(LAS VEGAS -July 1, 2015) The International Parking Institute (IPI) recognized 16 outstanding marketing and communications programs in the parking sector during the 2015 IPI Conference & Expo in Las Vegas today. 

In its second year, the Parking Matters® Marketing and Communications Awards are designed to recognize outstanding parking-related marketing, public relations, or communications programs and campaigns. Eligible programs use a wide spectrum of marketing tools, from advertising and public relations to collateral development, signage, special events, direct mail, video, and social media. 

Judges from IPI's Parking Matters Committee look for campaigns that help foster understanding of the importance of parking, knowledge and trends in parking, or awareness of parking best practices.

Four winners received distinction as "Best of 2015" for their marketing programs:

• Lexington Parking Authority, "Food for Fines"
• EasyPark, "EasyPark Brand Awareness"
• Parking Authority of Baltimore City, "Project SPACE"
• Washington State Dept. of Transportation,"Helping Drivers Find Public-Priced Parking in Private Garages"

Best of 2015 winners are joined by 12 additional winning entries:

• EasyPark, "EasyPerks Benefits Program"
• Park Cedar Rapids, "Amenity Services Program"
• Texas A&M University Transportation Services, "Destination Aggieland: An App to Enhance Gameday"
• Miami Parking Authority, "Wynwood Business Improvement District"
• Stanford University, "Managing Parking Demand Through Creative TDM"
• Calgary Parking Authority, "Child Safety Awareness Campaign"
• Oregon Health & Science University, "Employee Transportation Options"
• Grant Oliver Corporation, "Meet the Oliver Family/Pittsburgh Airport"
• Seattle Department of Transportation, "Play Like a Parking Pro"
• Winnipeg Parking Authority, "Park Smart Communications Program"
• UCLA Transportation, "Marketing Commuter Services áLa Mode"
• Dallas Police Department & City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, "One Meter at a Time -Temporary Public Art Project"

Details about each of the winning  programs will be featured in the July issue of The Parking Professional, IPI's monthly magazine. 

The Parking Matters Marketing & Communications Awards will continue in 2016, with a call for entries being issued in fall 2015.