What an amazing and refreshing time we had in New Orleans this year. It felt good to be back in the swing of things. After one of the most challenging two years our industry may ever face, with the on-set of the dreaded COVID-19 virus that kept things shut down for so long. Some places shuttered for as long as two years. Without fail, IPMI took the helm and guided the ship through the storm navigating us to no better place than New Orleans, La. 

We can all be proud of the accomplishments we’ve all made during the last two years. IPMI and other parking partners were able to stay ahead of the game with implementing new technologies, offering a variety of on-line learning opportunities, having online conference and expos in 2020, and taking the initiative (and risk) to have an in-person show in Tampa, Fla in 2021. 

The 2022 Conference and Expo kicked off bright and early with the William Voigt CAPP Classic along with an amazing pre-conference course that covered critical operations, finance, maintenance, and disaster recovery. Of course, the free-flowing Shoptalks were rocking with participation. 

We are all aware that the Opening Welcome Event is known for captivating entertainment, high energy networking, and a “taste” of the host city; however, this year’s opening event at the National WWII Museum was one that we will never forget. 

With the drawdown of forces in Afghanistan after a long 20-year war and the Russian-Ukrainian conflict waging this year, this event provided an enlightening experience of this great war (WWII). The Museum showed us how it changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means to us today. It truly brought to light the price of freedom—leaving us awe inspired. 

Of course, right when you thought it couldn’t get better, the opening session on leadership was phenomenal with Army combat veteran and author Mike Erwin. He is a true leader who has dedicated his life to serving our country and empowering people to build positive and enduring relationships and resiliency was an inspiration to all who attended. 

The military analogies he provided in comparison to our post March 2020 world– volatile, chaotic with relentless challenges was especially memorable, meaningful, and significant. The secrets and strategies shared on being resilient during these volatile and turbulent times can be carried forward and used in all aspects of our lives. 

All of this set the pace for an exciting week filled with networking, exposure to new trends, products, and resources, stimulating new ideas, and becoming more knowledgeable to better support clients and customers. What a way to encapsulate the last two years and use it to our benefit to project us into the future. The only thing I can say in closing is “WOW, can IPMI top this year’s event?” See you next year in Fort Worth to find out!