Tuesday, April 21^st through Thursday April 23^rd the Texas Parking & Transportation Association (TPTA) held their annual Conference & Trade Show at American Bank Center for the first time in Corpus Christi. The parking industry is a $46+ billion industry in the United States. The TPTA expects 200-250 people who represent parking programs throughout the state from municipalities, universities, medical centers, airports, private parking entities and the vendors who support them.

Corpus Christi Police Parking Control Operations Manager, Marc Denson, has served on the Board of Directors of the TPTA organization the past 3 years and worked diligently to bring the event to Corpus Christi. “With the encouragement of CCPD Police Chief Floyd Simpson and tremendous support from the Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau and the American Bank Center we have been able to land this event,” said Denson.

This is the first time in many years that the TPTA has attempted to host their annual conference in a mid-size city, typically holding it in Austin, Houston or the Dallas areas. “Our goal was not only to bring the conference here, but to get it on a regular rotation to keep bringing revenue into our city as well as introducing people to Corpus Christi who have never been here.” said Denson “We want them to bring their families back this summer.”

The Texas Parking & Transportation Association is the nation’s 3^rd largest state parking organization behind California and Florida in membership. As cities expand and revitalize downtown parking has been deemed a valuable asset to cities, with industry professionals often stating ‘parking is everything’. “With most cities land locked downtown and the number of commuter vehicles increasing annually, cities have to become creative to facilitate parking needs for growth. This is not just limited to cities though, as we find the same situations in universities, medical centers and airports. The TPTA and its members exist to help provide solutions!” said Denson.