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In addition to a confirmation email, parkers will also receive a parking reminder 24 hours ahead of their session start time with critical ‘know before you go’ information. Benefits: Enables parking teams to provide guests with parking directions and/or parking instructions Parking administrators may use Offstreet's email communication features to provide parkers with: Parking directions (via “Get Directions” button) Additional instructions (“Permits valid in ‘General’ spaces of the South Campus Garage only. Violators will be subject to a $175.00 citation for misuse”) An option to ensure their license plate has been entered correctly (and a contact to reach out to if it’s incorrect) Proof of registration in case they get a ticket (so they can dispute it without contacting support) Not only will this information be available at the time of registration, it will be sent again 24 hours before the session start time to remind parkers of critical information How It Works: Want to Learn More? Contact us to schedule a call!

As we bid farewell to another year, it's time to take a stroll down memory lane and reflect on the incredible journey we've had together. Buckle up, because we've been in the fast lane this year, innovating, growing, and achieving some seriously cool milestones! Company Milestones 2023 was a big year here at Offstreet. To be honest, it's not until now, upon reflection, that we're realizing just how much happened this year. We're big believers in celebrating the small things and the day-to-day 'wins', but there were some larger achievements this year that we're particularly proud to celebrate and reflect on... Closed a $1.2M Seed Round: In March we officially announced the closing of our largest seed round, marking the beginning of a new journey for Offstreet, with more resources to invest in building an industry-leading product. Went Live at our First UK Location: We went live at our first location outside North America, deploying Offstreet 'across the pond' in partnership with PayByPhone. Bridgend, UK is now on our travel bucket list! Surpassed 500 Active Subscriptions: A milestone for any software company, we were ecstatic to grow faster than any other year before, surpassing 500 active subscriptions across North America and... the UK! Welcomed 6 New People to the Team: Engineering, sales, customer success, account management, you name it! We are extremely lucky to have added 6 talented and extremely capable new... Offstreetarians (we'll see if that sticks). Product, Please! Small but mighty, cliche but true... or at least it's what we strive for! Our engineering team took full advantage of the agility and other benefits that come with working on a small(er) team. Check out some of our major product accomplishments from 2023! Released Offstreet Events: A standalone events feature that was conceptualized, designed, tested, and (is still being) iterated on in collaboration with clients, which, in our opinion, is the only way to build a great product. Dipped Our Toes Into the World of TDM (Traffic Demand Management): With the release of 'Places' which allows parking administrators to direct event parkers to specific parking locations, either using a street address or custom coordinates. Gained Valuable Insights for the 2024 Roadmap: We've got some big things planned for 2024, all centered around 3 main pillars: improving the experience for parkers, improving the experience for administrators, and expanding the events feature we released earlier this year. That's a Wrap! As we close the chapter on 2023, we can't help but feel a surge of pride for the remarkable moments that defined our journey. We owe it all to you, our clients, partners, and friends. Wrapping up the highlights reel of 2023, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for being part of our story. Here's to more wins, more milestones, and more adventures in the coming year. Cheers to you, Offstreetarians, for making 2023 truly unforgettable! That's a wrap, but the story continues. See you in the next chapter!

Parking directions can now be provided by dropping a pin based on a street address or custom coordinates. Benefits: Improve the guest experience by providing an exact pin of the parking location Real-time directions that can be accessed in advance or en route Allows parking managers to effectively manage traffic demand, reducing congestion How It Works: Pin(s) to a location’s destination(s) (a surface lot, parkade, zone, building) can be set in Location Details under the “Places” section Once set, administrators can choose which pin they’d like to direct parkers to in the Tenant or Event Details Directions can also be disabled in the Tenant or Event Details Parkers will see a “Get Directions” button in two places: on the Portal and in their email confirmation Parkers will be directed to a web-mapping software: iOS devices will open Apple Maps, Android devices will open Google Maps, and desktop will open Google Maps For more about how to set up and use Places, watch the video here Who Has Access to This Feature: Any users with the ability to edit a location can set an address or place for that location and its tenants/events Want to Learn More? Contact us to schedule a call! We will show you how to set up 'Places' in the dashboard and discuss opportunities to implement the feature at your locations.

