AN UPDATE FROM THE CPA By Carole Whitehorne
Just recently, the Board of Directors met in Toronto for their annual planning meeting. With a full agenda, the meeting was a chance to table issues, programs and the general state of the CPA. Discussions, lively at times, focused on the core benefits that our members value, but in particular, the annual gathering for our conference and trade show continues to be the top focus. The recent membership survey has once again demonstrated that the core benefit, or value to attendees comes from networking and education. This is why the CPA focuses much attention to these components of the event. Our conferences are the single best opportunity for members to meet with colleagues and discuss the current state of the parking industry in Canada. There are other events throughout the year, but nothing as specific to the Canadian parking market as the agenda laid out by the CPA.
membership renewals and the creation of association ambassadors, which leads to new members. We count on you to encourage your network to join in the parking conversation.
Quality events lead to repeat attendance at future events – a fact continually demonstrated by the loyalty of our members year after year. Both increased membership and repeat attendance leads to more non-dues revenue for the CPA, and a financially healthy association is better able to provide The concept of sharing exceptional benefits to its members and stakeholders.
ideas and experiences is a fundamental reason for people to connect with an industry-specific association, and for its members to attend networking events.
In addition to the parking-specific educational component, the trade show exhibition and networking opportunities, Canadian Parking Association members know how to have fun too! Who wouldn’t want to push back from their desk, get out of the routine and mix it up with people who face the same challenges day in and day out? Some of our members can’t even turn to a colleague because parking professionals are often times the only one of their kind within an organization.
As mentioned, our surveys have repeatedly told us that the main reasons for members to attend our events is usually to network, share experiences and information, learn more about the industry and to just plain get out of the office – in that order!
The concept of sharing ideas and experiences is a fundamental reason for people to connect with an industry-specific association, and for its members to attend networking events. We see younger members offering insight into all things ‘millennial’, while our more seasoned members (a.k.a. laggards!) share their knowledge gained from years of experience in the parking industry. There is an underlying transition – or passing of the baton - taking place as concepts and technology shape the future for the parking industry, and we can be encouraged by the enthusiasm of both demographics who join forces to drive development.
What member, for reasons other than budget or time constraints, has said “No thanks” to an association wind up event, a pre-conference brewery tour, or a charity event that benefits their own community?
The CPA will continue to push out information to its members through the various outlets – in particular the Parker magazine and the website at canadianparking.ca where we encourage submissions for blog or print. Our vehicle is ready, and we need your fuel to keep her running.
On the CPA staff side, events provide a way to become more personally familiar with our members and put a face to a name. Knowing members personally improves the customer service in ways that e-communications can’t. Serving members leads to more
The Board of Directors and staff of the CPA are at your service. Reach out and share your knowledge, experiences, products and services to help us maintain an enriched environment for the parking community in Canada. n
That’s where we come in.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
OUR MEMBERS ARE CHANGING THE FUTURE OF PARKING
PARKER | 1ST QUARTER 2017 | 1ER TRIMESTRE 2017
15