Where the Entire Prepaid Industry Will Meet in 2012

Prepaid Expo is the ONE place each year where the entire stored value community meets. 

Take advantage of having your prospects, partners and colleagues all under one roof for three days and experience the many ways Prepaid Expo brings everyone together to get business done

NEW! Power Hour 

Join the leaders of Prepaid all in one place for one event: at the grand opening of the Prepaid Expo 2012 Exhibit Hall! It’s nearly impossible to coordinate schedules with Prepaid’s most senior executives, so we did it for you. Visit them at their company booths during the Exhibit Hall’s opening on March 12th.

Visit www.PrepaidExpoUSA.com to keep you up to date on who will be participating.

See who is Attending and Schedule Meetings

Sign up to use our online networking tool exclusive to Prepaid Expo attendees. Prepaid Marketplace shows you who is coming and allows you to arrange meetings before you land in Las Vegas.

Prepaid Marketplace will launch in late January and is only available to registered attendees. Make sure you book early for the expo so you can take advantage of this great networking tool!



Smart Speed Networking with Prepaid Connect 

Prepaid Connect turns speed networking on its head, collecting your profile information before you even leave for Las Vegas. Based on your profile and preferences for the type of attendee you want to meet, you’ll be matched with a series of brief introductions.

Open to ALL attendees; Preregistration required, space is limited.




NEW! Interactive Sessions 

Prepaid Expo is coming up with new ways to connect attendees and speakers.

Cutting-edge interactive technologies to get your questions sent to speakers in real-time will enhance the conference experience.




One-on-One Strategy Meetings 

Tired of spending days at a conference and coming home with little direction about what to do with your business?

Schedule a meeting at Test Drive an Expert with one of our experts across various Prepaid specialties and you’ll have definitive insight on the next steps you need to take. Visit our website for updates and information about booking an appointment with our experts.




Golf Tournament

Get some fresh air, make some connections and engage in some pre-conference camaraderie at the annual Prepaid Expo Golf Tournament sponsored by AIMIA.

Limited space is available, $155 fee applies, call +1 941-554-3500 to register.





INDUSTRY NIGHT at Mix 

Visa and TX Via roll out the red carpet for Prepaid Expo attendees! Mix, located at the top of THE hotel at Mandalay Bay will be completely taken over by Prepaid Expo. Enjoy a night of food, drinks and to-be-unveiled special entertainment.

Open to ALL attendees. 

And that is really just the beginning of how Prepaid Expo makes it easy for you to connect.

Don’t forget that we include more than TEN hours of non-conflicting meeting time into the conference agenda, so you won’t miss insights from our 100+ thought leaders!

Don’t miss out on the connections that can take your business to the next level of profitability
— REGISTER FOR PREPAID EXPO 2012!

We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas this March! 


Want to make an Impression at Prepaid Expo?

Position your company as an industry leader today. The Exhibit Hall is nearly SOLD OUT!

For more information contact:
Sponsorship: Terri Sobol, +1-646-895-7473, tsobol@iirusa.com 
Exhibiting: Dave Borrok, +1-646-895-7485 dborrok@iirusa.com

A Message from Gift Card, Gift Voucher & Reloadable Card Summit Sponsor Ceridian SVS:

Leading Global Prepaid Innovator, Ceridian SVS UK, Ltd. (“SVS”), takes on key role in Europe’s largest Prepaid event

Following on from the reported success of last year’s event, SVS has substantiated its’ support for the UK and European retail gift card industry announcing their lead sponsorship status for the forthcoming GiftCard, Gift Voucher and Reloadable Card Summit.

With over forty years of prepaid experience between the two organizations, this partnership serves to continue to elevate and expand the prepaid market throughout the UK and Europe.  Together, SVS and the UKGCVA will work to encourage best practices, as well as promoting the use of vouchers and gift cards as a gift and incentive mechanic.