A few months ago, we officially released standalone feature, Offstreet Events. The feature was conceptualized, designed, tested, and (is still being) iterated on in collaboration with clients, which, in our opinion, is the only way to build a great product. As we near the end of Q4, as a team we wanted to take a moment to reflect on Offstreet Events. What has the feedback been? How many sessions have been created? Where did we start and how do we see it evolving? Although these conversations are happening internally almost daily, in our office and Slack channels, we wanted to peel back the curtain and share some of these insights with our Offstreet community. Curious how a standalone event feature designed specifically for guest parking would be received in the industry? Let's d(r)ive in... Creating Offstreet Events “As we began to work with more and more universities, we noticed a consistency in the way our clients were using Offstreet - specifically to manage special guests for small and medium sized events on their campus. As we dug into it more, it was clear the industry lacked an effective event parking solution. Not for the large, stadium events, but for the smaller ones hosted thousands of times each year.” - Matt Fahlman, Co-Founder and CEO at Offstreet The reality in this industry is that there are many solutions for permit management, mobile payments, and citation management. They are huge pillars of any parking operation, so it makes total sense that historically these solutions were prioritized. Like with any project, nuances are to be expected. One gap that we heard consistently was around events. Specifically, special events on campus where departments or organizers are paying for parking for attendees. A natural correlation to our core product, validations, we began working with our clients and partners to create a solution that not only simplifed operations for the parking team, but also catered to another, larger topic, improving the guest experience. Adoption of Offstreet Events We said we were pulling back the curtain, so that's exactly what we intend to do! Since releasing Offstreet Events mid-August of 2023, we're proud to say that across 20 university clients, more than 1,600 events have been created, serving over 14,000 guests. To put that into perspective... 1,600+ Events Created: This translates to an average of over 22 events per day since the feature's launch. This frequency highlights the feature's seamless integration into daily operations, proving its indispensability for our clients. 14,000+ Customers Served: Picture this... 14,000 people who were able to seamlessly register for parking from their phone and access parking instructions, eliminating 14,000 trips to parking kiosks or the parking office and overall reducing traffic congestion. What's Next With Offstreet Events As we celebrate these milestones, we are humbled by the trust our clients have placed in our platform. We're committed to building on this success and continually refining our features to meet the evolving needs of our users. The numbers tell a story of achievement, but the real narrative lies in the experiences and connections made possible through our events feature. A few things Offstreet Events users can look forward to in 2024: The ability for admins to attach campus maps, PDF's and other resources to the parking confirmation Enhanced notifications including email reminders The ability to duplicate event settings Additional code functionality, including auto-generation and code expiration Multi-lot, multi-rate support ... and more! Thank you for being part of our journey, and here's to continued growth and success! About Offstreet Events Offstreet’s new event feature, Events, is streamlining the management of event parking by allowing parking managers to replace their existing solutions with a simple to create digital permit. A Simpler Solution for Parking Teams Before Offstreet Events, many of our university clients managed events using a combination of physical permits, coupon codes in pay stations, promo codes in mobile apps, and/or workarounds in existing vendor products. Managing a number of disjointed solutions is time consuming, frustrating, and often a drain on the limited resources available to most parking teams. The goals of Offstreet Events was to streamline the event parking process on campus. With that goal in mind, a number of features were added in the first version, all at the request of existing and prospective clients: Admin have the ability to self-manage event parking A Quick and simple to use design; great for last minute requests The ability to set both time and lot restrictions Unique event links and/or QR codes Personalized billing information The ability to add custom messaging to help direct guests Directions functionality that opens GoogleMaps or another web-mapping software The ability to add custom branding Detailed reporting License plate-based registrations that integrates directly with digital enforcement, including LPR ... and more! An Improved Guest Experience Guest experience has been top-of-mind for many, if not all, of our university clients. Over the past year, we've heard many people refer to campus parking as being the 'welcome mat' to the university; both the first thing they see/experience when they arrive, and the last thing they see/experience when they leave. Needless to say, a good impression is key. As focuses shifted and the guest experience was prioritized, it was clear that one of the main reasons people are visiting campus is for events. Not always large, stadium events, but also the hundres or thousands of small and medium sized events that take place each year. Offstreet Events takes a first-crack at providing a better experience for guests coming to campus for events. A few features designed specifically to enhance the guest experience were: Web-based; no need to download an app Guest checkout experience; no need to create an account Designed for 'No Cost' permits; guests are not required to enter payment information if the session is free to them No transaction fees on $0 sessions The ability to register for parking in advance or when they arrive ... and more! Interested in learning more about Offstreet Events? Schedule a call with an Offstreet team member today!

