There are four Market Place sessions for operators and associates. Operators are seated and associates have 5-minute visits with each operator. Associates are divided so that only half of the registered associates attend either Market Place I or Market Place II, likewise for Market Place III and Market Place IV. A bell will ring at each 5-minute interval as a reminder. Operators, bring business cards. This is so important. You should plan to bring at least 300 business cards to pass out during Market Place and during networking opportunities.

Saturday, July 29, 2:30-6:00 through Sunday at 5:30 there are operator-focused education sessions planned. The sessions will include discussions and presentations about timely topics and issues that impact your business. Plan to attend all sessions.

AWARDSMARKET PLACE OPERATOR OF THE YEAR for SCMA-GMOA-AMA will be someone selected by the Associate membership recognizing the efforts made to use their product and recognizing the efforts made to be attentive and interested in information presented during Market Place appointments.

MARKET PLACE ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR for SCMA-GMOA-AMA will be someone selected by the Operator membership recognizing the efforts of an Associate who has earned the trust and confidence of Operators to provide quality service.

MARKET PLACE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR for SCMA-GMOA-AMA will be someone selected by the Operator membership who was most impressive in this year’s Market Place in selling to the operators. The Rookie will be a new member or a first time attendee.

GMOA may also present its prestigious Outstanding Operator of the Year and Outstanding Associate of the Year awards. These awards will be presented Tuesday evening, August 1, at the Awards Banquet.

The Frank E. Montgomery III Outstanding Service Award may be presented to an individual member of the Alabama Motorcoach Association who distinguishes themselves and their profession through contributions to the motorcoach industry.

MEET THE OPERATORS ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONMany operators and tour operators will participate in this session. Operators will visit assigned tables for a “get to know you” discussion so associates may learn more about them prior to market place. This is not a market place session but rather an opportunity to have interaction with operators who will be participating in market place.

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Dallas-The Big Things Happen Tour Bright lights, big personalities... In many ways, Dallas is the belle of the Texas ball. With television shows like Dallas, this city has made a deep imprint on American popular culture. An upscale ethos makes for an amazing dining scene. The museums are not only excellent, but unique – history buffs should not miss the memorials to former president John F Kennedy. And one of the most impressive additions to Dallas’ cultural landscape in recent years is the 68-acre Arts District, now one of the largest in the country.

Denton- The Horse Country TourThe North Texas Horse Country, one of the largest concentrations of horse farms in the United States, offers a variety of breeds and disciplines. Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Paints, Arabians, Appaloosas, Warmbloods…they’re here. World champion horses abound in cutting, halter, western pleasure, reining, and many other disciplines. Large breeding farms, training facilities and equine specialist, can be found, making this area a mecca for professional horsemen and horse enthusiasts from all over the world. This tour will take you through this beautiful area and highlight some of the farms and ranches that make up this “horse country.”

Tour 1Tour 2

Tour Options & Golf

Tour 3

Fort Worth-Cowboys and Culture TourFort Worth is where cowboys and culture co-exist harmoniously. From the renowned Cultural District to the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, this tour will showcase the diversity of Fort Worth and the history of the region. Come experience cowboys, longhorns and all that the West was won for, then you will be delighted at the art and culture with some of the finest museums in the nation. Downtown Fort Worth and the Sundance Square are a national model of urban revitalization and provide the perfect backdrop for exploring this unique city. The City of Cowboys and Culture features fun experiences and expanded shopping across the city.

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Arlington- The Hidden Gem TourGoing beyond what Arlington is known for, this tour will highlight the hidden gems that our city has to offer. From a history with a sorted past to a present with fun for all, we will take you across Arlington in both time and space. This will be a tour you will never forget.

Arlington- Sports Fanatic TourArlington isn’t just home to the Dallas Cowboys. We are home to much, much more. Some might even say we are the sports capital of Texas. Arlington is pretty well rounded with an NFL Team, MLB Team, a WNBA Team, as well as home to the US Bowling Congress. Whether it’s a touchdown, strike, or a 3-pointer you’re looking for… we’ve got all of your bases covered on this unique tour.

Tour 4

Tour 5

Golf

Tierra Verde Golf ClubIt’s hard to find a more beautiful course than the award-winning Tierra Verde Golf Club. Tierra Verde is the first golf course in Texas and the first municipal course in the world to be certified as an Audubon Signature Sanctuary. Walk onto the first tee and enter an environment where golf and nature come together in harmony. Opened in 1998, and carved from 250 acres of secluded terrain, the course’s unsurpassed layout encompasses a variety of natural settings and offers an outstanding playing experience on every hole.

The golf fee is $90 per participant.

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Thank You SponsorsSCMA, GMOA and AMA are grateful for the support of their Associate members. To date, the following members are contributing financial support for meal events, meeting programs, notepads, pocket schedules, badges, registration bags, registration gifts and operator gifts. It is not too late to participate in the meeting as a sponsor. Call Cindy at 877-501-1878 or fax the sponsor form to 877-501-1879. The support of Associate Members is essential to implement a meeting that is of the quality to which members have become accustomed. Financial support for events helps keep registration fees at a minimum for all attendees. Sponsorships also give Associates an opportunity to be recognized and appreciated in a special way. We are happy to promote the sponsors by pre-meeting newsletter recognition, signage, program highlights, and post-meeting newsletter recognition. Every effort is made to let the sponsors know how much the members and staff appreciate their meeting support.

A special thank you is extended to the following members who have committed sponsorship support to date:

ABC CompaniesAllen Insurance Group

American Bus AssociationArlington Convention & Visitors Bureau

CH Bus Sales/TEMSADiscover DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau

Golden Nugget Lake CharlesINA Bus Sales, LLC

Lancer Insurance CompanyLone Star Coaches

Motor Coach IndustriesPrevost Car (US) Inc.

Sardo Bus and Coach UpholsteryShular Hospitality

United Motorcoach AssociationWichita Falls CVB