Transportation is more than a logistical detail; it’s a cornerstone of the attendee experience. On IAEE TV, our team joined a panel of industry experts to discuss how thoughtful transportation planning enhances events and how collaboration between event organizers, transportation providers, and host destinations is transforming the industry.
The discussion featured Dan Sherman, Executive Vice President of Business Development at TMS, alongside other distinguished panelists:
- Tom Gattuso, Vice President of Events at SEMA
- Emile Davis, Managing Director of Business Development at the American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- Lisa Messina, Chief Sales Officer at Visit Orlando
Moderated by Bob Fryer of CNTV, the conversation explored challenges, innovations, and opportunities in event mobility.
The Role of Transportation in Event Success
Transportation serves as the first and last touchpoint of an event, making it critical to the overall attendee experience. Dan Sherman emphasized the importance of getting transportation right:
“Attendee experiences are defined by their first and last touchpoints—transportation sets the stage and seals the memory.”
He detailed TMS’s approach to event mobility, which involves analyzing hotel room blocks, room ratios, ridership history, and attendee personas to build customized transportation plans. For large events, like SEMA in Las Vegas with over 50 hotels in its room block, these plans ensure seamless movement while aligning with program goals.
Supporting the Attendee Journey
Tom Gattuso of SEMA underscored the role of transportation in shaping attendees’ perceptions:
“A bad experience with transportation impacts the entire event. With TMS as a partner, we can focus on the attendee experience, knowing they’ll deliver seamless service.”
Emile Davis from AIA echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how critical transportation is as a first touchpoint:
“If you’re investing in transportation, you’ve got to go all out. It’s a key part of the attendee experience that sets the tone for the entire event.”
Both panelists highlighted the importance of integrating transportation planning into the broader event strategy to deliver a positive and cohesive experience.
Collaboration with Host Cities
Lisa Messina of Visit Orlando highlighted the vital partnership between host cities and event organizers:
“We expedite attendee arrivals and ensure their time is maximized—whether they’re heading from the airport to the convention center or off-site events. Time is money, and transportation is key to that experience.”
TMS collaborates with host destinations to optimize transportation infrastructure, minimize traffic disruptions, and deliver efficient solutions tailored to attendees’ needs. From leveraging local transit to coordinating with police and city officials, these partnerships ensure smooth operations.
Innovating for the Future of Event Mobility
Looking ahead, Dan Sherman shared how TMS is leveraging integrated planning, technology, sustainability, and attendee-centric design to redefine the future of Event Mobility:
‘While autonomous vehicles and AI are still emerging, we’re shaping the future of Event Mobility by exploring their potential. With a focus on data-driven insights, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable practices, we’re building future-ready solutions that enhance the attendee journey and set a new standard for mobility.'”
Lisa Messina also pointed out how cities like Orlando and Las Vegas are investing in infrastructure—such as the Tesla Loop and monorails—to complement private transportation options and reduce congestion. These innovations allow companies like TMS to provide more efficient services, enhancing both attendee experiences and event success.
Industry Challenges and Resilience
The pandemic led to a nearly 50% reduction in operators and a 40%+ drop in fleet size, with many buses sitting idle due to driver shortages and rising costs. Demand now exceeds 2019 levels, while inflation has doubled prices. Despite these challenges, Dan Sherman emphasized:
“With mega events compressing demand over the next 12 to 48 months, the need for reliable transportation solutions has never been greater. We’re prepared to navigate these challenges, ensuring seamless mobility for every event we serve.”
A Unified Vision for Success
The discussion highlighted a shared commitment to the future of Event Mobility—one that goes beyond simply moving attendees. It’s about enhancing the attendee experience and ensuring events run seamlessly from start to finish. Whether through citywide shuttle systems, technology, ride-share integrations, or sustainability initiatives, providers like TMS play a key role in delivering efficient, innovative, and memorable event experiences.
🎥 Watch the Full Discussion
Want to hear more from these industry leaders? Watch the IAEE TV session featuring TMS, SEMA, AIA, and Visit Orlando here!
At TMS, we’re proud to partner with event organizers, host cities, and other industry leaders to deliver tailored event transportation solutions that elevate every aspect of the attendee experience. Let’s move events forward—together.