Universities and colleges manage thousands of special guests each year. In many cases, special guests are coming to campus at the invitation of a department or event. Despite this being a constant occurrence, parking teams have yet to find a simple solution that allows them to easily administer and manage temporary guest parking permits. Today's blog post discusses the challenges associated with special guest parking and the solutions Offstreet offers to improve the overall efficiency and experience of parking on campus. Let's dive in! What is 'Friction'? Ensuring a positive parking experience for special guests is crucial. 'Friction' describes any unnecessary steps that the parker has to take/do in order to get from A to B. For example, a 'frictionless' operation is one where a guest drives to campus, parks their vehicle, attends their event, and leaves without having to interact with any people or equipment. The process is completely automated. Although many operations are moving towards this model, it's easier said than done. Common points of friction in the event parking processes include: Picking up a physical pass from the parking office Printing a decal Finding and entering a code in a pay station Pulling a ticket from a gated system Downloading an app Entering credit card information Technology is intersecting virtually every industry and consumer expectations are rising. One of the main problems with unnecessary friction is that it can negatively impact the guest experience and overall satisfaction while visiting campus. Wouldn’t it be great if you could provide guests with a simple, frictionless way to register for parking? Benefits of Reducing Friction Reducing friction in the guest parking experience on campuses can offer several benefits to both the visitors and the institution itself. Here are three key reasons why campuses should consider making guest parking more convenient: Improved Efficiency and Customer Experience Digital parking permits eliminate the need for physical stickers or hangtags, making it much more convenient for both guests and campus staff. Visitors can easily apply for and receive digital permits online, eliminating the need to wait in line or receive permits through traditional mail. Campus administrators can also manage and verify permits more efficiently through digital systems, reducing paperwork and administrative overhead. This streamlined process saves time for all parties involved, creating a more efficient and user-friendly experience. Increased Flexibility and Real-Time Updates Digital permits provide the flexibility to make real-time updates and adjustments. If a guest's plans change, they can easily modify their permit or request an extension online without the need for physical replacements. Additionally, campuses can use digital systems to quickly update parking policies, designate temporary parking areas, or communicate important information to permit holders, enhancing the adaptability and responsiveness of the parking system. Sustainability and Cost-Savings Transitioning to digital parking permits aligns with sustainability goals and reduces the environmental impact associated with producing and disposing of physical permits. It also eliminates the cost of printing and distributing physical permits and reduces the risk of theft or misuse. Digital permits can be easily tracked and monitored, reducing fraudulent activity. The cost savings from adopting digital permits can be redirected towards improving other aspects of campus infrastructure or services. In summary, replacing physical parking permits with digital permits offers enhanced convenience, flexibility, and efficiency for both campus visitors and administrators. This transition not only reduces friction in the guest parking experience but also contributes to sustainability efforts and cost savings, making it a win-win for campus operations as a whole. How Campuses Are Using Offstreet To Reduce Friction While many campuses have moved to digital payments, digital permits, LPR or other enforcement software, and have slowly started reducing hardware and gates, there are still a handful of use cases where friction is extremely present in the customer experience: Parking on campus for special events Short-term permits for sponsored guests or department guests Parking permits for contractors and maintenance workers ... and more! Offstreet equips campuses with a simple, digital solution for guest parking. No need to download an app, create a user account, or enter payment information. If a guest is receiving a validated permit, the only required information is their license plate number. Not only is this simpler for guests, eliminating time-consuming steps such as printing/retrieving a decal or entering their credit card information unnecessarily, but it's also easier and more efficient for the parking team. How To Use Offstreet For Event Parking: Department/event host submits Event Request Form through the parking office Parking team reviews event details; assuming request is approved, the event link is generated in Offstreet The link and/or QR code is shared with the department/event host to distribute to attendees Attendees can register for parking in advance or upon arrival; the parking team can actively monitor demand and adjust usage limits as necessary All plate data is sent to the campuses enforcement software in real time through a secure API integration Are you looking to simplify special guest parking on campus? Schedule a call with an Offstreet team member today!

The Offstreet team continues to grow and we're ecstatic to introduce you to Dani and Shawn, the most recent team members! At Offstreet, we are dedicated to providing flexible, user-friendly parking solutions that prioritize reliability and simplicity, and we are very confident that Dani and Shawn will each contribute significantly to furthering that mission. Danielle Yeager Account Manager Dani joins the Offstreet team with a background in Digital Marketing and Brand Coordination, where her exceptional skills in fostering brand growth will make her a valuable addition to the dynamic Offstreet team. Based in Regina, Saskatchewan, Dani has lightened up the office with her positive and cheerful personality. Shawn Clake Intermediate Software Developer Shawn joins Offstreet with a background in software development, including Co-founding startup, eHelply, which allows businesses to rapidly turn ideas into websites, apps, and other software. Shawns' experience, drive, and passion, will help Offstreet to continue to scale. Fun fact, Shawn has experience working with satellite management systems! As our team continues to grow, we are excited to have increased resources to advance Offstreet's goal of developing world-class visitor parking solutions that enhance the guest experience and simplify the parking process. About Offstreet Offstreet is a license plate-based parking management software that equips campuses and parking managers with a digital permit solution for guest and visitor parking, allowing them to seamlessly offer complimentary parking. Offstreet's flexibility and ease of use allows parking managers to digitize unique permit types, replacing the manual processes associated with managing paper passes, decals, coupon codes in the meter, and scratch cards. Interested in learning more about Offstreet? Schedule a call with an Offstreet team member today!

