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Grab your boots, grab your hats, Calgary's where the party's at! Join us in the front seat as we kick off the Park Smarter, Not Harder campaign with none other than REEF Calgary’s use of Offstreet for Calgary Stampede. Calgary Stampede is a 10 day event in Calgary, AB, Canada that attracts visitors from around the world. With a rodeo, live entertainment, shopping, and more, traffic is flowing all day and night. Imagine that it’s a beautiful week in July, you’ve planned a weekend of fun with close friends or family, maybe even dusted off your cowboy boots, and you’re ready to kick off Stampede (as the locals call it). Everything’s great - except the idea of parking. Nobody wants to drive because nobody wants to deal with parking! Sound familiar? We've all been victims of a poor parking experience at least one time in our lives. Luckily, REEF Calgary is changing the game on that. Formerly known as Impark, REEF Calgary has been at the forefront of the digital parking revolution since 2016. After taking over the parking operations for Calgary Stampede in 2021, REEF has implemented technology solutions to increase parking accessibility and provide a great experience. Numerous demographics attend Stampede; creating accessibility for paid parking options was a priority. REEF Calgary needed a digital, plate-based solution for registering vehicles that had already paid using a point of sale (POS) system. Ideally, the solution would integrate with their LPR enforcement software so that enforcement was uninterrupted. Utilizing Offstreet, REEF Calgary was able to seamlessly accommodate this. Cashiers had access to Offstreet and could create a virtual permit for anyone choosing to pay for parking with cash at the booth. The result? Attendees no longer fear the parking experience, the event benefits from higher attendee satisfaction, and REEF Calgary is able to manage and enforce parking more efficiently than if they were to use cash and tickets. Here’s what Senior Operations Manager, Vernon Ma, had to say about the experience using Offstreet: "With the Offstreet validations, we realize the potential to never go back to cash and tickets again." REEF Calgary's innovative approach to parking has the potential to revolutionize the industry, making it easier and more convenient for everyone involved. Stay tuned for next week's post to learn about how Offstreet is used in the vacation house market for AirBnb guests!

The world of parking is changing, and it's not just about paid or free parking anymore. The rise of technology has brought about new opportunities to enhance the parker experience and increase efficiency. However, with these opportunities comes increased complexity in parking operations. That's where Offstreet comes in. Offstreet is a product-focused, customer-centric solution that reduces complexity for parking managers. By being flexible, Offstreet can adapt to the unique needs of each parking operation, making the adoption of technology a more seamless experience. Over the next several weeks, Offstreet will be spotlighting innovative professionals who are shaping the future of parking. These professionals have partnered with Offstreet to adopt technology solutions that make their parking operations more efficient. With solutions for unique use cases like AirBnb and Calgary Stampede, Offstreet has worked with some incredible partners. At Offstreet, we believe that there is no "one size fits all" solution when it comes to parking. We're dedicated to helping parking managers navigate the complexity of parking operations and adopt technology that enhances the parker experience. So buckle up and stay tuned for more - we'll make sure you have a spot reserved!

This partnership will allow the U of M to better utilize LPR enforcement and save time managing validations and complimentary parking. Offstreet is proud to announce our deployment with the University of Manitoba - a post secondary institute in Winnipeg, MB, Canada. “We had been searching for a customer-friendly validation system that satisfied our needs, and Offstreet has exceeded our expectations. Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and our partners on campus have raved about the simplicity and efficiency of validating visitor parkers virtually, from their work stations, removing all need for physical permits.” - Cameron Neufeld, Director of Parking & Transportation We're helping the U of M integrate department special guest parking with LPR enforcement. By moving to an online validation platform, the U of M has been able to increase efficiency by eliminating decals and spreadsheets. When arriving on site, department administrators can create registrations on behalf of guests, or enable them to register their own vehicle through a unique link. After the license plate is entered, parking session data is automatically sent to the enforcement officers in the field through a secure, real time API integration. This partnership will allow the U of M to better utilize LPR enforcement as well as free up internal resources that were previously spent managing validations and complimentary parking for department guests. We are extremely excited to continue our partnership with the University of Manitoba and look forward to helping them simplify their operations. Learn more about Offstreet's solution for department validations here!

