NPA Convention Thoughts: Parking is Still About the People

Early on, I learned from Clyde that the parking industry is a relationship business.

Technology evolves. Companies come and go. New people enter the industry, but few ever leave. So much of what moves this industry forward happens through relationships built over time.

The National Parking Association’s 75th Anniversary Conference & Expo in Las Vegas celebrated just that: evolving technology, new and legacy companies, but most of all, we celebrated the people.

Celebrating 75 years is an incredible milestone, and it was special to be part of an event that brought together so many people who have helped shape the parking industry, along with those who will shape what comes next. NPA created an environment where we could celebrate the past while having meaningful conversations about the future. Those conversations were wide-ranging. We heard about projects that not only met their deadlines but exceeded expectations for quality, revenue growth, and customer service. We talked about emotional intelligence, leadership, and the importance of developing people in an industry that depends so heavily on relationships. And, of course, AI was everywhere in the conversation: how it is helping, where it may be hindering, and whether we sometimes allow the excitement around new technology to distract us from the problems we are actually trying to solve. Some conversations focused on a future in which technology takes an increasingly large role in parking operations, while others reminded us that technology still depends on people who understand the work, the equipment, and the unique demands of this industry. That contrast was perhaps one of the most valuable parts of the convention. The parking industry is changing rapidly, but the people who know how to serve it well remain at the center of that change.

On a smaller scale, the week was really about our people here at TPN too. We were so lucky that the majority of our team was able to attend. We saw familiar faces, made new connections, and deepened relationships across the industry. From thoughtful educational sessions to conversations on the expo floor (and, of course, the after parties), there were plenty of opportunities to learn and connect.

You never really know which conversation will lead to a new idea, relationship, or perspective. That is one of the things I appreciate most about events like this.

Taking the Podcast to Vegas

This conference was also a little different for our team because TPN had the opportunity to record special sessions of Our Parking Industry Podcast in person, rather than remotely. We sat down with parking professionals from across the industry to discuss why involvement in organizations like NPA matters, how they view current industry issues, and where they think parking is headed, and we added a few fun and occasionally challenging questions along the way.

We are incredibly appreciative that NPA welcomed the idea and gave us the opportunity to host these conversations during the conference. We had a wide variety of experts in the studio and discussed the same five questions with each one. Everyone, from the entrepreneur with 45 years of experience to the customer service expert who was newer to the field, had valuable contributions to the conversation. The special episodes will be released throughout October, and you will not want to miss them.

Celebrating the People Behind the Industry

On a personal level, I was blessed to be selected as part of the 40 Under 40 Class of 2026. I am grateful to NPA for the recognition, but one of my favorite parts of the experience was getting to know the other recipients.

I was constantly impressed by the people around me, the work they are doing, and the different paths that brought us together.

It was also refreshing to see the meaningful representation of women across the conference, from attendees to award recipients to those leading key conversations. With TPN’s team being predominantly women, witnessing that level of visibility and leadership was particularly impactful for us.

Congratulations to all this year’s award recipients, new board members, and everyone who received special recognition in Las Vegas!

The Value of Getting Involved

Seventy-five years does not happen without people willing to show up, participate, share their experiences, and invest in their industry. NPA has provided a place for those relationships and conversations to happen for generations of parking professionals.

If you have not had the opportunity to become involved with a local or national parking organization, I encourage you to find one and participate. Attend the meetings. Go to the conferences. Introduce yourself to someone new. Ask questions, share your experiences, and listen to people whose perspectives are different from your own.

Parking professionals don’t always agree, and that is okay. When we have a place to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, build relationships, and learn from one another, our industry gets better, we get better!

Our team came home from Las Vegas with new ideas, stronger relationships, plenty of podcast content, and probably a little less sleep than when we arrived.

Most importantly, we came home reminded that behind all the technology, transactions, equipment, and facilities, parking is still an industry built by people for people. Yes, we park cars, but we do so much more.

After 75 years, the best way to celebrate is to keep showing up for one another and shaping what comes next.