Effortlessly create event parking reservation links through Offstreet’s simple to use event parking management solution. This innovative feature empowers administrators with the ability to create and manage event parking links, ensuring seamless control over the entire spectrum of event parking management. Last minute requests? No problem! Offstreet Events makes creating and managing event parking links simple. Here's how it works... Creating an Event in Offstreet Click the dropdown menu for 'Events' in the sidebar, and select 'Create Event'. Configure the event by following and filling out the information step by step in the setup wizard. Upon creation, each event will generate a QR Code unique to the event link. This file can be downloaded and distributed to guests. Both the QR Code and event link will direct guests to the same event. Access a list of all events by clicking 'Event List'; View, edit and run reports for active, upcoming, and past events. Add the Event Details Event Name: In this field, add a descriptive name for your event. This will be visible to parkers who visit the registration link. Event Contact: This is an optional field that allows you to include the event host's contact information for reporting purposes. Guests cannot see this information. Billing Code: This is an optional field that allows you to include the event host's billing code for reporting purposes. Billing codes can be specific to a department, group, or organization. This is confidential and for internal use only. Guests cannot see this information. Configure the Parking Rules and Location(s) Authorization Zone: Choose the zone or lot where parkers for this event are authorized to park. Zones must be configured in the 'Locations' page before an event is created. For events with parking that is valid across multiple enforcement zones, please reach out to Offstreet Support for configuration help. Event Dates: Each event requires a start and end date and time. Vehicles registered using the event link are only valid during the specific time period. The link will expire after the end date and time pass, preventing further use. Users can create single-day, or multi-day events. Multi-day events cannot be segmented. Add Custom Settings Maximum Number of Parkers: Limit the number of registrations that can be created with your event link. Setting this amount ensures that the total number of registrations has a limit, and will restrict any registrations from being created once that limit has been reached. Collect Additional Information: Outside of requiring guests to enter their license plate number, you can also collect other information such as name, email, or phone number. Choose between an input field, where the parker has to enter their response, or a dropdown, where the parker can choose from a list of preset responses. Require Code: A code can be required to create a registration for the event. The code provides proof that the guest is authorized to register their vehicle for this event. A single code can be added, meaning all guests will receive and enter the same code. Alternatively, multiple codes can be added if guests are expected to receive and enter their own, unique, code. Add Flat Rate: A flat rate can be attached to each registration created using the event link. The guest is not charged, and this setting will only apply a rate internally. When a report is pulled, the configured rate will display in your report. Customize the Registration Link Add Branding: You can add branding or a logo to the event link. Files must be .JPEG, .PNG, or .SVG and will be positioned in the top, centre of the form. Add Custom Messaging: Custom messaging can be used to relay important information to your guests. Your message will get added to the event link, in addition to the email confirmation. Enable Map Support: Set the location of the zone or lot and allow guests to get directions through Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Android Maps. Enable Kiosk Mode: Kiosk mode hides the navigation bar in the Offstreet Portal. This setting is suitable for situations where the event link is expected to be loaded on a tablet for guest registration. Create Event: Clicking 'Create Event' will complete the process of Creating an Event. Once clicked, you will be re-directed to View Event where you can review the settings, copy the link, and make changes where needed. Ready To Streamline Event Parking? Offstreet's new event management feature simplifies pain points for administrators managing event parking. This solution enables parking managers to effortlessly transition from their current systems to a simple, digital permit. The benefits of this fresh addition are evident, especially for events offering free or validated parking. Typically, the parking fees for such events are invoiced to a third party, which could be the event organizer, a specific department, or the host entity. Offstreet Events is officially available for all Offstreet clients. If you’re an existing client and you’d like to book a training session, please contact us here. Not an existing client but interested in learning more about Offstreet Events and how Offstreet can help streamline your parking operations? Schedule a call with an Offstreet team member here.

