The 2021 IPMI Parking & Mobility Conference & Expo
How amazing did it feel to be back in person with so many industry friends? Nearly 1,500 parking and mobility professionals gathered in Tampa, Fla., last month for the 2021 IPMI Parking & Mobility Conference & Expo and while it looked and felt a little different from other Conferences, there was no mistaking the huge smiles, waves, fist bumps, and hugs across the event.
Rethinking Mobility
A fantastic panel of municipal members and experts kicked things off at the first general session, talking about how mobility operations and services are evolving, with a focus on cities and their leaders. Panelists included:
- Gary Means, CAPP, Lexington & Fayette County Parking Authority, moderator.
- Alejandra “Alex” Argudin, CAPP, Miami Parking Authority.
- Thomas Woznick, CAPP, City of Milwaukee.
- Scott Petri, Philadelphia Parking Authority.
- Ken Husting, PE, City of Los Angeles DOT.
Panelists shared what’s work and what hasn’t, trends, challenges, pilots, programs, and even some laughs from their unique cities, offering valuable perspective to attendees looking ahead to a different future.
Shoptalks and Exchanging Ideas
Shoptalks, which have become a staple in virtual industry get-togethers, led the week’s agenda as hundreds of industry members gathered together for sector- or challenge-specific, moderated conversations. As always, they were very popular and a bit hit, and led to solutions, ideas, and contacts being exchanged. (Keep an eye on the IPMI calendar for upcoming online Shoptalks—always free for everyone—and make a note to attend in-person in New Orleans in July—registration’s open now.)
Education, Education, Education
From mobility to curb management to traditional parking and everything in between, there were plenty of education sessions to meet everyone’s needs—and some were presented twice just to be sure everyone who wanted to attend could make their schedules work.
Speakers and moderators presented their expertise in a host of ways, from case studies to lively TV-style games to roundtables, and offered information and ideas—and the chance to ask questions—applicable to every industry sector. Attendees earned CAPP points for every session they attended as well. Thanks to all of our speakers for presenting this year!
The Expo
Two full days of IPMI Expo were a great leap back into the in-person event format. Aisles were busy and exhibitors showed off products, services, and technology while sharing tons of expertise with anyone who stopped by—and they did in droves. Booths were bright, creative, and fascinating, so it was no wonder they saw so much foot traffic throughout the event. IPMI is fortunate to have so many wonderful industry partners and it felt wonderful to welcome them all back.
CAPP Recognition
IPMI proudly recognized its newest CAPPs, who’ve earned the industry’s leading credential for individuals—the one that screams “professional.” It was a joy to watch them walk across the stage to applause, and as you can see, they were pretty darned happy too!
Awards and Recognition
As always a host of awards were presented this year. From new and renewing Accredited Parking Organizations to our annual Awards of Excellence, Professional Recognition Awards, and Marketing Awards, it was a thrill to hear about accomplishments, innovation, perseverance, and success on the stage.
A few special awards were given to industry professionals who’ve had a particularly big effect on parking and mobility:
Lifetime Achievement Award:
David Hill, CAPP, MA, CD
Dave has parked cars for a living for over 30 years. He was founding CEO of the Winnipeg Parking Authority, the Canadian Managing Director for Ascom Transport and T2 Systems, Senior Transportation Planner with the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and has led several other organizations. He was an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy, was one of the first CAPP graduates, and has served regularly with the IPMI Board and committees. He has received awards from the International Downtown Association, IPMI, the City of Winnipeg, the Canadian Parking Association, the Association of University Business Officers, and the Consulting Engineers Association of Alberta. He was a Parking Professional of the Year and received the Chair’s Award in 2010.
Lifetime Achievement Award:
L. Dennis Burns, CAPP
Dennis is a Senior Practice Builder and Regional Vice President for Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. and has over 35 years of parking operations, management, and consulting experience. He has led international research and analysis efforts in parking system strategic planning and smart parking. He co-chaired the IPMI taskforce (along with Dave Hill) to develop the Accredited Parking Organization (APO) program. In 2020 Dennis was elected to IPMI’s Board of Directors. He was its Parking Professional of the Year in 2010 and was invited by the White House to speak at the first Green Gov Symposium in -Washington, D.C.
Chairman’s Award:
John Bushman, PE
John Bushman, PE, joined Walker Consultants in 1980 and was appointed Chairman and CEO in 2003. He brings over 40 years of experience in managing a wide range of projects throughout the U.S. and in Mexico, Panama, China, and Dubai. He continues to be Project Advisor on large and complex projects. Under John’s guidance, Walker has grown to over $60 million in annual revenue and 25 offices. John has been co-chair of IPMI’s Planning, Design & Construction Committee since 2012. He has been a presenter at IPMI’s annual conferences and co-authored articles for Parking & Mobility magazine.
Along with individuals, organizations were recognized. The Accredited Parking Organization program welcomed new APOs:
- The City of Columbus, with distinction.
- Parking Authority of River City, with distinction.
- California State University, Fullerton.
- Georgia Institute of Technology.
- City of Lincoln, Neb.
- UF Health Shands.
Fore!
It wouldn’t be an IPMI Conference without a golf event to benefit the CAPP Scholarship Fund and this year wasn’t any different. Dozens of golfers played TPC Tampa Bay—some newbies even took advantage of club pro lessons—and had loads of fun and got in a lot of networking in the beautiful Florida sunshine while raising money to allow more industry professionals earn their CAPP certifications. As always, a wonderful time was had by all.
By the time we bid Florida farewell, our heads and hearts were full, which is a terrific thing. We can’t wait to see you in NOLA this July!
Thanks to Our Strategic Partners!