Need a better solution for long term parkers? Keep reading to learn more about Offstreet’s digital permit solution (available to existing users at no additional cost!). Although there has been extensive demand for flex permits post-pandemic, there are still situations that require long term parking. These situations range from employees who work in person, to board members, residents, and more. With these folks parking on site frequently, they desire a "set and forget" parking solution. If you’re arriving on site daily, it’s a poor experience to have to register for parking every day. Offstreet’s permit solution allows parkers to register once for long term parking; creating a virtual permit and eliminating the need for physical passes. Offstreet’s permit solution is simple to use; create permits one at a time or upload them in bulk. No need to set an expiry date or time (unless you'd like to), it is simple to delete the permit when it is no longer needed. This solution allows parking providers to shift the onus onto businesses and organizations to manage their long term permit holders. Easily allow businesses to self-manage their employee parking permits Employee license plate numbers are uploaded into Offstreet, with the option to add additional information such as ‘Employee Name’ and ‘Employee Number’, and sent to enforcement in real time through an API integration. This is a common use case at retail properties, office buildings, and on campuses. A solution for board members, donors, volunteers, and other guest parkers Create a hassle free experience for board members, donors, volunteers, and more by uploading license plate numbers in advance, allowing them to arrive without the worry of registering or paying for parking, or printing out an e-permit to display on their dash. License plate data is automatically sent to enforcement officers in the field through a secure API integration. This is a common use case at healthcare locations and campuses. A great solution for tenant permits With the ability to set a maximum number of permits and allow tenants to self-manage them, parking providers no longer have to respond to endless tenant parking requests. This is a common use case at residential and mixed-use residential/commercial properties. Interested in learning more? Book a 10 min call with an Offstreet team member to see if it would be a good fit for your location - email us directly at hello@joinoffstreet.com.

Do you find the event parking process to be a hassle? Between offering validated parking, ensuring there are enough spaces available, managing the flow of traffic, and billing the organizers or hosts for the associated usage, it can be quite the process. At Offstreet, we’re changing the game on that. Improve the parking experience by enabling attendees to register for parking ahead of time. Event guests may be traveling a ways to enjoy the event at your location, and they want the parking experience to be so good that they don’t even notice it. Offstreet’s event parking feature allows you to send custom parking registration links for each event, reducing traffic congestion and providing parkers with a seamless experience. They simply arrive, park, and enjoy the event! Parking providers who choose Offstreet as their event parking solution notice: Reduced administrative work by moving to a digital solution No more long lineups at pay stations by enabling attendees to register in advance Increased revenue by offering a pre-paid option “... Offstreet has worked closely with our team to develop a custom solution for our event facilities and hotel clients who require parking reservations for various types of events – conferences, trade shows, weddings, and other private parties. The feedback we have received from our clients and their customers has been nothing but spectacular.” - Ron Horwitz, Account Manager at REEF Parking Do you manage events with complex parking rules? Schedule a demo with Offstreet to see how this solution streamlines event parking management.

Did you know Offstreet has a robust, easy to manage solution for code-based validations, event parking, and guest parking? Manual, hardware based processes can be challenging for both parkers and parking managers. From the parkers perspective, it’s a poor experience to have to park, locate a pay station, enter a code, return to their vehicle, etc. The reality is, people are busy and much less patient, especially when it comes to things like parking - they just want it to be easy. From the management perspective, administering prepaid coupon codes presents another challenge, especially when the number of uses required is unknown or hard to predict. What if you could simplify the parker experience by replacing manual, hardware based processes with digital solutions, all while maintaining security and control over the parking lot? Offstreet’s flexible and customizable rules engine allows parking managers to do just that. Codes can be attached to any registration setting, making it easy for parking managers to require an extra level of authentication for validations, guest parking, events, and more. Codes can be restricted per period of days, weeks, months, or given unlimited uses. 3 ways parking managers are using codes for added security: Guest parking at residential locations Code-based registration settings are associated with each unit and accessible through a web link or QR code. With limited uses/month, residents are able to self-manage their guest parking! Employee parking at retail or mixed-use locations With hybrid work environments becoming increasingly common, codes are a great way to administer first come, first served complimentary employee parking. Event parking at hotels or event venues Prevent event parking links from being distributed or abused while still allowing attendees to pre-register for parking using the unique registration code. No payment information, app download, or user account required! If you’re interested in learning more, schedule a demo with Offstreet to see how this solution can secure parking management at your location.