The Summit, which attracts over 300 recognisable retail brands, is hosted by the UK Gift Card and Voucher Association (UKGCVA) and is the largest and most important event of its kind for the Prepaid and Gift Card Sector in Europe. The 2012 event will be held at London’s Park Plaza Victoria, March 19-20.

Steve Bradbery, Customer Service Director for SVS, will also reprise his role as Chairman of the Summit. Steve, an elected member of the Executive Committee of the UKGCVA, has spent more than 20 years working closely with card issuers and retailers alike, helping them to maximize the potential of their prepaid programmes.  

Mr. Bradbery states: “The UKGCVA’s Gift Card, Gift Voucher and Reloadable Card Summit is undoubtedly one of the most important occasions in the global prepaid industry calendar.  It is a wonderful opportunity to network and share best practice in this fast-evolving industry. I feel enormously privileged to have been invited back to Chair the event again.”

About SVS

Ceridian SVS UK, Ltd. is the leading single-source provider of prepaid and stored value solutions, delivering a fully dedicated gift card and promotional platform. Nearly twenty years of experience has helped SVS evolve into the largest supplier of prepaid products to retailers in the UK and Europe.  Our full product suite features gift cards, promotional cards, and a robust loyalty platform.  SVS partners with clients around the world to offer solutions that effectively drive the behaviour that leads to business success.  SVS manages more than five hundred million card products and processes over one billion transactions in 40+ countries and 26 currencies worldwide every year.  To learn more visit: www.storedvalue.com   

SVS Media Contact:
Natalie Bruins, International Marketing Leader | Ceridian Stored Value Solutions
100 Longwater Avenue, GreenPark, Reading, RG2 6GP | m: +44 (0) 776 835 8273 | nbruins@storedvalue.com

The Next Big Thing in Prepaid Is Yours!

Prepaid Expo is proud to announce “The Next Big Thing” – a program showcasing emerging technologies and services poised to transform prepaid.

Whether you’re an established company, a start-up or a new entrant to the prepaid space, ”The Next Big Thing” is a major opportunity to expose your pioneering products and services to senior executives, venture capitalists, industry stakeholders and trade press at Prepaid Expo 2012. 

To participate, simply apply online at www.prepaidexpousa.com by December 23, 2011. 

Who Should Apply?

Any company that has a groundbreaking product or service that fits the following criteria:

·         Game Changer: Has the product/service been offered before?

·         Customer Centric: Will this product/service help consumers with their financials, and is it easy to use?

·         Advancing Prepaid: Will this innovation help advance mass consumer adoption of prepaid and related products/services?

Why Participate?

Participating in “The Next Big Thing” has many benefits:

·         Exposure to 1700+ prepaid professionals

·         Attract new customers

·         Get expert feedback

·         Attract VC funding

·         Get an edge on competitors

·         Generate media interest and press coverage

How Do I Participate?

Prepaid Expo is accepting applications online at www.prepaidexpousa.com until December 23, 2011.  

Once applications close, our advisory board will narrow down selections based on relevance to the prepaid industry.  Winners will be notified by January 13, 2012 with the opportunity to demonstrate their product or service March 12-14, 2012 at Prepaid Expo in Las Vegas—the world’s largest gathering of prepaid industry experts and leaders!

If you have a product or service that the prepaid world needs to know about, register for Prepaid Expo’s “Next Big Thing” online at www.prepaidexpousa.com.

Prepaid Expo 2012 Agenda Released

We've got great news, Prepaid Expo’s 2012 Agenda is now finalized and available!

Access the 2012 Prepaid Expo Agenda here 

After extensive market research and in consultation with the Prepaid Advisory Board, I’m thrilled to introduce exciting new sessions dedicated to the most pressing issues affecting Prepaid and a reshaped agenda aligning with everyone’s needs – from the most senior executives to new entrants.