It's been just under a month since Offstreet Events was officially released. Since its release, Offstreet Events is playing a pivotal role in streamlining event parking management. Whether you're new to Offstreet, or are familiar with the software, we're here to answer the top questions about our latest feature, Offstreet Events, and illustrate how Offstreet may be the key to simpler operations. 1. Does Offstreet Events Track Space Utilization? Yes and No. Usage tracking is complex, specifically when there are numerous ways that a vehicle can pay or be validated in a lot. The only information available to us comes from the registrations created within Offstreet. That being said, with Offstreet Events administrators do have the ability to place a maximum amount on the number of parkers allowed in a lot per event. This tool provides you with the ability to check Offstreet and see how many people have registered for those spots, and automatically disables the link when the maximum number of parkers has been reached. 2. Can the Event Link Be Updated? Yes, administrators will have the opportunity to make updates to essential event information for the duration of time until the provided link expires or until the conclusion of the event itself. This flexibility ensures that any necessary adjustments can be made in a timely manner to ensure the event's success and accuracy. 3. Can Multiple Rates Be Set Up for the Same Event? In the first version of this feature, we only have the ability to set one rate for each event. Though, the ability to accommodate multi-day, multi-rate events is something we are currently mapping out and hoping to accommodate in the near future (this has been a big request from our customers, and we take the seriously!). 4. How Does Reporting Work? Administrators can seamlessly run reports for one or multiple events. After events are selected from the event list, the simple click of a button will consolidate them into a single, comprehensive report. Reports feature the following key information, if applicable: event name, license plate number, start date and time, expiry date and time, confirmation number, rate, billing code, and more. 5. Do Reports Include a Billing Total? In Offstreet reports, each row represents a unique parking session. As a result, the cumulative total will not be immediately visible within a single glance. However, it is very simple to calculate; highlight and sum the 'rate' column for the event(s) to calculate the billing total. 6. How Do We Prevent the Event Link From Being Shared and/or Abused? Once you create the event, the link is automatically live. Each link is made unique by the use of 8 random characters so it can't be guessed - If they weren’t given the link, they aren’t going to come across it organically. The link automatically expires after the event is completed. For example, if there is an event on July 31st, come August 1st if you click on the link nothing will appear. If an event or location requires customers to only register on site, there is the ability to have a tablet on site, where guests will then only have to interact with one piece of hardware when they arrive. The registration page would be a locked page that is directed to the event link, and the URL is not visible. 7. Does Offstreet Events Replace the Event Request Form We Currently Use? This is on our roadmap. Right now, someone with an admin permission has to create the event, so they would enter information from the request form into Offstreet. What we are looking at adding, and what we think makes a lot of sense, is allowing departments to request the event within Offstreet, which would then go to the administrator for approval, denial, or allow the administrator to send proposed changes. 8. If a Customer Accidentally Registers Twice, Will the Host Be Charged for a Duplicate Registration? We're not going to lie, sometimes our team receives feedback that the process for guests to register is actually too easy, causing them to register more than one time to make sure it went through. Because of this, we've implemented mechanisms to prevent the display of duplicate license plates in reports. If a parking sessions meets certain parameters (ie., same license plate number, same location, same time) it will not appear in reporting. This thoughtful design eliminates concerns about being charged twice in case a parker mistakenly registers their vehicle more than one time within a short time period. 9. How Easy Is This Feature for the Elderly Community or Less Tech-Savvy People? The registration portal is designed to be as simple to use as possible, regardless of how tech-savvy you are. We understand that not everyone is comfortable with technology, so there are a few things that we've implemented to make it easier for all demographics, including the elderly community: The process is as simple as possible; after opening the link, all guests have to do is enter their license plate number and click park The event link is integrated with GoogleMaps to provide directions in advance or in real-time Some guests may want the manager or administrator to register for them; this can be accomplished on site or in advance by a friend or family member The ability to register for parking in advance of the event, eliminating the need to do anything upon arrival (except park!) 10. When Clicking on the Link To Register, How Does a Parker Pay for Their Session? At this time, Offstreet Events only supports use cases that fully validate parkers for a special event. In this case, departments/hosts get billed for the parking usage for their event. That being said, we do have the ability to support payment processing within Offstreet, so adding this capability is on the roadmap for future iterations of Offstreet Events, and can be accomplished at this time using Registration Settings. If you're interested in using Offstreet for paid events, please contact your account manager and we'll be happy to assist you with setting it up. 11. How Does the Link Get Shared With Guests? The parking team can use Offstreet Events to create an event and generate a specific link and QR code, which is then shared with the department and/or event host. The department can then pass the link or QR code along to their guests. Typically this is done via email but there are options to implement a tablet on site, allowing parkers to register in-person upon arrival. Ready to Streamline Event Parking? If you're looking for a simpler way to manage event parking on campus, Offstreet Events may be the perfect solution for you! Complimenting your existing solutions for mobile payments and permit management, Offstreet Events makes administering and billing for customers who are being paid for by a third-party simple. Offstreet Events is available to all existing customers. Learn more about how to use Offstreet Events here. Have some questions we didn’t answer? Schedule a call with an Offstreet team member today!