With Offstreet parking administrators can easily create unique parking links for various events. To do so, you will need to start by creating a registration setting for the event (these are the unique parking rules and rates associated with the event). We'll go over the necessary steps throughout this article - keep reading! Contents of this article: Creating the parking settings Using codes to add usage restrictions or additional security measure Adding a rate to event parking sessions Creating and sharing the unique parking link Managing codes, editing parking rules, removing settings, and more Generating an Event Specific Link To create an event setting, you’ll start by selecting tenants from the lefthand sidebar. From the tenant list, select the tenant the event is associated with. Once you’ve gotten to the tenant page, you will scroll down to the ‘Registration Settings’. Select the green ‘Create’ button Start by giving the event a name - for example, Alumni Dinner Ensure the event is visible in the portal by toggling the portal view on Select applicable rules and customize the inputs: Start Time - for example, 9:00am Fixed Start Date - for example, November 25th, 2022 Expiry Time - for example, 5:00pm Fixed Expiry Date - for example, November 26th, 2022 Select ‘Save’ to save these entries Associate the registration setting to a specific tenant: Navigating to the ‘Tenants’ tab on the registration setting page Select the check-box next to the tenant name, and select save Add usage restrictions or additional security measures with a registration code To add a code to your event parking link, first navigate to the applicable registration setting - this is what you created in the first part of this article. Select the rule 'Requires Code' Customize the frequency and time periods that codes can be used: If you would not like to limit the number of times an individual code can be used, toggle 'Unlimited Uses' on If you would like to limit the number of times an individual code can be used, enter that amount in the 'Allowed Uses' space and select the appropriate time period (at which point the usage will reset) Click 'Save' to save these entries Upload/create codes Click on the 'Codes' tab Click 'Create' to add individual codes or 'Upload' to import a list of codes Once you've added your codes, click 'Save' Add a rate to the parking sessions created through your event parking link To add a rate to your event parking link, first navigate to the applicable registration setting - this is what you created in the first part of this article. Select the 'Pricing' tab Select the green 'Create Flat Rate' button Enter the price of the parking session Click 'Save' to save this entry Create a unique parking registration link to send event guests To find your event parking link, first navigate to the applicable tenant - you can do this by clicking on 'Tenants' in the left-hand sidebar and choosing the appropriate tenant. Scroll down to the 'Lookup Link' section Copy the link - for example, https://www.offstreet.io/location/77X8R3V5 Share the link and registration code, if applicable, with registered event attendees - we recommend sharing this information through email Managing codes, editing parking rules, removing settings, and more! The final part of our event parking help article dives into everything you need to know to manage and keep your event parking settings up to date. To manage your event parking link, first navigate to the applicable registration setting - this is what you created in the first part of this article. Adjust code usage or edit an individual code: Click on the 'Codes' tab Select the code you'd like to adjust or edit: To adjust - Increase/decrease usage by clicking on the + or - icons on the right hand side To edit - click on the 'edit' icon, make desired changes, and click 'Save' To delete - click on the red trash icon and confirm you'd like to delete the code Edit or delete a registration setting: Click on the 'General' tab To edit - select the rules you'd like to adjust or edit, make desired changes, and click 'Save' To delete - select the red 'Delete' button in the top right hand corner and confirm you'd like to delete the setting Generating an Event Specific Link Navigate to the tenants list by selecting ‘Tenants’ from the left hand side bar Select the tenant associated with the event Once you’ve made your selection, and you’re viewing the tenant page - scroll down to the lookup link card From the lookup link card, select the green ‘Create’ button from the righthand side of the box Once you’ve selected create, you will be prompted to select a tenant. Select the tenant which the setting is attached to From here, use the kiosk type field to select ‘Registration Setting’ Once you’ve completed these steps, select the green ‘Create’ button For additional support, please contact the Offstreet support team at support@joinoffstreet.com

