Bethlehem Hosts Parking Executive Roundtable
By Steve Fernstrom
Executive Director
Bethlehem Parking Authority
An added benefit of the Pennsylvania Parking and Transportation Association, and Pennsylvania’s parking industry as a whole, is the tight-knit community of professionals we share. Several years ago, industry leaders envisioned meeting multiple times a year to collaborate and network. What began as a simple idea has grown into a robust tradition of knowledge-sharing, professional development, and camaraderie that strengthens our work and our communities.
In early August, the Bethlehem Parking Authority welcomed parking and transportation leaders from across Pennsylvania for a dynamic Parking Executive Roundtable. The day-and-a-half gathering brought together peers from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, West Chester, Allentown, Easton, Lancaster, Lehigh University, and the International Parking and Mobility Institute for a collaborative exchange of ideas, best practices, and first-hand experiences.
Exploring New Technology
One of the highlights of the event was a showcase of Flash Parking’s latest technology solutions. Attendees had the opportunity to see how these tools are shaping the future of parking management and customer service, providing more seamless, efficient, and adaptable systems.
Educational Insights
Beyond technology, the roundtable featured educational sessions designed to inspire innovation and practical takeaways. A standout presentation focused on Bethlehem’s strong partnerships with the local Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating how collaboration with community stakeholders can elevate downtown vitality and strengthen economic growth.
Experiencing Event Parking at Scale
Attendees also gained a behind-the-scenes look at how the Bethlehem Parking Authority manages logistics for one of the region’s most celebrated events — Musikfest. Drawing over 1.2 million visitors across 10 days, Musikfest poses unique challenges for traffic flow, access, and parking availability. Seeing firsthand how BPA executes operations for such a large-scale festival offered invaluable lessons in planning, coordination, and adaptability.
Touring Future Development
The event also included an exclusive tour of the Walnut Street Garage development site, providing participants with insight into Bethlehem’s forward-looking infrastructure investments. The project represents thoughtful urban development, and how right sized parking structures can support economic development and enhance mobility in downtown communities.
Collaboration and Partnership
Hosted by THA Consulting and Flash Parking, the roundtable reinforced the value of peer-to-peer dialogue. By bringing together executives from across the Commonwealth, the event fostered a spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing that will help advance the entire industry.