Never Before Seen at Prepaid Expo: 

 • NEW! Mobile & Emerging Payments Focus: Comprehensive Coverage Built into the Program, 9+ dedicated sessions

• NEW! Compliance Forum: 7+ Dedicated Hours Offering Guidance Through the Evolving Regulatory Storm

• NEW! Executive Agenda: Private Keynote Meet & Greets, Specialized Content and Dedicated Networking Sessions for the Most Seasoned Prepaid Executives(limited availability)

• NEW! The Next Big Thing: Demos of Financial and Technological Innovations about to take the Prepaid Industry by Storm

• NEW! Prepaid Power Hour: Access to the Leaders of Prepaid as they man their booths for the Grand Opening of the Exhibit Hall

• NEW! Latin America Seminar: Uncover Market Potential for Prepaid Throughout the LatAm Region

Register by this Friday, October 28th and save up to $700!

For more information on the above sessions, or to review the entire agenda, click here.

With all this and much more taking place onsite, Prepaid Expo 2012 really is shaping to be the best Expo yet.

To secure your place, along with the best rates, make sure you register by this Friday, October 28th and save up to $700!

How to Partner with Prepaid Expo

Become a Prepaid Expo 2012 Sponsor or Exhibitor

 Over 10,000 people have attended Prepaid Expo since 2007 to hear industry experts discuss what's next in the growing prepaid marketplace and where it fits in our new economy.

More than 110 sponsors and exhibitors participated in the 2011 event to share their expertise and insight into the future of the industry and explored new partnership opportunities. Attendees benefited from the diverse selection of presentations, industry thought leaders, peer-to-peer networking groups and solution providers enabling them to customize their experience.

THE EXHIBIT HALL 

IS ALREADY 

70% SOLD OUT!

Tour the Interactive Prepaid Expo 2012 Floor Map:

To Partner:

For more information about partnering with us and becoming a part of Prepaid Expo 2012,
please contact Terri Sobol at tsobol@iirusa.com or 1-646-895-7373.

Prepaid TV™ Explores Activation Strategy and New Solutions

Conventional Card or Emerging Modality? Activation Optimization Is Key!

Be it off the rack in a store, printable voucher via email, or even QR codes as stored value wallets, the ability to securely deliver, activate, track and analyze prepaid products is an increasingly complex proposition.

Episode 5 of Prepaid TV™—the official streamcast network of Prepaid Expo—features Jonathan Treiber, CEO of RevTrax, in a three-part interview on activation and risk mitigation in a hard card industry verging on virtual and mass mobile.

Part One overviews activation solutions being deployed by prepaid providers to prevent fraud and improve security for both analogue and digital products.



Part Two explores the “chicken/egg” market adoption dilemma associated with activation in emerging prepaid platforms.



Part Three dives into infrastructure and network support issues facing merchants and processors as consumers cross the digital divide.

Tune in to the latest installment of Prepaid TV™ here.

Coming soon: Episode 6 of Prepaid TV™ features Terry Xie, Director of Mercator’s International Advisory Service, who will take us inside China’s rapidly expanding prepaid market.

ABOUT PREPAID TV™
Prepaid TV™ is an executive interview series featuring the leading voices in prepaid today, along with a few rising stars that you should know about.

Each month, we’ll deliver fresh insights and answers from a variety of perspectives—networks, banks, retailers, programs and providers—on the forward-facing issues that matter most to the prepaid industry.

Prepaid TV™ is produced by Prepaid Expo, the world’s largest gathering of closed- and open-loop prepaid professionals.

This series marks yet another step in Prepaid Expo’s commitment to deliver year-round access to key executives and thought leaders, so stay tuned!

For more information, please visit www.prepaidexpousa.com

ABOUT THE INTERVIEWER
Marc Dresner is an IIR USA communication lead with a background in trade journalism and marketing. He is the former executive editor of Research Business Report, a confidential newsletter for the market research industry. He may be reached at mdresner@iirusa.com. Follow him @mdrezz.

2012 Paybefore Awards: Call for Nominations

We wanted to give you a head's up that Paybefore is accepting nominations for the 2012 Paybefore Awards. You can nominate your company’s prepaid program, product or service for recognition. Or, nominate a business partner's program.

