Summary - FPTA/MSTPA Conference & Trade Show

Join industry leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the country for the premier collaboration in parking, transportation and mobility—the Florida Parking & Transportation Association and Mid-South Transportation & Parking Association Joint Conference & Trade Show. Set against the stunning backdrop of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, this one-of-a-kind event brings together two dynamic associations for an unparalleled exchange of ideas, solutions, and connections.

Over four days, attendees will experience cutting-edge educational sessions, engaging panel discussions, and forward-thinking keynotes focused on the future of parking, transportation, and mobility. The expansive trade show floor will showcase the latest technologies, products, and services shaping our industry, offering direct access to leading vendors and solution providers.

Beyond the sessions, the conference delivers meaningful networking opportunities—from curated social events to informal connections along the beautiful Gulf Coast—designed to foster collaboration and strengthen professional relationships across regions.

Whether you are a municipal leader, university professional, private operator, or industry supplier, this joint conference offers the insights, partnerships, and inspiration needed to navigate the evolving mobility landscape.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and lead—where innovation meets coastal experience.

Conference Logistics for the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

The majority of conference events will be held at The Baytowne Conference Center which is next door to the The Hotel Effie. The two buildings are connected via a breezeway.
The Hotel Effie Sandestin is a full-service, Marriott, luxury hotel located in the heart of the Village of Baytowne Wharf. It features a lobby, bars and restaurants, meeting space, a spa, a rooftop pool, and other hotel amenities. Attendees staying at Hotel Effie will be able to walk directly to the meeting rooms and conference events located next door at the Baytowne Conference Center.
The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a large resort property encompassing more than 2,400 acres. Rather than being a single hotel, it offers a variety of accommodations, including one, two and three bedroom condominiums, villas, townhomes, and vacation rentals spread throughout the resort's four neighborhoods. Some units are within walking distance of The Baytowne Conference Center, while others are farther away and may require a short drive, golf cart, bicycle, or the resort's complimentary tram service.

For more details click the Hotel Tab Above

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

NATHAN NELSON

Nathan B. Nelson is a retired USAF intelligence officer who currently resides in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. During his time in the Air Force while on his third deployment to Afghanistan he suffered a Catastrophic injury from indirect fire that left him paralyzed. Since his medical retirement he served as the Director of Military Affairs for the 1st Congressional district of Florida where he was responsible for advising the Congressman on issues involving the five major military installations in the district including NAS Pensacola, NAS Whiting Field, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, and Duke Field. Since then he has led an effort to relocate a DoD supercomputer to Northwest Florida to support weapons development and enhance workforce development.

Currently he leads strategic growth efforts for a defense contractor with locations in Florida. Nathan has a passion for serving veterans, and actively supports nonprofit organizations and efforts that target this community.

Join us for the Joint Conference Golf Tournament. The Raven Golf Course at Sandestin is a natural wonder that presents drama and strategy on every tee. Robert Trent Jones Jr. crafted this unique and visually stunning 6,900-yard par 71 into what he calls “a true modern traditional.” Masterfully carved through the marshes and pine trees of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, golfers can elevate their game with a myriad of exciting shot options.

Experience dramatic changes in color and texture throughout the course, such as large, undulating greens that make club selection an essential part of each round. Raven was home to the Boeing Championship—a stop on the PGA Champions Tour—in 2006 and 2007.