Intermarc Consulting Unveils Plan for 2013 Card, ATM Expo

Nigeria Minister of Communications Technology Omobola-Johnson

THE organisers of the yearly Card, ATM and Mobile Expo, Intermarc Consulting has said that this year’s edition is geared towards creating unique learning sessions where  shared services implementations across the world can share their learning points with Africa.

The organisers in a statement said that the theme for the 13th edition of the international conference and exhibition is "Shared Services: Optimising Payment Systems in Africa" saying that the Card, ATM & Mobile Expo 2013 will showcase innovation and new differentiated products, bring about new relationships, brainstorm strategies to increase your competitive advantage, forge lasting partnerships and reach new uncultivated segments. This three-day event will provide a special opportunity for networking and follow up on business leads.

According to the organisers, cards and e-payment have now taken centre stage in the economies of most African countries. Banks and other financial institutions are consistently looking for solutions and VAS for the benefits of the market, which is also maturing and coming to terms with the reality of modernisation with the benefit of security, speed and convenience.

It added that the focus across the continent is on how to leverage on infrastructure at reasonable cost so that the benefit can be passed to consumers who are forever complaining about high cost of transaction.

It further said that in order to maximise the potential benefits of e-payment, the concept of shared services has been adopted in most implementations in the United Kingdom, Asia and Europe.

It said: “We also see similar trends in South Africa. This concept is becoming more popular in the rest of Africa. The question however is, "How do stakeholders cooperate to compete?"

The statement said that a list of things participants should be looking forward to at this year's Card Expo includes its Conference, which will discover the latest and hottest trends in the card and epayment industry  adding that “our conferences focus on real and relevant issues facing the African market and have been designed to ensure you leave with the know-how to improve your business in 2013.

“The 13th edition of Card, ATM & Mobile Expo promises a superb learning experience where successful shared services implementations across the world can share their learning points with Africa.”

Concerning its International Exhibition, the statement said, “Over 50 exhibitors from all over the world will be here to show case their latest innovations, technologies and solutions at the exhibition and meet with target market in the card and e-payment industry.

It added that the tour of exhibition will avails participants the opportunity to meet key players’ face-to-face, gain valuable information and see demonstration of different e-Payment products.

While calling for sponsored, the statement said that the Sponsors Forum would offer the opportunity “to get your message across to your target audience and senior level decision makers responsible for shaping their organisation's investment strategy in the African e-payment market. The sessions will cover hot topics on e-banking, mobile payments, POS and ATMs.

The statement also said that the General Sessions offer free learning sessions where over 1000 participants (unbanked, under banked, merchants, etc.) would listen, ask questions and learn more about your products and services throughout the event.

Intermarc disclosed that speakers at the conference are seasoned industry experts in the card and e-payment industry who cut across the globe adding that they are set to deliver presentations designed to excite, inspire and engage.

Other attraction at the conference is a VIP Networking Cocktail that will bring together leading local and international figures in the payment industry to network in a relaxed environment. It is create a unique avenue to strengthen old and develop new key business relationships.

The organiser said that an e-Business Awards & Dinner, will also be held to  round off, to appreciate, honour companies and individuals in the industry that support the ideals of CardExpo Africa.