The Path to Recognition Starts Here

In its sixth year, Paybefore Awards is the most prestigious international event honoring the best in the worldwide prepaid community. And this year, we're shaking things up with two key areas of recognition—Excellence in Prepaid Vertical Markets and Excellence in Strategy, Technology and Innovation. We've also added new categories to reflect our dynamic industry, including Breakout Prepaid Company of the Year.

Winners will be announced in Paybefore Update and on Paybefore.com, and recognized publicly at the largest gathering of prepaid professionals anywhere in the world —Prepaid Expo.

You can't win unless you're nominated, so download the 2012 Paybefore Awards simplified Nomination Form below:

Click here to download the nomination form.

Nominations must be received by Friday Nov. 18, 2011.
* Completed nomination submission forms must be received by 5:00 P.M. EST, Fri., Nov. 18, 2011. For any Paybefore Awards questions, please contact Jennifer Spiller at +1 617.671.1157 or jspiller@paybefore.com.

Join us for the 2012 Prepaid Expo and the Paybefore Awards Ceremony, taking place March 12-14, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV, reserve your spot today.

Significant Growth in Closed-Loop Cards:

Mercator Advisory Group’s recent market assessment indicates a growth in the closed-loop prepaid market, increasing by 13 percent since 2009. A closed-loop prepaid card may only be redeemed where it was purchased, whereas an open-loop prepaid card can be used at multiple locations. Growth in the closed-loop prepaid market has been driven by the In-Store Gift Card segment, which continues to grow and develop as retailers move from thinking about prepaid cards as a plastic version of paper gift certificates to a multi-functional promotions and sales tool," says Ben Jackson, senior analyst in Mercator's Prepaid Advisory Service and author of the report.

The growth in the close-loop prepaid market coincides with our nation’s recession. Are more Americans relying on prepaid cards during this economic hardship? What other factors could potentially affect the rise of closed-loop usage? Mercator Advisory Group’s chart below measures just how far closed-loop prepaid cards have grown in the U.S. within the last seven years. For full size image click here.

To learn more about prepaid cards or our 2012 expo please visit www.prepaidexpousa.com.

The Gurus at Prepaid Expo 2012

The dates for Prepaid Expo 2012 have been finalized –we’re heading back to Las Vegas from March 12-14, and this time we’ll be at the Mandalay Bay Resort!

The Prepaid Expo team has been working hard over the summer to put together an agenda for the 2012 event that helps address the challenges a growing business like yours is facing - issues such as increased competition, lower profit margins, regulatory scrutiny and market consolidation.

In addition to the dozens of sessions focusing on prepaid industry specifics such as mobile payments and compliance issues, we’ve also lined up a series of Guru Speakers aimed at inspiring you and providing you with valuable lessons learned to apply to your business. These Gurus are legends of their field, and will offer insight from their own experiences to help guide you through these growing pains.

Each of these Gurus is new to Prepaid Expo, and every one of their stories is unique. Included in this line-up are the following:

We hope you’re as excited as we are about this amazing line-up of Guru speakers - it’s something that’s never been offered before at the Prepaid Expo. 

If you’re looking for more information about the 2012 expo, please visit our website at www.prepaidexpousa.com. 

And don’t forget, you have until October 21st to save up to $700 on your registration!

Valerie M. Russo is a Senior Social Media Strategist at IIR USA with a technology, anthropology, marketing and publishing business acumen. She is a published poet and also maintains a literary blog. She may be reached at vrusso@iirusa.com. Follow her@Literanista. You can meet her and the rest of Prepaid Expo Team in person at Prepaid Expo USA 2012.

How Consumers Really Feel about Mobile Payments

According to a recent post at AdAge on a study by Ogilvy & Mather, it seems the verdict is still out on new mobile payments technology and consumers trust familiar credit card companies more but how soon will that change? The rate at which new technology is becoming mainstream is increasingly rapidly.

