The European parking community is heading to Brussels… see you there!

EPA president Nigel Williams is looking forward to the 21st European Parking Conference & Exhibition

It is my great pleasure to invite you to the 21st European Parking Conference & Exhibition, taking place again this year in Brussels from 17-18 September, and for the first time as part of the annual European Mobility Week! 

We are expecting over 500 delegates, with a particular focus this year on representatives of cities and regions.

This milestone edition of our biennial event comes at a pivotal moment for the European Parking Association, and for our sector, as we are witnessing a transformation in how cities function. 

Under the theme Reshaping Urban Space – Delivering sustainable parking management and mobility solutions, together we will explore how our sector is responding to the urgent challenge of delivering sustainable mobility while maintaining economic vitality and inclusiveness.

This year’s conference will embrace a more interactive and collaborative format. Alongside dynamic plenary sessions – featuring speakers from the EU Commission and EPA partners such as ALICE, POLIS, and ERTICO-ITS Europe – the programme will offer a rich mix of parallel sessions and workshops exploring a wide array of topics.

These interactive workshops are designed to foster knowledge exchange, cross-sector collaboration, and lively debate on the future of parking management and sustainable urban mobility. 

EPA Working Group-led workshops will tackle pressing issues like electric vehicles and fire safety or digitalisation and data sharing, while a series of policy sessions and workshops will bring fresh perspectives and specialised insights to the agenda.

European Women in Parking (E-WiP) is a new EPA initiative which will launch at the conference as well. Its aim is to build a strong community that supports, empowers, and advances women throughout the parking and mobility sector.

The European Parking Awards ceremony where the finalists and winners in each of this year’s eight award categories will be announced on stage takes place during the afternoon of 17 September. As always, the awards will spotlight outstanding achievements in our industry, recognising those who are helping shape the future of urban mobility across Europe.

Beyond the conference sessions, I’m sure that like me you are looking forward to participating in the social and networking opportunities. 

These begin with a Welcome Reception on the evening of 16 September for the exhibitors and early arrivals, offering a relaxed setting to reconnect with colleagues and meet new faces ahead of the main event.

Throughout the conference, the catering offer will be of high quality and dynamically served, providing the perfect opportunity to continue conversations sparked during the formal sessions.

The highlight comes on the evening of 17 September, following the prestigious European Parking Awards ceremony, with a networking reception and a walking dinner – a celebratory evening where we can all unwind, share ideas, and enjoy the atmosphere of the capital of Europe in excellent company!

I am sincerely thankful to the many companies and organisations from across the parking and mobility sector who are supporting the conference. Their ongoing support – and their enthusiasm for sharing insights and connecting with others – adds so much to the spirit of the event. It’s this kind of engagement that helps create not just a great conference, but a strong and supportive community.

I look forward to seeing you in Brussels. Together, we can gain fresh insights and discover the latest advances in our sector.

Nigel Williams is president of the European Parking Association (EPA)

Watch the EPA Conference and Exhibition preview on the European Parking Association YouTube Channel