Practical transportation and parking planning
Access is a major part of attendee experience. Assess local transit, parking capacity, and alternatives to reduce congestion and improve arrival times.
Planning steps:
- Audit nearby parking lots, garages, and street parking; estimate spaces needed relative to expected attendance.
- Coordinate with local transit services for shuttle options or schedule alignment.
- Provide clear directions, drop-off zones, and ADA-accessible parking details.
Solutions to reduce parking pressure:
- Offer shuttle services from remote lots or transit hubs.
- Encourage ridesharing and provide designated drop-off/pick-up points.
- Reserve VIP and accessible spaces and publish parking maps well in advance.
Onsite logistics:
- Use signage and attendants to guide drivers and speed up entry.
- Provide real-time parking updates via event apps or social media.
Communication:
- Publish parking costs, payment methods, and alternative transit routes on the event website and confirmation emails.
Thoughtful transportation planning reduces stress, shortens entry times, and improves overall attendee satisfaction.