Read the full post here and study here.

Valerie M. Russo is a Senior Social Media Strategist at IIR USA with a technology, anthropology, marketing and publishing business acumen. She is a published poet and also maintains a literary blog. She may be reached at vrusso@iirusa.com. Follow her@Literanista. You can meet her in person at Prepaid Expo USA 2012.

Host a Market Research Round-table at Prepaid Expo

We are inviting companies to spotlight their market research (market sizing, consumer trends, etc., which they have either commissioned or conducted internally, at a research round-table during Prepaid Expo USA 2012, taking place on March 12-14, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The round-table approach allows a broader scope of insights than having a single research company or analyst firm present their findings to the Prepaid Expo audience. This can be a great opportunity to package data “left on the cutting room floor” from a related study or to drive interest to a larger report by releasing a subset of your data.

There will not be formal presentations, however companies are welcome to present/distribute information as they like. The roundtables will be taking place simultaneously, so attendees can visit the tables most applicable to their interests.

To be considered to host a round-table:

Submit research topic and scope of data you anticipate disclosing, and when this data is to be released (if applicable).

Up to 2 roundtable hosts per company can attend.
Submissions are requested by August 25.

Please send your submissions to Hollie Goldman, Prepaid Expo Director, hgoldman@iirusa.com.

MasterCard Tackles $840 Billion Global Prepaid Opportunity

Prepaid TV™ Episode Two, Part One Highlights US, International Market Sizing

By Marc Dresner, IIR

The global prepaid opportunity by 2017: $840 billion.

The US opportunity: $440 billion.

Mastering the flux prepaid market equation: Priceless.

In roughly five years, according to market sizing estimates from MasterCard in partnership with the Boston Consulting Group, we may see an explosion in global demand for prepaid products.

In the US, look to corporate payroll and government programs, followed by consumer GRP. Internationally, this trifecta breaks out quite differently.

Part one of Episode Two of Prepaid TV™ features Neil Dugan, SVP, Global Prepaid at MasterCard, who provides a compelling—and potentially surprising—take on emerging prepaid sectors and market potential in the US and internationally.

Click here to tune to Episode Two, Part One.

And be sure to stay tuned for Episode Two, Part Two airing later this month, where Dugan digs a little deeper into MasterCard’s focus on global growth in prepaid.

Thank you for joining us!

ABOUT PREPAID TV™


Prepaid TV™ is an executive interview series featuring the leading voices in prepaid today, along with a few rising stars that you should know about. Each month, we’ll deliver fresh insights and answers from a variety of perspectives – networks, banks, retailers, programs and providers – on the forward-facing issues that matter most to the prepaid industry.

Prepaid TV™ is produced by Prepaid Expo, the world’s largest gathering of closed- and open-loop prepaid professionals.This series marks yet another step in Prepaid Expo’s commitment to deliver year-round access to key executives and thought leaders, so stay tuned!

For more information, please visit www.iirusa.com/prepaid

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/INTERVIEWER

Marc Dresner is an IIR USA communication lead with a background in trade journalism and marketing. He is the former executive editor of Research Business Report, a confidential newsletter for the marketing research and consumer insights industry. He may be reached at mdresner@iirusa.com. Follow him @mdrezz.

Will AmEx Change the Future for Prepaid?

American Express has launched a new prepaid card, one that boasts fewer fees, and one free ATM withdrawal per month. “The average prepaid card typically carries a $10 activation fee, as well as a $10 monthly maintenance fee. The AmEx prepaid card has neither of those costs, however: Instead, the company charges a $2 fee for each ATM withdrawal, with one free withdrawal each month.” With fewer fees, even the card itself is free if ordered online (it will eventually be available in stores for $4.95), and no monthly maintenance will AmEx change the future for prepaid cards?

“Most prepaid debit card users tend to be low-income, have poor credit and limited banking options. Todd Zywicki, a professor at George Mason University, says the new AmEx card could change the game.”

It’s no secret that many Americans have been with faced with some sort of economic hardship over the past few years, will this be their solution? “Prepaid-card use expanded 35 percent last year with more than 1 billion transactions.”

Now that AmEx has produced a more cost effective card, how many Americans will switch to prepaid cards?

Prepaid cards aren’t just for people who are struggling. Many parents sending their children to college could benefit from using prepaid cards instead of regular credit cards, especially now that AmEx’s new card has no maintenance fees. Who will be AmEx’s next competitor?



Kate Devery is a Social Media List Researcher at IIR USA . She studied English and Psychology at Hunter College. She also writes for various pop culture blogs. She may be reached at KDevery@IIRUSA.com

Lost in Translation Study: New Underbanked Stats for Prepaid

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business and Tayloe Murphy Center released the findings of a major study yesterday that outlines specific steps for how banks and credit unions can capture billions of dollars in deposits by reaching out to Latino and other “unbanked” households across the United States.

The year-long study titled “Perdido En La Traducción: The Opportunity in Financial Services for Latinos has a lot of interesting stats for those in the Prepaid industry to explore:

The study focuses on unbanked Latino households in Virginia and North Carolina. Latinos are the fastest- growing multi-ethnic group in many states, including Virginia, as well as nationwide. Many of the findings can also be applied nationally to any household that is unbanked, regardless of ethnicity, background, geographic location or length or status of residence.

The Latino Market in Virginia:


Virginia has 39,000 unbanked Latino households producing some $23,500 each in annual income.

Conservative estimates put the amount of money that could circulate through Virginia’s banking system due — strictly — to welcoming Latinos into traditional financial services at $917 million annually.

Recommendations from the study to address some of the issues include:


Utilize and expand mobile banking platforms
Demographics matter - know your consumer
Directly address the risks of crime - and benefits of security
Recognize and leverage the residential segregation of ethnic groups
Build on social and reputational networks
Utilize knowledge from public servants
Financial education

To read the complete study, click here.

Explore the topic: Share your thoughts below...
How is the Prepaid industry addressing these issues and attracting the underbanked consumer? Is the industry moving fast enough compared to the needs of the consumer? What are the major challenges?

Valerie M. Russo is a Senior Social Media Strategist at IIR USA with a technology, anthropology, marketing and publishing business acumen. She is a published poet and also maintains a literary blog. She may be reached at vrusso@iirusa.com. Follow her@Literanista. You can meet her in person at Prepaid Expo USA 2012.

Social Media Critical to Growth of Prepaid

In an age where 93% of all business marketing participates in social media and even brokers at financial firms are now harnessing the power and reach of social media for research, client communication, and to attract potential clients and prospects, it seems that social media is critical to the growth of Prepaid as well.

While compliance guidelines and regulations continue to worry many in the Prepaid industry, they are not alone. If you speak to any social media thought leader, they will tell you that many corporations face challenges in using social media, both externally and internally. However, it is possible to walk that fine line since social media isn't going away. And when you look at its merit and power to reach and educate clients and consumers far and wide, especially the underbanked, the more it seems like a winning situation.

Just look at these 2011 social media stats released last week:



Here is where we look at whose IS doing social media well. Innovation and progress rarely happen in a vacuum. Sometimes it's as simple as looking at leading experts outside of your industry for inspiration and ideas or perhaps even sitting down together for a business strategy discussion.

Prepaid Expo recognizes the challenges facing prepaid professionals and strives to meet those needs. In an effort to learn from those who have survived the challenges presented by a maturing industry and inspire the seasoned prepaid executives, Prepaid Expo is looking beyond prepaid for inspiration.

First, we will bring the leading experts from Airlines, Pharmaceuticals, Finance, etc., to address the Prepaid Expo audience on how they came out on top when facing similar challenges. Second, we created VIP sessions for each outside expert, giving senior executives the opportunities to get their questions answered by the experts in a private forum like setting.

If you would like a chance to discuss your business needs and challenges with your peers and experts at Prepaid Expo 2012, sign up today and save the date: March 12-14, 2012. We will see you in Las Vegas!

Mercator Forecasts 68% CAGR for Prepaid Card Industry In 2011

Prepaid TV™ Series Explores GPR Payroll, Social Media Distribution and More!

By Marc Dresner, IIR USA

As a baby, my parents used to brag that I should be on television. The neighbors said I had a face for radio…

This much is certain: I like to ask questions. Call me insatiably curious or plain nosey, it’s why I became a business journalist.

So when Prepaid Expo offered me an opportunity to host a new online video interview series focused on the prepaid card biz, I grabbed my pad and pen and went hunting for victims to grill.

And I’m mighty pleased to say I’ve landed interviews with some of the leading authorities in the open- and closed-loop prepaid card industry today (along with a few rising stars that you ought to know about).

On behalf of Prepaid Expo, today we’re delighted to air the first of those interviews in the debut segment of Prepaid TV™!

Episode One features a five-part interview with Mercator’s VP and director of prepaid services, Tim Sloane, who was gracious enough submit to a broad discussion on key trends in prepaid and what they mean for retailers, networks, banks, programs and providers.

Part 1: New Entrant Impact – Sloane says the prepaid sector – closed- and open-loop – is poised for a staggering 68% CAGR this year! How much of that is going to come from new players, and who are they?

Tune in to episode one of Prepaid TV™.



Part 2: Prepaid & Social Media – The distribution channel mix is changing. See how social media is fueling consumer interest in prepaid products.

Part 3: Prepaid & Payroll – GPR and prepaid financial services are expanding their footprint. Could cards kiss paper payroll checks good-bye?

Part 4: Game Changing Technologies – Process management is getting extremely complex. Take a look at some automation tools and outsource providers making a difference.

Part 5: Retailers – This ain’t your grandma’s gift card; retailers are getting into the financial services game. Expect prepaid to play a in big way.

Bookmark us and stay tuned for episode two, featuring MasterCard’s Neil Dugan, SVP of Global Prepaid.

Prepaid TV™ marks yet another step in Prepaid Expo’s commitment to deliver year-round access to key executives and thought leaders.

Let me know what you think! And thanks for watching!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marc Dresner is an IIR USA communication lead with a background in trade journalism and marketing. He is the former executive editor of Research Business Report, a confidential newsletter for the marketing research and consumer insights industry. He may be reached at mdresner@iirusa.com. Follow him @mdrezz.

Digital Photography, Digital Media, Digital….Wallets?

“According to Urban Wallace Associates, more than 6 million U.S. shoppers bought digital gift cards within the past 6 months — a 150% increase since last measured three years ago.” Cards have proven to be convenient and favorable to most consumers because people like to know exactly what they’re purchasing. The transition from paper to plastic seemed to be almost effortless, and it was only a matter of time before it turned digital. Digital transactions are becoming more and more frequent each day, so much in fact that The Square estimates that it “will reach 1 billion in payment volume within a year.”

Last week, Google announced its latest digital development, Google wallet, which will be out this summer. “The first participating retailers will be Macy's, Subway, Walgreens, Toys "R" Us, Bloomingdale's, Guess, and Noah's Bagels. For the payments service, Google is partnering with Sprint, MasterCard, Citi, and FirstData. Eventually boarding passes, tickets, and more will come to the Google Wallet." Coupons and discounts will be offered, and to pay it’s a simple as waving your phone over a terminal. Androids will be the first phone to have Google wallet and it will be interesting to see how phone companies choose to compete with this latest feature, especially with the announcement of a similar service, Visa’s e-wallet. Visa announced their e-wallet will be out this fall in Canada and the United States. “It'll cover all sorts of payment situations, including e-commerce, mobile commerce, micropayments, social networks, and person-to-person payments.”

You can bet with the release dates of both devices set for summer/fall there is sure to be buzz in the upcoming months. Do these services signal the end of “cards” as we know them? What do you think?