FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about exhibiting at and visiting Parkex 2027. Jump straight to the section you need.
19 to 20 May 2027, CBS Arena, Coventry
For companies thinking about exhibiting or sponsoring.
For anyone planning to attend. Entry is free.
Exhibitor FAQ
For companies thinking about exhibiting or sponsoring.
Event overview
What is Parkex?
Parkex is the UK's parking exhibition and conference, owned by the British Parking Association (BPA) and taking place on 19-20 May 2027 at CBS Arena, Coventry. It is the only UK parking event where all three buying groups come to buy: the local authorities setting parking policy, the operators running car parks day to day, and the landowners who own them.
When and where is Parkex 2027?
Parkex takes place on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 May 2027 at CBS Arena, Coventry. Opening hours are 09:30-17:00 on Day 1 and 09:30-16:30 on Day 2.
What makes Parkex different from other parking events?
Parkex is the profession's own event. The BPA, the leading membership body for UK parking and mobility, shapes the content, brings its members to the floor and runs BPA Live, the main stage. It also has the strongest public sector audience in UK parking, alongside operators and a growing landowner audience, so you meet both sides of the market in one room.
Is Parkex co-located with other events?
Yes. Parkex runs alongside Traffex (highways and roads) and Cold Comfort (winter maintenance) at CBS Arena, Coventry. Exhibitors and visitors get all three events under one roof, widening your reach across the infrastructure sector.
Audience and visitor profile
Who attends Parkex?
Parkex brings both sides of the UK parking market together: 41% of visitors come from the public sector and 46% from the private sector. That breaks down as local authorities (41%), car park operators (31%) and landowners (15%), from retail, airports and venues to the NHS and universities. Local authority attendance grew by 25% in 2026.
What job functions attend Parkex?
Heads of parking services, parking and enforcement managers, notice processing and appeals teams, traffic and kerbside officers, procurement leads, operations and managing directors at operators, airport landside managers, NHS and university estates and transport teams, retail and venue operations leads, consultants and BPA members.
What types of organisations attend Parkex?
Local authorities, car park operators, airports, NHS trusts, universities, retail and leisure destinations, stadiums and venues, property and real estate firms, consultancies, government bodies, the BPA and the wider parking and mobility supply chain. Organisations at Parkex 2026 included Brighton & Hove, Hounslow, London Councils, APCOA, Smart Parking UK, Manchester Airports Group, Heathrow, Bicester Village and British Land.
Do Parkex visitors have purchasing authority?
Yes. 82% of visitors make or influence purchasing decisions, and 32% are Directors, Heads of Service or Chiefs. In 2026, 81% of visitors engaged in purchase or project conversations with clear intent.
Exhibition opportunities
Why should I exhibit at Parkex?
You'll meet the whole UK parking market over two days: councils, operators and landowners, with buying power and live projects. Exhibitors averaged 19+ quality conversations each in 2026 and rated the event 8.5/10. See Why Exhibit for more.
Who should exhibit at Parkex?
Parking is part of a much bigger system, and Parkex 2027 is for anyone selling into it: parking equipment and enforcement, digital parking and payments, car park infrastructure, access control and security, kerbside and urban space, EV charging and energy, and data and AI. See Who Should Exhibit to find your sector.
What exhibition packages are available?
Shell scheme and space-only stands are available. Shell scheme includes shell walling, carpet, ceiling grid and a name board fascia. Space-only stands, for custom builds, start from 15m². Partnership and sponsorship packages are also available.
How much does it cost to exhibit at Parkex?
Pricing depends on stand type, size and location, and all prices are plus VAT. Contact Exhibition Director Ray Clark for current 2027 rates and early bird pricing.
What is the Complete Event Engagement Package?
Every exhibitor takes the Complete Event Engagement Package. It includes your full exhibitor listing and visitor data capture access, inclusion in the Parkex Concierge, meeting invitation management, and a full contact export after the show, including pre-registered non-attendees.
Can I build my own custom stand?
Yes. Space-only packages give you raw floor space to design and build your own branded stand, with a minimum size of 15m². Budget separately for stand build, furniture, graphics and any specialist equipment.
Is there an early bird deadline?
Yes. The early bird deadline for stands is 31 January 2027. Booking early saves on your stand and gets your brand in place before the main visitor campaign launches.
What is Launchpad?
Launchpad is our start-up and innovation zone, expanded for 2027. Visitors asked for it by name: a place for newer companies to show what's next in parking. Talk to Ray Clark about availability.
What return can I expect from exhibiting?
Return depends on your objectives, stand and follow-up, but Parkex is built to deliver pipeline, not just footfall. 86% of exhibitors return year on year. Our sales team can share recent exhibitor results and help you set targets for 2027.
Content and speaking opportunities
Can exhibitors speak at Parkex?
Content at Parkex is shaped with the BPA. Exhibitors can show their technology working in The Exchange, and sponsorship packages can include speaking and session opportunities. Talk to Ray Clark about what's available for 2027.
