Booth sales are high, and attendee numbers are even higher, for the National Parking Association’s 53rd annual Parking, Transportation and Services Convention & Exposition set for Sept. 19-22 at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, CA. This premier annual event, which attracts a variety of parking and transportation professionals from all levels of the industry, from throughout the country and around the globe, has become the industry’s “trade show of choice.” With 18 first-time exhibitors at the event, and many first time attendees registered, the show has appeal for industry newcomers and mainstays.
The comprehensive business program contains something for everyone. Session topics include shuttle bus issues, automated parking, e-commerce, handicapped parking enforcement, airport relations and HR issues. Additionally, a special business program targeted to middle operations managers was created to address those issues affecting professionals at this level. It includes roundtable discussions on valet/special events, revenue control and landlord relations. Complementing the business program are a wide range of product and service offerings that will be introduced in the exhibit hall.
“The numbers speak for themselves,” says NPA Executive Director Marty Stein. “Exhibit sales are up, as well as the number of attendees and first-time attendees, proving the continued value of the NPA conference to the industry, a tradition that commenced in 1952. I am both proud and honored to be a part of it.”
At the annual luncheon, NPA President David Groene, President of Olympic Park in Cincinnati, will pass the gavel to Stephen E. Long, Senior Vice President of Ampco System Parking, a motion unanimously approved by the NPA Board of Directors earlier this year. In 2005, David Groene will become Chairman of the association.
Three new Affinity Programs with Enterprise Fleet Services, CheckPoint HR and Alliance Insurance Services will be introduced at the conference, all of which will help NPA members realize substantial savings on fleet, HR and insurance services.
Through NPA’s unique relationship with Enterprise Fleet Services, a division of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, NPA members can see up to 15 percent savings on their fleet operational expenses. As part of the program, Enterprise will provide NPA members with an array of fleet management services designed to lower operating costs, as well as the opportunity to have their current fleet management method analyzed at no cost.
NPA members may also realize substantial savings by outsourcing administrative HR functions through CheckPoint HR. It provides integrated, web-based, single-source solutions for all HR record keeping, reporting, compensation and benefits needs.
In the post-9/11 marketplace, parking owners and operators understand that now, more than ever, having the proper insurance, with the right carrier, is paramount to long-term success. Leveraging its relationship with Alliance Insurance Services, NPA extends outstanding benefits to members, including:
* General Liability
* Garagekeepers Legal Liability
* Automobile Liability
* Excess
* Property
* Crime
* Workers’ Compensation
In 2005, the NPA will hold its annual conference Oct. 16-19 at the Fontainebleau Hilton Resort in Miami Beach. For more information, visit www.npapark.org.
The National Parking Association has proudly served the nation’s parking industry since 1951. Its roster includes more than 1,200 member companies, including private operators, parking consultants, colleges and universities, municipalities, parking authorities, medical centers and industry vendors.
Logan Hunter-Thompson is Director of Communications for the NPA and Managing Editor of Parking. She can be reached at lthompson@npapark.org.