Parkex 2024 runs alongside Traffex at the CBS Arena, Coventry on 22-23 May. The British Parking Association (BPA) sets out the issues that it will bring to life.
This is an exciting time for the parking sector. Parkex is the largest annual parking conference and exhibition for parking and traffic management professionals in the UK.
The BPA’s flagship event unites its members and professionals across government and industry for two days of networking, knowledge sharing, and an opportunity to view the very latest products and innovations from across a diverse and evolving parking community.
The BPA is delighted to once again be providing all the latest news, views, and initiatives at the nation’s standout event in the parking and transportation calendar. As always, there is so much to see in the Parkex side of the show, and visitors should make sure they explore what is happening in the wider mobility space with Traffex, Cold Comfort and EVEX all part of the 2024 experience.
The tie-in with electric vehicles (EVs) is particularly important and the EVEX Theatre (see pp 20-21) will bring local authorities and National Highways together with EV infrastructure contractors and suppliers.
Topics include achieving equitable access to EV charging infrastructure, exploring the challenges and opportunities for electrification of the strategic road network, the critical role local authorities play in rolling out electric vehicle charging stations, focusing on areas without off-street parking, and discovering best practices and real-world insights to optimise procurement processes for EV charging infrastructure projects.
There is no doubt that there is once again a big appetite for face-to-events, as seen in the popularity of the BPA’s recent ‘Live’ series of one day conferences and expos held in Leeds, Brighton, and Bristol. Registration numbers for Parkex are 50% up on the same time last year and, coupled with a sold-out exhibition, it clearly demonstrates that this year’s show will be one of the biggest – and busiest – in recent times.
Each year Parkex aims to deliver a programme that covers a diverse range of current topics impacting the sector, including content, and learning opportunities for delegates. The BPA is always striving to improve on previous shows, continuously evolving its in-person event content and presentations to ensure they deliver engaging experiences for its membership community.
Dave Smith, head of marketing and events at the BPA, says: ‘Organising and delivering Parkex is very much a team effort, with a huge input from speakers, exhibitors, BPA members and those serving on our Council, Board and Service Boards, who all help contribute to delivering a comprehensive programme on key issues that matter most to our parking community.
‘This year, content can be found in the BPA Live theatre where many of the themes and discussions that have been hot topics at our recent BPA Live events will be continued, as well as plenty of new sessions as well.’
The BPA popular summits also return, with BPA Approved Operator members meeting on day one and local authority members on day two. These are closed sessions that will allow BPA members to discuss specific issues relevant to them, as well as providing networking opportunities.
Another of the highlights of Parkex is the exhibition itself – showcasing the creativity, knowledge and passion that goes into developing the products and services that raise standards and make the user experience as easy and seamless as possible.
As always, the BPA team will be available on stand P47 so please visit and say hello. BPA Lawline will also be on hand to answer questions and provide legal advice if needed (all BPA members can get 30 minutes of free legal advice from BPA Lawline). Members from the BPA’s Council and Service Boards will also be there to chat about issues that are important to you.
The Safer Parking Scheme, which is managed by the BPA on behalf of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives, also has a dedicated stand. Come on over and speak to the area manager team on stand PA1 in the Atrium and help the scheme celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Mr Smith sums up: ‘We hope everyone visiting has a fantastic show and gets lots out of their time at the CBS Arena. There is so much happening and Parkex and the BPA are at the very heart of everything positive about our sector.
‘This is simply going to be the biggest Parkex ever and it is free to attend for delegates so if you haven’t registered, please visit www.parkex.net to do so.’
