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The Pulse at Prepaid Expo USA
March 11, 2009
Conference Director Keith Kirkpatrick offers an optimistic outlook for the industry
By Jeanie Casison
The down economy hasn’t put a damper on the mood at the 2009 Prepaid Expo USA. Prepaid card professionals representing retailers, financial institutions, service providers, marketers and more have gathered at the Marriott World Center Resort Orlando to get a glimpse of the latest industry innovations and to discuss growth opportunities despite the economic challenges around the globe.
"Everybody is very happy and excited about the show this year. There are more than 1600 people in attendance. More important, is that these are the top people from prepaid organizations sharing their experiences and driving the industry forward talking about the issues that they are facing and creating a plan for 2009 and beyond," says Keith Kirkpatrick, conference director of Prepaid Expo USA.
Inspirational keynote addresses by Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith on "Putting Service Above Self to Create Magic in the Lives of Millions" and Elizabeth Buse, Global Head of Product for Visa, Inc. on "Expanding Prepaid's Reach by Merging Global Best Practices with Local Market Sensibilities," are among the early highlights of the show. As for education, Prepaid Expo USA attendees can select from four different tracks, including "Vision, Planning and Strategy," "Operations and Executions," "New Markets, Opportunities and Technologies" and "Profitability and Achievement."
Kirkpatrick acknowledges the current economic environment has somewhat affected attendance this year's Prepaid Card Expo USA. "Certainly one of the biggest challenges is that companies are cutting back on spending and on the number of people that they are sending, this mostly has to do with companies watching their travel budgets. However, we are seeing more senior level people attending the conference," he says. "Out of all the attendees 43 percent are senior vice presidents, executive vice presidents, directors or C-level executives, so the real decision-makers are here at the event. These are the top people in prepaid sharing solutions and strategies to drive the industry forward."
As for current trends in the prepaid space, Kirkpatrick sees an increase in use in the supplemental insurance market, as well as continued growth of in loyalty and incentive programs.
More information is available on www.prepaidexpousa.com.
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