What content is there at Parkex 2027?
BPA Live is the main stage, run with the BPA: keynotes, policy updates including the Private Parking Code of Practice, and the big announcements. Alongside it are the Local Authority Forum for council parking teams, Owners' Mornings for landowners, The Exchange for live demonstrations, and EV Connect, shared with Traffex. Your stand also sits within reach of six stages across Parkex, Traffex and Cold Comfort. The full 2027 programme will be announced in January 2027.
What is The Exchange?
The Exchange is new for 2027: an informal show-floor space for live product demonstrations, hands-on sessions and hardware in action, so visitors can see the technology working, not just hear about it.
What are Owners' Mornings?
Owners' Mornings are new for 2027: two closed-door breakfast sessions for landowners, one sector per morning. Wednesday 19 May is Retail & Leisure, and Thursday 20 May is Health, Education & Transport Hubs. They're practitioner-led and invite-only, shaped by a Landowners' Advisory Panel. Sponsorship is available.
Marketing and lead generation
How will Parkex promote my company?
Every exhibitor is listed in the official exhibitor directory on the Parkex website and included in the Parkex Concierge. Exhibitors also feature in our email campaigns, on social media and through our media partner Parking News, the BPA's membership magazine.
What is the Parkex Concierge?
For 2027, Parkex is replacing the event app with a Concierge service. Visitors ask by topic, product or problem via WhatsApp or on the Parkex website and get matched to the right exhibitors and sessions, before and during the show. Every exhibitor is included.
How can I generate leads at Parkex?
Start before the show: invite your own customers and prospects, share your stand number and promote any sessions you're part of. On the day, run live demonstrations, take part in The Exchange and host hospitality on your stand. Have a lead capture system ready, and a follow-up plan for the week after.
Will I receive visitor data?
Exhibitors do not receive pre-registered visitor lists before the show. After the event, the Complete Event Engagement Package gives you a full contact export, including pre-registered non-attendees. To fill your diary, invite your own contacts early using your stand number and the promotional materials we provide.
Sponsorship opportunities
What sponsorship opportunities are available?
Partnership packages, Owners' Mornings sponsorship and headline sponsorship of The State of Private Parking, a new survey of UK landowners launched live at Parkex and published after the show. Individual opportunities such as branding, the registration area, lanyards and badges are also available. Talk to Ray Clark to find the right fit.
Logistics and practical information
Is there parking at CBS Arena?
Yes. There is free on-site parking with space for exhibitor cars, vans and trucks, but you must book your vehicle in before you arrive. Vehicles that are not booked in will receive a Penalty Charge Notice, and these cannot be cancelled. Booking details are on the Plan Your Trip page. The venue is just off Junction 3 of the M6.
Are there hotels near the venue?
Yes. Discounted rates will be available at a selection of hotels in and around Coventry. See the Plan Your Trip page for details.
Is there Wi-Fi at the venue?
Yes, CBS Arena provides free Wi-Fi across the exhibition hall and venue. For anything business-critical, we strongly recommend booking a dedicated wired connection through the venue or official contractors.
Booking and contracts
How do I book a stand at Parkex 2027?
Call Exhibition Director Ray Clark or complete the sales enquiry form. The team will talk through your objectives, recommend the right package, share the floor plan with available stands and guide you through booking.
Who do I contact for exhibitor sales?
Ray Clark, Exhibition Director, Hemming Group Ltd
Email: r.clark@hgluk.com
Phone: +44 (0)20 7973 4683
Enquiry form: www.parkex.net/exhibit/sales-enquiry
Visitor FAQ
For anyone planning to attend. Entry is free.
Event overview
What is Parkex?
Parkex is the UK's parking exhibition and conference, owned by the British Parking Association, taking place on 19-20 May 2027 at CBS Arena, Coventry. It brings local authorities, car park operators and landowners together with the suppliers of parking equipment, enforcement, payments, access control, EV charging, data and more.
When and where is Parkex 2027?
Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 May 2027 at CBS Arena, Coventry. Opening hours are 09:30-17:00 on Wednesday and 09:30-16:30 on Thursday. The venue is just off Junction 3 of the M6.
Is entry free?
Yes. Registration is free and covers the exhibition, all conference sessions and networking across Parkex, Traffex and Cold Comfort. Pre-registering is strongly recommended for fast-track entry.
Do I need to register in advance?
You can register on the day, but registering in advance gets you fast-track entry, event updates and the chance to plan your visit before you arrive. It takes about two minutes.
What to expect
What types of companies exhibit at Parkex?
Suppliers from across UK parking and mobility: pay stations and ticket machines, barriers and access control, enforcement services and technology, ANPR, mobile payments and digital permits, parking management software, car park infrastructure, kerbside management, EV charging and energy, and data and AI.
What can I do at Parkex?
Explore the exhibition and see kit working in The Exchange, hear policy and Code of Practice updates at BPA Live, join the Local Authority Forum or Owners' Mornings, discover start-ups in Launchpad, ask the Parkex Concierge anything via WhatsApp or the website, and meet peers facing the same challenges as you.
