BPA conferences Marching on This month, we are looking forward to two outstanding BPA events: the Parking Scotland Conference on 3-4 March, and the AOS Conference on 17-18 March Parking Scotland Conference The Parking Scotland community strength and spirit is second to none, and I hope all who attend the conference come away feeling lighter, more positive and ready to tackle whatever is thrown at us next, says Lorna Hogg, chair of Parking Scotland. Seeing how our members are adapting, evolving and managing in the current circumstances will make this event one to remember. The conference includes sessions that will consider practical questions facing Scottish authorities, such as use of camera technology and pavement parking but there will also be a wider industry focus, such as pricing policy and planning for future transport demands. Mental health and wellbeing, so important at this time, will also be included. RingGo is sponsoring day one of the conference and its managing director, Peter ODriscoll, says: Parking is such a driving force for change. Through parking, we can improve air quality, reduce congestion, encourage modal transport shift, and regenerate our high streets. These are such challenging, but exciting, times. As always, I am sure that the Parking Scotland Conference will be a fascinating two days of learning, sharing, networking and development, for everyone who attends. Victoria Harris, head of business development at Dynamic Mobile Billing, sponsor for day two, says: The BPA has devised an exciting, varied programme of seminar topics for the event, highlighting pertinent issues, such as sustainable transport, smarter towns and cities, and electric vehicles. We feel the virtual conference is an important opportunity for delegates to keep abreast of parking developments and we are really looking forward to participating. See the programme on page 27 and register at britishparking.co.uk/Parking-Scotland-Conference The conferences are free to attend, but the BPA is asking, if you can, to make a donation to Macmillan, using the QR codes or at bit.ly/PNMar21donate Im glad to see these events coming up because, even with a vaccination programme, we wont be back to normal whatever normal might be any time soon, so its time to get on with things and do the best we can John McArdle, BPA President AOS Conference The power of this event is the people the speakers, the attendees, and the discussions that go on, says Steve Clark, director of operations. Its such an important time for private operators, and this conference is designed for them and about them. Its a shame we cant meet in person, but this promises to deliver the next best thing: learning and sharing virtually. The AOS Conference programme features an update on the Parking (Code of Practice) Act and several workshops, including one focused on Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA). There will be an opportunity to consider issues such as charging provision for electric vehicles, active travel, and the use of data in driving change in the sector. Looking after employees and your own mental health will also be discussed, and the event will embrace the usual AOS social vibe, with an end-ofconference quiz hosted by Steve Clark. Debt Recovery Plus is sponsor for day one of the conference. We believe that communication between industry stakeholders is critical to developing good practice, especially during these unprecedented times, says Gareth Brierley, the companys deputy managing director. With a lack of the usual face-to-face contact, these virtual events are so important in delivering key messages and maintaining lines of communication. See the programme on page 29 and register at britishparking.co.uk/BPA-AOS-Conference 26 britishparking.co.uk PN Mar 2021 pp26-29 Conferences.indd 26 22/02/2021 14:13