An NPA Tech Talk Featuring HONK and Oak View Group
Parking doesn’t have to be complicated—but too often, it is. That’s what sparked the conversation during our recent NPA Tech Talk, where HONK joined Oak View Group and industry peers to discuss simplifying the parking experience. Missed it? Here’s a quick recap.
Replacing the Manual Mess
Paper permits, endless emails, and long waits sound familiar? Oak View Group collaborated with HONK to digitize the cumbersome manual permitting process. Now, residents upload proof online and receive permits via email—eliminating back-and-forth delays. This evolution has reduced administrative burdens and saved time for both staff and residents.
Simplicity = Success
“It’s just parking,” as Kacey jokingly reminded us, emphasizing that simplicity can lead to success. The panel reiterated that easy-to-use parking systems have higher adoption rates. With one-click flows and app-free payments, intuitive systems reduce user complaints and boost usage.
Reservations: Not Just for Dinner
Originally designed for ski hills, HONK’s reservation portal is now a versatile solution for high-demand venues. By allowing guests to book parking ahead, it reduces event-day chaos. The integration with venue websites ensures a consistent user journey, loved by both operators and customers.
Protecting Customers from Scams
With the rise of digital parking, scams have increased, particularly ticket resellers. Oak View Group shared insights on how HONK limits reservations per user to combat this. Encouraging direct purchases through venue sites or HONK-powered portals keeps transactions secure and trustworthy.
Let the Data Speak
Measuring success goes beyond counting parked vehicles; it’s about ensuring a smooth experience. Operators use satisfaction metrics like reduced service calls and fewer complaints to gauge success. Effective systems result in quieter support lines, fostering continuous improvement through real-world feedback.
Better Together: Tech + Operator Collaboration
Open conversations yield the best solutions. HONK’s top features emerged from feedback by operators aware of their needs. Kacey and Dani stressed the importance of understanding tools and maintaining communication with tech partners. This enables swift implementations, sometimes bringing complex projects to life within weeks.
Final Thought
The future of parking is not only digital but also thoughtful. From reservation portals to streamlined permitting, operators are implementing changes that enhance experiences and reduce frustration. When smart tech meets practical know-how, everyone benefits—from customers to back-office staff.
Watch the Webinar Here:
