IPMI 2025 Recap: Shifting the Industry Paradigm Toward Rewards
Parking has a reputation problem. Many motorists perceive parking as penalizing, confusing, and expensive. That perception has persisted for over a century, dating back to the earliest parking meters and tickets. And while parking management technology has advanced tremendously in that time, enforcement models have remained largely unchanged. Other industries have made notable strides in improving the customer experience. Airlines offer miles. Car insurance companies reward safe driving. Banks and credit card companies provide cashback and loyalty perks. The list goes on. Over time, these industries have helped influence positive consumer behavior by establishing trust and long-term customer relationships. Parking can draw inspiration from these industries. At IPMI 2025, leaders from Park Loyalty and RISETEK presented a packed session exploring customer loyalty programs for parking. How can the parking experience reward compliance? What if local businesses gained new ways to engage customers? Picture this: a driver pays to park and receives a coupon from a nearby café. Or they earn a small perk, like a discount on dry cleaning, just for consistently following parking rules. Even parking tickets could become less painful if timely payment leads to a future discount. These simple ideas can shift public perception of parking, promote compliance, and foster new community connections to local businesses. This model introduces a “value triangle” between agencies, drivers, and merchants. Everyone contributes, and everyone benefits. Cities and universities see better compliance. Motorists feel appreciated. Local businesses attract more visitors. This isn’t just a concept. Modern parking platforms can support these strategies. Programs can be agency-branded, tailored to local needs, and integrated into existing systems without disrupting enforcement or revenue. The future holds that parking can still be fair and well-managed while building trust instead of resentment. Full recap: https://parkloyalty.com/parking-rewards-changing-enforcement-for-better-compliance/ Julia Scholl is a Marketing Manager for Park Loyalty. Julia can be reached at julia.scholl@parkloyalty.com.
