The International Parking Institute broke records with its Conference and Exposition held in May in Las Vegas. Over 1,000 people passed through the exhibit hall during the three day event. Members also got a first peek at the organization’s new strategic plan and direction.
“We knew it was going to be good, based on the pre registration. The on site sales were great. We are very pleased for our membership and for the exhibitors,” said Kim Jackson, Executive Director of the IPI.
Dorothy LM Harris, Chair of the organization, added her comments: “There is always a concern when having a show in Las Vegas. The temptation to avail oneself of the activities at hand often take folks away from the conference and exhibition. That didn’t happen this year. Attendees were interested, focused, and involved. It was a great show.”
Exhibitors were pleased with the turnout. “It was the best show in recent memory,” said Ruth Beaman of Integrapark. “We have been working nonstop. Its just great.”
Tom Wunk of Scheidt and Bachmann added is praise. “We always set up appointments far in advance for people to come and see our equipment. This year we were pleasantly surprised by the number of walk ins. The show was well worth our time and money.”
Professor Don Shoup of UCLA was the keynote speaker on Monday, following a presentation by Linda Kauffman on the IPI’s new strategic plan.
The plan, prepared by a special committee over the past year and recommended to the board, sets forth a broad group of changes for the organization, including an expanded board, major changes in membership categories, and changes in focus for the IPI.
The IPI will, according to the plan, be expanding its membership by increasing the benefits offered to members, including expanding the magazine, web site, training, and database/library functions. The plan’s goal is to triple the organization’s membership by 2011.
The 100 page document reviews a survey taken of the membership last year and uses its data to show how the committee came up with some recommendations. The challenge to the organization will be put in place over the next 18 months through an increase in professional staff and board/committee action.
Kauffman told the assembly that the IPI was beginning a program of outreach to all members of the parking industry, regardless of their public or private status and that all IPI members, professional, consultant, or vendor, would be free to hold all offices in the organization.
The plan is far reaching and when instituted by the board will cause major changes in the direction of the IPI and its relationship with the broader parking community. In general, the plan seeks to cause the institute to have a more egalitarian approach to membership and its governing body.
