The International Parking Institute hosted its annual Convention and Exhibition in New Orleans in late June. According to the attendee lists, nearly 700 people attended the three-day event, which was divided between the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the world-famous Superdome.
The centerpiece of the convention was the trade show held on the Superdome floor. In an area in which one could build a 12-story building, parking equipment supplies of all types were exhibited during the 11 hours that the Superdome was open.
The IPI opened the Exhibition with a marching Dixieland Band leading the attendees into the Superdome from their conference sessions at the hotel. Attendees entered in the second level and then walked down through the seats and down a temporary stairway to the Exhibit Floor. Entering near a large, two-story booth, they were regaled by exhibitors who tossed the famous Bourbon Street beads into the crowd.
Food and drink were available on the floor. Although it was warm and humid outside, air conditioning kept the Superdome comfortable.
In addition to the exhibition, the IPI held numerous seminars and training sessions for its members. More than 30 seminars and presentations were available to attendees. The event began with a golf tournament and concluded with a New Orleans-style party.
Numerous vendors held events for attendees, including steamboat trips on the Mississippi and cocktail parties and dinners in some of New Orleans’ finest restaurants.
The next IPI Conference will be May 21-25, 2005, in Fort Lauderdale.