In 2016, after countless negative experiences trying to find and register for parking in downtown Regina, SK, two friends, Matt Fahlman (who serves as the CEO and Co-Founder) and Kyle Smyth (who serves as the CTO and Co-Founder) came together with the vision of a simple parking registration solution that would ultimately become Offstreet. 6 years have passed, and Offstreet is now the leading validation solution in the parking industry; Providing institutions and operators across North America with a simpler way to manage visitor parking. Offstreet’s license-plate based parking management software gives parking managers a user-friendly platform for administering and managing visitor and guest parking permits. Unique to the industry, Offstreet specializes in unpaid permits, or those being billed to a third party. Typical permit types include those for special events, sponsored/VIP guests, contractors, clinics and more. We thought it would be fun to let you see the faces behind Offstreet, while diving into some burning questions. Let’s dive (or should we say ‘drive’) into it! What inspired you to start Offstreet, and how has the mission evolved since then? "The inspiration really came from the frustration as a consumer. I know that’s kind of vague, but basically, we had experiences trying to find parking downtown and registering for parking. The technology that was in use at the time was not ideal and I just thought a little bit opportunistically that there’s probably an opportunity to do something a lot better here. So although the product has involved a ton, the actual mission of trying to make a simpler parking experience for people hasn’t changed at all." - Matt Fahlman Can you provide an overview of your role as the CTO and how it contributes to the overall strategy and success of the company? "As CTO, I guess my role has evolved over time. It was at one point just Matt and I kind of building the software, and when that was the case it was just the two of us, we did pretty much everything. These days perhaps I don’t necessarily have more of the traditional CTO role, rather I think of myself at the end of the day as a problem solver. I tend to solve problems throughout the organization, whether it be with operations, processes, our development team, the product, or with the problems that our customers are having, I’m architecting solutions to those problems through product. So I still to this day have my hand in a lot of things." - Kyle Smyth What does Offstreet focus on today and what is your vision for the next few years? "Today our focus is really on a guest and visitor parking experience, and making that as simple as possible. For a lot of commercial real estate, we help with parking validations, for universities, we help with special events, but at the end of the day what we’re trying to solve is to make it as easy as possible for guests and visitors to register and receive parking permits. Whether they’re entering in their own license plate number or administrators are entering them on their behalf, our job is to make it as simple as possible for that person to get a permit and make sure that they don’t get a ticket. Longer-term, our goal is to build a more robust permitting solution that is designed for repeat parkers, as well in addition to your one-off, guests and visitors. We think that we can build a comprehensive parking permitting solution that I think would be a really big win for the industry." - Matt Fahlman How do you approach the balance between implementing new technologies and development while maintaining the stability and security of existing systems? "One of our number one priorities is reliability, so if Offstreet goes down, that’s a big problem. Even if it’s for a short amount of time, that means that potentially hundreds or even thousands of drivers won’t have valid parking, their vehicles might not have made their way into the system, or on the other hand, those valid plates might not have been sent to our integrations partners. We practice fairly modern software development practices, we do something called zero downtime deployment, and that means when we need to make changes and updates to our systems and our software, we don’t go down, not even for a few seconds. When we do make changes, we have a vigorous testing suite that runs against all of our software. You can think of it like a robot. Whenever we make a change, the robot goes through every single page and button and text built into the application. That gives us a lot of confidence when we are making changes, so we’re not breaking things that already work fine. It’s super important, we want to be continuing to deliver on new and modern solutions to a customer's problems, and being able to do that in a very fast manner, while still being reliable and not going down and keeping everything intact." - Kyle Smyth What makes Offstreet's product unique and how do you stand out from competitors? "I think the one major thing that separates our application from other software parking apps, is that ours was designed with the guest in mind. We don’t ask users to download an app, we don’t ask them to create a user account, and they don’t have to enter their payment information. It’s really like a streamlined guest checkout process, and as far as I know, we’re one of the only ones that focuses on that. One thing we learned really quickly, working with different commercial lots, universities and health authorities is that no two parking lots have the exact same rules and restrictions. Simultaneously building out a super easy-to-use user-facing side, we needed to have a really robust rules engine to basically accommodate all these different rules and restrictions in the backend. I think our product is a cool combination of super flexible but also extremely easy to use for the end-user, who just needs a simple parking permit. And that ties into what Kyle was saying when we were discussing what we focus on with the product, we have three pillars, reliability, flexibility, and ease of use - that is what we focus on." - Matt Fahlman How does Offstreet handle security and privacy concerns related to the data collected from parking transactions? "We take security and privacy extremely seriously. As users of our own product, we don’t want our data to be leaked, we don’t want our privacy to be impacted. We are SOC2 Type 2 compliant. What that means is we get an independent third-party audit of all our processes, infrastructure and policies every single year. They observe us over the course of the year to see if we are following all the best practices, standards, and staying true to everything we say we’re going to do. It's important because while on its own, a license plate for example isn’t necessarily personally identifiable information but when you attach that license plate to something like a name, a phone number, an email address, or even payment information then it becomes classified as PII, or personally identifiable information. Basically, that means someone could figure out who you are, where you live, or what your phone number is. Certain markets like Europe, Canada, and California, have some of the most strict privacy and security laws and regulations. To operate in this market we pretty much have to follow those high standards. Once you’re following those high standards, it doesn’t really make sense to have multiple sets of guidelines for yourself, so it’s easier to follow that across the board and across all the markets. At the end of the day, Offstreet is in the business of making tools to manage parking operations, we’re not in the business of data and we don’t plan on being in the business of data, because that’s not what our customers want from us. Our customers want safe and secure tools to manage their parking infrastructure and that’s what we plan on delivering." - Kyle Smyth What has the experience of building a startup in Saskatchewan been like? "I think building any startup is going to be challenging. It’s really hard, most startups fail. The stat I saw said most startups are out of business within five years. We have hit the six year mark so we’re out of that stat which is really nice. I think Saskatchewan has some strengths relative to other markets and some weaknesses. On the weaknesses front, I just think startup culture is a bit new. The tech industry isn’t as mature as it is in other business centers. On the strength side of things, there’s been a ton of growth in the startup and tech scene in Saskatchewan in the last five years even. You see a lot of community support with the Cultivator in Regina and Co-labs in Saskatoon, and I think there are a lot of talented people who are getting into tech. From our perspective, Saskatchewan has been a great home for the business. I think we’ve been able to kind of punch above our weight class in regards to talent acquisition, and finding smart, motivated people who are ambitious, which is what you're looking for in a startup. So that’s been really fun, we have basically got nothing but good things to say about Saskatchewan, people are learning quickly and there’s a lot of interest in tech." - Matt Fahlman Have some questions we didn’t answer? Schedule a call with an Offstreet team member today!