At the end of the day, what are you trying to accomplish with all of the bells and whistles of your parking program? If we had to guess, you don’t spend thousands of dollars on LPR enforcement because you love cameras, or require parking permits in designated lots because you enjoy keeping track of them. At the end of the day, these are all means to one end - parking compliance. Although enforcement is a necessary part of ensuring there is compliance, what if the key to fostering it is as simple as making it easy? Here Are 3 Ways to Make Parking More Convenient: Start With an Internal Audit More often than not, the key to improving processes is to refine them. Outline the customer journey from start to finish, identify bottlenecks, areas for improvement, etc. Reduce Points of Friction Are permits available online? Is the website accessible and reliable? Is signage on site clear and proactive? If at any point the customer becomes frustrated, chances are good that they will give up, contact your office, or proceed anyways. Give Them Options Finding a balance between price and convenience is difficult because perceived value varies between customers. To combat this, give them options! If permits are typically sold monthly and daily, why not offer a weekly option as well? This applies to methods of payment, permit types, having a validation program, and more. Not only will solving for convenience lead to increased parking compliance, it will also free up internal resources and it can lead to increased profit margins. Research shows that people are willing to pay a premium for options that are more convenient to them (any Amazon Prime members here?!). These are just a few of the many ways parking programs can become more customer-centric. Offstreet is proud to work with innovative campuses, operators, and more to implement technology solutions that make parking easy.

Residential visitor parking management can be a tricky and often contentious issue for many parking managers. With limited parking spaces and an increasing number of visitors, it can be difficult to ensure that everyone has a place to park. However, utilizing technology solutions, it is possible to create a system that works for everyone. A consistent point of friction seems to exist between residents and parking managers. In most situations, residents are allotted a specific amount of complimentary visitor parking, typically in the form of a specified number of overnight passes per month. However, that doesn’t provide residents with very much flexibility and can cause inaccurate data for parking managers, making it difficult to manage parking demand. Offstreet is a permit system that allows parking managers to shift their offering from the traditional overnight pass system to something more modern. Rather than offer a specified number of overnight passes, give residents an allotted amount of visitor parking hours that can be used as they see fit. Not only are residents getting a better parking experience, parking managers also have access to accurate, real-time data. Here's how it works: Choose how many visitor parking hours each tenant will be allotted Upon arrival, visitor scans a QR code, enters the unique code for the resident they are visiting, and selects their duration of stay Duration selected is deducted from the tenants allotted visitor parking hours License plate data is sent to enforcement officers in real-time Time allotted will reset every period (day, week, month, or never are the options!) Residential visitor parking management can be a complex issue, but with modern technology solutions, it is possible to create a system that works for everyone. If you’re interested in learning more, schedule a demo with Offstreet to see how this solution can streamline residential parking management at your location.

New Feature Organizations can now offer discounted rates to special parkers. Offstreet's payments release supports administrators in programming special rates, and accepts payment from all major credit card companies including Google Pay and Apple Pay — all within the Offstreet platform Features: No user accounts are required to make a payment Email confirmation, including receipts and parkers unique confirmation number

Integrations With Offstreet’s universal OpenAPI - you can retrieve location, sessions (registrations and permits), and session specific data for ‘pull’ style integrations, from the Offstreet platform Key Points: An opportunity to integrate - when our platform partners don’t have an open API, Offstreet’s API docs are ready to be implemented An opportunity to streamline operations - our OpenAPI allows enforcement teams to patrol within one application Future: An OpenAPI gives Offstreet the space to explore other workflows

QR codes are a quick, contactless way to register for parking. Are you using them or interested in using them for your validation program? We’re seeing an enormous uptick in the use of QR codes, and for good reason! Most people are familiar with how they work and feel a sense of comfort when they see one. Utilizing Offstreet’s flexible and customizable rules engine, parking administrators are providing a way for parkers to register their own vehicles - taking the onus off of them and providing a great experience for the parker. Some of the most popular ways Offstreet QR codes are being used for parking validations today: Overnight guest parking at residential locations Code-based registration settings are associated with each unit. With limited uses/month, residents are able to self-manage their guest parking! Departmental validations at Universities Departments are able to self-manage their guest parking - registering guests in advance or in real time. Complimentary parking at retail or mixed-use locations Guests register themselves for complimentary parking upon arrival at their destination - extra rules allow managers to ensure this privilege can only be used once per day. Operators can easily bill businesses back based on usage. Ready to streamline your validation process? Meet with an Offstreet team member today to see if it would be a good fit at your location!