Having spent 25 years in the technology sector, I inadvertently entered the parking industry in 2003 while working for New Zealand’s largest telco, where I invented TXT-a-Park. TXT-a-Park quickly became New Zealand’s favourite way to pay for parking.

For the past 20 years I have assisted several NZ and Australian vendors establish markets in international territories with the major focus being on the USA where I worked closely with universities, municipalities, transit authorities, shopping centres and airports, as well as parking operators and vendors.

About 10 years ago IPMI (then known as IPI) put out a call for volunteers. Having a technology background, I submitted my application to the technology committee. The technology committee is tasked with educating members on technology and best practice within parking operations globally.

Joining the tech committee was one of the best things I did. It’s a great way to meet and network with other likeminded parking professionals that are committed to providing the best possible industry expertise to members new and old.

The other members have been hugely supportive, especially from the beginning where they adjusted the times of meetings to accommodate the different time zones and my weird accent.

It’s been a tough few years being isolated down under and not being in market. Joining the monthly calls has been a highlight I’ve looked forward to. The tech committee meets once a month and as well as producing an annual presentation on a particular piece of technology also contribute to blogs and articles, as well as other essential contents such as glossaries, etc.

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