One thing that the past two years has taught me is that meeting in person is a very real need in society. Sure, we can communicate via e-mail and zoom but the need to meet face to face, network and have human interaction is vital to the existence of human life. We are in the parking business, but we are also in the people business and people need to meet and interact. What better place to do this than the Parking Industry Expo 2023.
We brought PIE back to the Chicago area for many reasons. Most US flights can get there within three hours and the drive-up traffic is amazing in Chicagoland. But the Chicago area is where PIE began and where PIE got its growth and success. Come to Schaumburg this March and see what PIE 2023 has to offer.
I have been waiting a few months to announce the exciting news that we have been working on here at PIE headquarters. PIE 2023 will be hosting the Big 10 and Friends Parking and Transportation Conference in conjunction with our show in 2023. Big 10 and Friends will have their meetings a day before PIE and then attend PIE 2023 as attendees and speakers. Thursday March 30th, they will present a University panel session that you won’t want to miss. We welcome them with open arms and can’t wait for you to meet them.
If you are a first timer at PIE, I want to invite you to join me on Tuesday, March 28th in the morning for a first timers social. I went by myself to a trade show last year for event planners. The opening event was in Philadelphia at the Reading Terminal Market and there were about 800 people there. For somebody that is outgoing I was completely overwhelmed not knowing anyone and trying to mingle. I felt out of place. I decided that I never wanted any attendee of ours to ever feel awkward or uncomfortable walking into events. Meeting on day one of the show allows you an opportunity to meet and have a social friend or someone that you can connect with and network with throughout the event. Details TBA on the PIE website.
Tuesday night March 28th we will host our first ever Top Golf event. Just short shuttle ride from the hotel, Top Golf guarantees a night of fun. Join us to network eat and drink while you swing into PIE and drive some golf balls with peers and customers as we rented out a floor of top golf. Only 150 tickets are sold they’re available online now.
We are having a PIE Feedback Booth this year. We want to hear from you, and we want to be you to be honest so we’re making a booth where you can write us comments positive or negative about the show: what you liked, didn’t like and what would make you come back for more. You are why we have such an event and we need to know what you think.
As always PIE will never overlap sessions and expo hours. Our days are filled but you’ll have the opportunity to attend everything. Our sessions are top notch and created to inform and educate. This is only the beginning. As we are three and a half months out, we will have more to share with you about PIE 2023.
I have a few jobs here at Parking Today but planning PIE is my passion. Every decision is made with you in mind. I have an amazing team that makes this show possible. From the moment PIE ends, we start planning for next year. John and Astrid work so tirelessly to bring you the most relevant sessions. They know this industry and help bring that to you by selecting sessions that are in demand and informative. Kelley Havener is our behind-the-scenes organizer. She makes sure you get your badges, and our website is live and working. Robyn gets all of the digital marketing out, so the PIE messages are seen by all. Shelly creates all the engaging posters and signage for the show. I am so lucky to have a team like this. They make my job easy.
You have choices and when you choose to come to PIE, we want you to feel welcome we want you to feel like you matter because you do. Whether you’re planning on attending or exhibiting, if you have any questions, please call me. I would love to answer your questions explain more about PIE and most importantly see you in March in Schaumburg IL.
Happy holiday season. May you and your families enjoy time together as we close out 2022. The new year always brings new beginnings new opportunities and growth opportunities. I can’t wait to meet you face to face at PIE 2023.
Marcy Sparrow | Director of PIE Operations
