Another exciting and productive day in Las Vegas yesterday, and there’s lots more to come today for the more than 3,000 parking professionals gathered at the Mandalay Bay for the 2015 IPI Conference & Expo.

Tuesday started with education sessions that filled rooms with participants eager to learn about finance, sustainability, technology, organizational improvement, building and construction management, and customer service from expert presenters.

The first General Session produced both laughter and tears with presentations of Professional Recognition awards, Lifetime Achievement awards, and Chair Award, which went to Alejandro “Alex” Jaramillo, with APD de Colombia, who was clearly surprised. His wife and children accompanied him to the Conference for the honor. Details on the other awards can be found in the July issue of The Parking Professional.

Futurist John Martin presented his Ten Transcendent Trends Reshaping the Future of Parking, offering data and research on the generational and other influences that will change the way parking professionals do their jobs.

The world’s largest parking Expo hall opened to huge crowds and lots of business on the floor, with a record number of exhibitors showing off new technology, business models, and products and services. Giveaways, balloons, games, and celebrations made the afternoon all the more exciting.

On tap for today are Awards of Excellence, Parking Matters Marketing & Communications Awards, Green Parking Council awards, keynoter Gordon Price, education and Ignite sessions, more time at the Expo and PowerPitch Forums, and a wide variety of facility tours. Wear your comfortable shoes!