MILWAUKEE, WI — June 9, 2026 — HONK, North America’s leading provider of contactless payments for parking and mobility, and the International Parking & Mobility Institute are joining forces once again to drive positive local impact at the 2026 IPMI Conference & Expo. Taking place from June 14–17 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this marks the third consecutive year of this charitable partnership. Formerly known as the Sustainability Sponsorship, the initiative has evolved into the Community Sponsorship to highlight a deepened commitment to local social impact alongside vital environmental preservation. This year, the program will directly benefit the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County.
Trade shows require massive logistics, often leaving exhibitors with promotional materials, electronics, and booth items that are costly and carbon-intensive to ship back home. Through the Community Sponsorship, exhibitors are encouraged to leave these usable items right on the expo floor post-conference. The items are donated to the United Way to support families, schools, and vital non-profit initiatives across Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties. Preferred donation items include booth furniture, household goods, show bags, notebooks, pens, and promotional giveaway items. Beyond supporting local community members, recycling these goods eliminates the carbon emissions that would otherwise be produced from shipping heavy expo freight back across the country.
“We are incredibly proud to return for a third year to champion this initiative,” said Michael Back, HONK Founder and CEO. “Transitioning this program from a strict sustainability focus to a comprehensive Community Sponsorship reflects our belief that environmental stewardship and community care go hand in hand. By partnering with the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, we’re ensuring that the items left behind don’t just stay out of landfills — they actively help people live better lives right here in our host city.”
Rita Pagan, DES, Vice President, Meetings & Conventions at IPMI, shared her excitement for the continued evolution of the program. “HONK has been a phenomenal partner over the last three years, helping us turn a standard trade show wrap-up into a meaningful opportunity for outreach. The parking and mobility industry is fundamentally about connecting communities, and this initiative allows our exhibitors to leave a lasting, positive footprint in Milwaukee. We hope to see record participation this year.”
Exhibitors can bring their designated donation materials to the collection zone in the Expo Hall on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. IPMI staff will handle the logistics and final delivery to the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. For more details on how to get involved or to coordinate a pickup, exhibitors can contact [email protected] or visit the official IPMI Conference website.
About the 2026 IPMI Parking & Mobility Conference & Expo:
The IPMI Parking & Mobility Conference & Expo brings together professionals representing every level of experience and segment of the parking, transportation, and mobility industry. The event delivers four days of exceptional education, the largest display of parking- and mobility-specific technology and innovations, networking, and the opportunity to connect with a global community to advance the industry. Learn more at ipmi.parking-mobility.org.
