From Cristina Lynn, Chair of the APC2010 Convention Organising Committee:
It seems hard to believe it is all over! The 12th Australian Parking Convention – APC2010 – has closed its doors and the general consensus has been a positive one for all involved.
The technical program was action-packed with many delegates finding it difficult to choose between the concurrent sessions. Great presentations were made by our overseas invited guests including Professor Don Shoup, Dr. Barbara Chance, Millie Yang and Ms. Muriel Hugosson, who unfortunately was taken ill and could only participate in one of the planned sessions.
The Congestion Debate illustrated the different approaches used in cities such as Perth and Stockholm, whilst City of Sydney Transport Strategy Manager Terry Lee-Williams highlighted the growing pressure on city streets between public buses, cyclists, pedestrians and motor vehicles. This is a debate which will only grow in intensity and importance.
Interesting presentations were also delivered by local representatives including Glenn Caldwell (Pay by phone technologies), Marc Elliot (On-line parking reservation systems), Michael Julian (Security in Car Parks) and so on. Delegates will be able to download the presentations via the Parking Association’s website.
One of the most exciting aspects of this convention was the representation of other international parking bodies including the International Parking Institute and the Canadian Parking Association. By strengthening our ties to our sister organisations in North America and Europe we will be able to raise the level of the profession for the benefit of all who work in this huge sector of the economy.
Our exhibition occupied the entire Hall 6 at the Sydney Exhibition Centre, with over 2,200 square metres of space and 45 separate exhibitors. They all went to great lengths to provide interest and variety in the products and services available and gave delegates the opportunity to touch with their own hands a whole series of new technological developments. Independent observers awarded a certificate for the best large stand to TMA Group and for the best small stand to Beonic.
The Convention Dinner provided around 340 guests with the opportunity to network amongst old friends and new acquaintances. The Excellence Awards, presented during the dinner, recognised the efforts of four projects in the fields of design, management, technology and innovation.
Delegates came from many areas including local government, universities, airports and property owners. We sincerely hope they left with a lot of interesting information in order to assist them in improving their parking assets.
The city and site for the next convention in 2012 is not yet determined, however you can be certain that we will be building on the lessons learned and the feedback received from all who participated to ensure you have an even better experience to look forward to.
Comments