The Parking Industry Expo (PIE) celebrates 25 years with expanded networking events, cutting-edge technology showcases, and innovative educational formats.
By Parking Today staff
As the parking industry continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, one constant has remained: the commitment of Parking Today Media’s Parking Industry Expo (PIE) to fostering connections, driving innovation, and building community. This year marks a significant milestone as PIE celebrates its 25th anniversary with PIE25, delivering the industry's best value through an unprecedented blend of networking opportunities, educational sessions, and entertainment.
Set for March 31 – April 3, 2025, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, Illinois, PIE25 arrives at a crucial moment. With 2025 ushering in new parker expectations driven by technology, digital experiences, and changes in mobility patterns, the conference brings together leaders from such industry segments as municipal, university, airport, events, and private operations to share how they're preparing for and thriving through this year of change.
Innovative networking formats foster meaningful connections
"The parking industry has always been about connections — between spaces, between technologies, and most importantly, between people," said Kevin Uhlenhaker, the chief executive officer and publisher of Parking Today Media. "PIE25's programming reflects this fundamental truth while embracing new ways to bring industry professionals together."
Among the first of the conference's networking opportunities is the optional Dinner Club, scheduled for Monday evening. This innovative format pairs groups of 6-8 attendees for hosted dinners, allowing participants to forge meaningful connections right from the start of PIE25. By establishing these relationships on the first night, attendees can maximize their networking potential throughout the remainder of the conference.
The expo's commitment to fostering connections extends to its recreational activities. The pickleball tournament exemplifies PIE25's inclusive approach to networking, featuring separate tracks for both experienced players and novices. This dual-track format ensures everyone can participate comfortably, regardless of skill level.
Additionally, the consistently popular speed networking session returns, having earned high praise from past attendees for its effectiveness in facilitating meaningful industry connections. The festivities continue with Tuesday evening’s Casino Night Gala, providing yet another relaxed setting for relationship building.
Breaking new ground with media and innovation platforms
PIE25 is also breaking new ground with its media offerings. Podcast Row will feature live recordings from the four shows that comprise the recently announced Parking Today Podcast Network: The Parking Podcast, Parking Happiness, All Things Parking, and Put It in Park. Conference attendees will enjoy unprecedented access to industry thought leaders and the chance to interact with podcast hosts on the trade show floor. This initiative transforms passive listeners into active participants in industry discussions.
The technology focus extends to the exhibition floor, where attendees can experience hands-on demonstrations of the latest parking technologies. From smart sensors and automated payment systems to advanced access control solutions and sustainability technologies, the show floor becomes a living laboratory of parking innovation. Interactive displays and tech demos will enable participants to evaluate solutions firsthand and engage directly with technology providers to understand how these tools can address their specific challenges.
In another industry first, ParkFlix debuts as the parking sector's premier film festival. This innovative program will showcase short films about parking, followed by panel discussions with the filmmakers. It's a creative approach to exploring industry challenges and solutions through a new lens, literally and figuratively.
Building on last year's success, the Accelerate pitch competition returns to PIE25 with an enhanced format. This platform gives parking startups and early-stage companies the opportunity to present their innovations to industry leaders and potential investors. In a testament to the program's impact, last year's winners will return as judges and mentors, creating a cycle of innovation and support that strengthens the entire industry.
Shaping the future of parking
"As we celebrate 25 years of PIE, we're not just looking back at our history — we're actively shaping the future of parking," Uhlenhaker noted. "The mix of traditional networking opportunities with cutting-edge programs like ParkFlix and Accelerate reflects our industry's evolution while maintaining the personal connections that have always been at the heart of PIE."
The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center provides an ideal setting for this landmark event, offering state-of-the-art facilities and comfortable spaces for both formal sessions and informal networking. Its location near Chicago makes it easily accessible for attendees from across North America and beyond.
Registration for PIE25 is now open. Given the expanded programming and historic nature of this 25th-anniversary celebration, organizers expect record attendance and encourage prompt registration to secure spots in popular events like the Dinner Club and pickleball tournament. Watch Parking Today Media’s social media platforms for upcoming announcements about speakers and session details.
As the parking industry continues to transform through technology and changing urban needs, PIE25 stands as both a celebration of the industry's past and a gateway to its future. This year's expanded programming ensures that attendees will find both the practical knowledge and personal connections needed to thrive in an evolving marketplace.
For more information and registration details, visit https://parkingtoday.com/pie25-event/pie25-event-details/.
