National Parking Association Kicks-Off 62nd Annual Convention & Expo with Cisco Executive Keynote, Record Attendance

The National Parking Association (NPA) was joined by a record number of parking industry professionals for the kick off its 62nd Annual Convention & Expo, Monday, Oct. 7. The convention features high-level parking industry and business experts discussing the latest trends in the parking industry, including technology, data and best practices. The 2013 Convention features its highest ever number of attendees and exhibitors, and sold-out events.

Wim Elfrink, executive vice president, industry solutions, and chief globalization officer, Cisco, delivered the keynote address. Elfrink focused on how technology trends are impacting the way parking industry companies do business. He highlighted big data, technology infrastructure and smart transportation, along with Internet marketing, mobile pay and mobile marketing.

Following Elfrink, William T. Krouch, President, Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, shared his insight in the 2014 economic forecast indicating how population, technology and urbanization trends will drive the future of parking supply and demand.

Other educational sessions offered during the Convention include panels on payment in smart parking world, mobile marketing and vehicle navigation and data. In total, attendees had their choice of 50 educational and roundtable sessions to choose from, covering a wide range of parking topics, including university, management and operations, technology and finance.

“NPA is focused on bringing fresh perspectives, industry shaping trends and new technology insights and performance driven best practices to the parking industry. Convention 2013 gathers a broad spectrum of public, private, parking, automotive, real estate and technology sector experts together to provide relevant insight on how to succeed in a 21st century parking operation,” says NPA President Christine Banning, CAE.

NPA’s 2013 Convention concludes Thursday, Oct. 10, with the 2013 National Valet Olympics, a team competition showcasing professional skill, teamwork and service with the country’s best valets.

About NPA

The National Parking Association is the nation's leading parking trade group advancing the interests of the private and public sector in parking technology, sustainable mobility, certification, advocacy, research and education. Founded in 1951, NPA has nearly 2,500 members and represents all segments of the parking industry. www.npapark.org.