I'm a landowner. Is Parkex for me?
Yes. Landowners from retail, airports, venues, the NHS and universities are our biggest growth audience for 2027. Owners' Mornings are closed-door breakfast sessions built for you, covering choosing and managing an operator, the Private Parking Code of Practice, EV on the estate and getting more from parking assets.
Is Parkex co-located with other events?
Yes. Your Parkex registration also gets you into Traffex (highways and roads) and Cold Comfort (winter maintenance), so you can explore suppliers across all three shows in one visit.
Conference programme
Are conference sessions free?
Yes. Every session is free with your visitor registration.
What content is there?
BPA Live is the main stage, run with the British Parking Association. The Local Authority Forum covers the National Parking Platform, kerbside management, enforcement and the RM6347 procurement route. Owners' Mornings serve landowners, The Exchange hosts live demonstrations, and EV Connect, shared with Traffex, covers charging and energy. Your registration also gets you into the Traffex and Cold Comfort theatres. The full programme will be announced in January 2027.
Who will be speaking in 2027?
The 2027 programme will be announced in January 2027. Register your interest and we'll let you know as soon as it's live.
Planning your visit
How do I register for Parkex 2027?
Registration opens in February 2027. Until then, you can register your interest and we'll tell you as soon as it opens. When it does, register at www.parkex.net with your details, organisation and job role, and you'll get instant confirmation.
How long should I allow for my visit?
Most visitors spend 3-5 hours at the show, taking in the exhibition and two or three sessions. If you have supplier meetings booked or want to see more content, plan for a full day. Coming on both days lets you cover everything without rushing.
Can I book meetings with suppliers in advance?
Yes. Browse the exhibitor list and contact the suppliers you want to meet directly, so you get dedicated time with the right people rather than queuing on a busy stand.
What is the Parkex Concierge?
The Concierge replaces the event app for 2027. Ask it anything about the show via WhatsApp or on the Parkex website, from which exhibitors cover your area to session times and travel, and get an answer straight away. There's nothing to download.
Should I attend one day or both?
If you have a handful of suppliers to meet and a couple of must-see sessions, one focused day may be enough. Both days give you time for more sessions, second conversations with suppliers and more networking. Owners' Mornings run on different sectors each day, so landowners should check which morning fits.
Travel and logistics
How do I get to CBS Arena?
CBS Arena sits in the north of Coventry, within a two-hour drive of 75% of the UK population. By car, it's just off Junction 3 of the M6. By train, the arena has its own station, Coventry Arena, and London Euston is under an hour from Coventry. In 2026 a free shuttle bus ran from Coventry station to the venue; details for 2027 will be on the Plan Your Trip page. Birmingham Airport is around 20 minutes' drive away.
Is parking available?
Yes, parking is free, but you must book your vehicle in before you arrive. Vehicles that are not booked in will receive a Penalty Charge Notice, and these cannot be cancelled. Follow the instructions on the Plan Your Trip page. Arriving before 10:00 on Day 1 is recommended.
Is there accommodation nearby?
Yes. Discounted rates will be available at a selection of hotels in and around Coventry. Find the details on the Plan Your Trip page and book early, as hotels fill up during the show.
At the event
What facilities are available?
CBS Arena is a modern venue with catering outlets, coffee stations, seating areas, free Wi-Fi, accessible toilets, first aid, a cloakroom, charging points and meeting spaces.
Is catering available?
Yes, with hot food, cafés and refreshment points open across both days. Expect queues between 12:00 and 13:00. Many exhibitors also offer refreshments on their stands.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue. Network details are displayed on screens around the venue.
Professional development
Can I claim CPD at the show?
Conference sessions at Traffex, which your registration gets you into, are CPD-accredited by the Institute of Highway Engineers, and the programme shows which sessions are accredited. Visit the IHE stand at the show to register your CPD points.
Can I meet peers from other organisations?
Yes. Parkex is a major meeting point for council parking teams, operators and landowners, and the BPA's members come to the show. The Local Authority Forum and Owners' Mornings are built for peer conversations, and there's informal networking space throughout.
Finding exhibitors
How do I find specific exhibitors?
Search the exhibitor list by company name, product category or solution type, or ask the Parkex Concierge via WhatsApp or the website, before and during your visit.
What demonstrations can I see?
Live demonstrations of pay stations, barriers and gates, ANPR and enforcement technology, payment and permit platforms, parking management software, EV charging and more. The Exchange is dedicated to hands-on demonstrations.
How can I compare suppliers efficiently?
Shortlist suppliers from the exhibitor list or with help from the Concierge, then visit their stands back to back while the details are fresh. Use The Exchange to see kit working side by side, and keep consistent notes so you can compare after the show.
Contact
Still Have a Question?
Exhibitor sales
Ray Clark, Exhibition Director
Email: r.clark@hgluk.com
Phone: +44 (0)20 7973 4683