Parkex preview Its showtime! This month, the BPAs flagship event takes place online for the first time. The BPA team looks forward to welcoming you to a truly unique event, full of discussion, discoveries and delights all about the world of parking. See you there! s President of the BPA, for the second year in a row, it is my pleasure and privilege to write this welcome note to Parkex 2021. There are few who miss the grind of a daily commute, but I dare say many will think wistfully of our annual jaunt to Birmingham or Coventry, where we meet up with old friends and add new ones. Parkex has, indeed, become a fixture in both our business and social calendars. Alas, this is not to be for 2021. We had hoped to run a blended event, with online presentations and discussions running alongside real exhibition stands and the shaking of many hands, but this was just not possible. As so often in parking, our ideas and capabilities were running ahead of what is permitted by the government. Its also the case as always in parking that the safety and convenience of our customers is paramount, so online we will go. This isnt the end of the world, however, as we learned throughout 2020 that there are a number of advantages to this approach. These include the ability to dip in and out of the programme to catch the sessions that most interest us, even if they are on different days, and to provide access to colleagues throughout our organisations, rather than just sending along one or two representatives. So, come along, virtually, and enjoy the show. Bring all your friends, and visit our sponsors and supporters at their stands. Were grateful for their help in making the event possible. I look forward to seeing you there, and look forward even more to seeing you in 2022 in Birmingham, Coventry, or somewhere else. A John McArdle BPA President britishparking.co.uk 25 PN June 2021 pp24-31 Parkex.indd 25 21/05/2021 11:34