With formal and social gatherings of parking professionals from around the world, a municipal symposium, popular education sessions, and a little jeans and bling, the 2014 IPI Conference & Expo kicked off in grand style at the Gaylord Texan Resort.

First on yesterday’s agenda was a meeting of GPALS–the Global Parking Association Leaders Summit–where representatives of nearly a dozen parking associations from all over the globe pulled chairs up to the table to talk about trends in their countries, parking research, sustainability, promoting the industry, and the best ways to share information.

Following that was the first Municipal Symposium: Real Solutions for Real Cities. Speakers, including Bill Wolpin, American City & County magazine; Marina Leight, Governing magazine; Laurens Eckelboom, Parkmobile; David Cummins, Xerox State & Local Solutions; and a panel of municipal parking directors and experts shared their expertise and experiences in a lively discussion with multiple takeaways participants can take home and put to work. Also here was the release of a joint survey of government officials from cities, towns, and counties across the U.S. about municipal parking–download it here.

The first day of education sessions proved popular as attendees flocked to the tracked seminars and panel discussions. And last

night’s Denim and Diamonds Meet and Mingle event at the Glass Cactus nightclub saw attendees boot scootin’ on the dance floor and enjoying the company of new and old friends from all over the world.

Today promises to bring even more excitement, with the Welcome Breakfast, Professional Recognition Awards, and double-header keynote, opening of the massive Expo hall, and another afternoon of education sessions. It’s a great day for parking to be in Texas!