Easily create and manage event parking reservation links with Offstreet Events. With this feature, admin can enjoy full control over event parking management. Before You Begin Log in to your Offstreet dashboard On the lefthand sidebar, click on the 'Events' option Depending on your security permissions, you may not have access to this option Please contact your system administrator to request access Create a new event by clicking 'Create Event', or manage existing events by clicking 'Event List' Creating an Event After logging into the dashboard, click on the 'Events' dropdown in the sidebar Click on 'Create Event' and complete the form Event Details Event Name: In this field, add a descriptive name for your event. This will be visible to parkers who visit the registration link. Event Contact: This is an optional field that allows you to include the event host's contact information for reporting purposes. Guests cannot see this information. Billing Code: This is an optional field that allows you to include the event host's billing code for reporting purposes. Billing codes can be specific to a department, group, or organization. This is confidential and for internal use only. Guests cannot see this information. Parking Authorization Authorization Zone: Choose the zone or lot where parkers for this event are authorized to park. Zones must be configured in the 'Locations' page before an event is created. For events with parking that is valid across multiple enforcement zones, please reach out to Offstreet Support for configuration help. Event Dates: Each event requires a start and end date and time. Vehicles registered using the event link are only valid during the specific time period. The link will expire after the end date and time pass, preventing further use. Users can create single-day, or multi-day events. Multi-day events cannot be segmented. Event Settings (Optional) Maximum Number of Parkers: Limit the number of registrations that can be created with your event link. Setting this amount ensures that the total number of registrations has a limit, and will restrict any registrations from being created once that limit has been reached. Collect Additional Information: Outside of requiring guests to enter their license plate number, you can also collect other information such as name, email, or phone number. Choose between an input field, where the parker has to enter their response, or a dropdown, where the parker can choose from a list of pre-set responses. Require Code: A code can be required to create a registration for the event. The code provides proof that the guest is authorized to register their vehicle for this event. A single code can be added, meaning all guests will receive and enter the same code. Alternatively, multiple codes can be added if guests are expected to receive and enter their own, unique, code. Add Flat Rate: A flat rate can be attached to each registration created using the event link. The guest is not charged, and this setting will only apply a rate internally. When a report is pulled, the configured rate will display in your report. Event Portal Link Type: Each event generates a link that guests can use to register for parking. The link type will determine how the event link can be accessed. Guests can choose to create a new link, or use a pre-existing link for the zone or lot. Generate a unique link for the event: This option will create an exclusive link for the event where guests can only view and register for the event you are creating. This option is auto-selected. Allow guests to select from a list of active events under [Location Name]: This option will add the event to an existing link unique to the event's authorization zone. All active events for the specified zone will be listed on the unique link. Add Branding: You can add branding or a logo to the event link. Files must be .JPEG, .PNG, or .SVG and will be positioned in the top, centre of the form. Add Custom Messaging: Custom messaging can be used to relay important information to your guests. Your message will get added to the event link, in addition to the email confirmation. Enable Map Support: Set the location of the zone or lot and allow guests to get directions through Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Android Maps. Enable Kiosk Mode: Kiosk mode hides the navigation bar in the Offstreet Portal. This setting is suitable for situations where the event link is expected to be loaded on a tablet for guest registration. Create Event: Clicking 'Create Event' will complete the process of Creating an Event. Once clicked, you will be re-directed to View Event where you can review the settings, copy the link, and make changes where needed. QR Code: Upon creation, each event will generate a QR Code unique to the event link. This file can be downloaded and distributed to guests. Both the QR Code and event link will direct guests to the same event. How To Manage Events Edit an Existing Event Click on 'Events' in the lefthand sidebar Select 'Event List' from the dropdown menu Locate your desired event in the list Click on the event name to access the event's details Navigate to the section you wish to modify Click the 'Edit' button to enable editing mode Update necessary field(s) Find the green 'Save' button and click it to save your changes Once done, a confirmation notification will appear at the top-right corner of the page, confirming the update(s) Delete an Existing Event Click on 'Events' in the lefthand sidebar Select 'Event List' from the dropdown menu Locate your desired event in the list Use the checkbox on the left side of the table to select the event Go to the red 'Delete' button located on the top-left corner of the table, then click the button A confirmation box will ask you to verify the request, if yes click the red 'Delete' button For deletions of 2 or more, users will be required to enter 'delete' before proceeding Once done, a confirmation notification will appear at the top-right corner of the page, confirming the deletion(s) Generate Report For A Single Event From the lefthand sidebar, click on 'Events' Choose 'Event List' from the dropdown menu Find the event you need a report for Use the checkbox on the left side of the table to select the event Go to 'Generate Report' located at the top-left corner of the table, then click the button A menu will appear; select the desired file type for your report Your report will be downloaded directly to your computer Generate Report For Multiple Events From the lefthand sidebar, click on 'Events.' Choose 'Event List' from the dropdown menu Select the events you wish to generate reports for by checking the boxes on the left-hand side of the table Click on 'Generate Report' A menu will appear; choose your preferred file type for the report Your report will be downloaded directly to your computer Export Event List Click 'Events' in the lefthand sidebar Click 'Event List' in the lefthand sidebar Click the green 'Export' button on the righthand side of the page Click on the file type you would like to export On click, a green loading indicator should appear The file will get downloaded directly to your computer

