As the parking landscape continues to evolve, events like PIE are where progress takes shape—and this year was no exception. PIE 2025 marked the 25th anniversary of the Parking Industry Expo, bringing together leaders from across the public and private sectors to explore what’s next for our industry.
From advancing AI and automation to reimagining the parking journey through digitization, the themes were clear: our industry is moving faster, becoming more connected, and placing greater emphasis on adaptable, customer-first experiences.
But beyond the sessions and tech showcases, what stood out most was the energy on the ground. It was a welcome change to reconnect with long-time partners, meet new operators exploring digital transformation, and trade ideas face-to-face. These conversations—whether on the expo floor, over coffee, or between sessions—are what continue to move the industry forward.
Here’s what we took away from the week:
AI in Action
AI is no longer just an idea for the future—it’s being used right now to make daily operations easier. From predicting when and where lots will fill up, to automating back-end tasks like reporting and occupancy tracking, AI is taking on the routine work so teams can focus on strategy. The takeaway was clear: AI is here to support—not replace—parking teams, and it’s already delivering real value.
Smarter, More Reliable LPR
Next-gen LPR tech was a hot topic. New systems are faster, more accurate, and more resilient in tricky conditions like glare, rain, or fast-moving traffic. But what really stood out was the push for better integration. These tools are no longer standalone—they’re part of a larger ecosystem that ties directly into payments, enforcement, and access control. That’s what makes frictionless, ticketless parking not just possible—but practical.
Seamless, Digitized Journeys
As one panelist said, “Parking is so smooth you didn’t even notice.” That vision is becoming reality. Drivers want simple, fast, and invisible—and operators are delivering. From mobile payments and license plate recognition to reservation portals and gateless entries, the parking experience is being completely rethought. The goal? A journey that’s effortless for drivers and lower-maintenance for operators.
Customizable Validations
There’s no longer a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to validations. Parking operators need tools that can flex based on the use case—whether it’s a retail store offering a free hour, or an employer covering a portion of staff parking. The key is simplicity: validations need to be easy to set up, easy to apply, and easy to update as things change. We saw strong momentum in this space and expect it to keep growing.
The Value of Face Time
While the tech and trends were exciting, PIE 2025 was also a reminder of the power of in-person connection. Being able to have real conversations, see product demos live, and talk candidly about goals and challenges made the week incredibly valuable. We walked away with new ideas, stronger relationships, and plenty of follow-ups we’re excited to dig into.
Couldn’t Make It to PIE? Let’s Catch Up.
Whether you were busy onsite or couldn’t make it to Schaumburg this year, we’d love to connect. Let’s talk about what’s coming next in parking—and how we can help you stay a step ahead.