A highlight of our favourite releases and bug fixes this quarter. Have a question? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us here. Effortlessly Create Event Parking Sessions with Offstreet's Intuitive Event Wizard By empowering administrators with simplicity in configuring event settings, the Event Wizard is designed to streamline the creation of frictionless guest parking experiences. Key Benefits: A simpler way to create events and ensure you've added the correct settings Customizable for the unique rules of each event View a list of all events in one, centralized place (goodbye cluttered registration settings lists!) Generate usage reports for individual events or multiple events Perform bulk actions, such as bulk removing events Learn more about events and how to use the new feature here. Enjoy Custom Views With Our Enhanced Data Table User-friendly data tables are crucial for Administrators in Offstreet. We are putting administrators in the driver seat and giving them greater control to quickly sort data, narrow their search and perform tasks in bulk. How to Make the Most of It: Sort data by clicking headers Refine results using filters Quickly access common actions per row Apply actions to multiple rows at once Seamless Address Entry with the addition of Google Maps Autocomplete We've added Google Maps' auto-complete to Offstreet. Google's auto-complete will dynamically suggest relevant addresses, making the process faster, more accurate, and hassle-free. Feel confident creating locations and enabling map support with streamlined data entry and location accuracy. How it Works: Start by typing your address in the 'address' field As you type, Google Auto Complete will suggest relevant addresses based on the input Choose the correct address from the list of suggestions Watch as the address fields automatically populate with accurate information Improvements 'Create' buttons are now more prominent Buttons are grouped consistently throughout the dashboard Error messages have been simplified and made consistent Bug Fixes Updated permits now properly update Valid Parker List via Pay-by-X Fixed formatting issues on Data Tables Improved search accuracy Coming Up Next Monthly Job Improvements Improved UI on 'Dashboard' page Address Duplicate Registrations in the Portal Implement Pin Dropping Allows admins to specify a location using Lat/Lng Implement User-Editable Polygons Allows admin to specify a specific zone within a parking lot Re-design Email Confirmation Screen Improve Email Receipts Any questions or feedback? Reach out to us here!

Offstreet users can now enjoy a streamlined process for managing event parking. Several months, user calls, development work, and a successful webinar later, Offstreet Events is officially available to all Offstreet clients. Challenges with Event Parking In conversations with clients and partners, it was clear that existing solutions for managing event parking were not ideal, and the challenges were felt hardest by universities. Existing solutions include administering physical permits or decals, distributing coupon codes to be used in pay stations, creating promo codes in mobile payment apps, and enforcement exemptions or lot blocking, to name a few. A couple of things that all of these solutions have in common is that they create friction in the guest parking experience and they are not conducive to last minute requests. A New Way To Manage Event Parking Offstreet’s new event feature, Events, is streamlining the management of event parking by allowing parking managers to replace their existing solutions with a simple to create digital permit. This new feature is particularly beneficial for events that have complimentary parking options; in most cases, the parking for these events is being billed to a third party, such as the event organizer, department, or host. One of the standout features of Offstreet Events is its frictionless 'guest checkout' process, which eliminates the need for users to create an account or download an app. This streamlines the experience and saves time. With Offstreet Events, parking managers and their teams can: Access and make informed decisions using real-time event parking data and reports Provide a superior, frictionless guest parking experience Track utilization by allowing guests to pre-register for event parking Increase profitability with no transaction fees on complimentary parking sessions Increase enforcement efficiency with a secure API integration between Offstreet and their enforcement software and/or LPR cameras How It Works: 1. Click on 'Events' in the sidebar and select 'Create Event' 2. Configure the event by following the steps in the setup wizard: Event Details Parking Authorization Settings Billing 3. Access a list of all events by clicking 'Event List'; View, edit and run reports for active, upcoming, and past events Ready To Streamline Event Parking? Offstreet Events is officially available for all Offstreet clients. If you’re an existing client and you’d like to book a training session, please contact us here. Not an existing client but interested in learning more about Offstreet Events and how Offstreet can help streamline your parking operations? Schedule a call with an Offstreet team member here. You can read more about why we created Offstreet Events here.