TRANSACT Scores Big Attendee Numbers in Las Vegas
May 3, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson
After several years working with other host cities, TRANSACT, powered by the Electronic Transaction Association (ETA), returned to Las Vegas for the first of four annual events. TRANSACT 16 drew the highest number of participants for the show in Las Vegas to date.
The show, held April 19-21 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, had 65 new exhibitors on the floor and more than 700 first-time attendees. It also had a record number of countries represented at the show.
TRANSACT 16 represents the world of payments technology; an industry that is growing and evolving on a daily basis. Things everyone encounters in daily life - credit cards, processors, online checkouts and virtual wallets and security - were on display.
"This is a tremendous time of growth and change in our industry," said Jason Oxman, ETA CEO. "TRANSACT 16 brought together thousands of payments game-changers from traditional payment leaders and investors to innovators to chart the future of commerce."
With more than 60 sessions and five keynote presentations, content at the show touched on big topics such as mobile payments, the convergence of online and in-store shopping experiences known as omni-channel commerce, security and fraud prevention and much more.
“The entire commerce experience will be rewired in the next three to five years, as the industry shifts to mobile and enables new innovation. There’s never been a better time for industry players to come together to bring more choice and greater opportunities for consumers and businesses alike,” said keynote presenter, Bill Ready, senior vice president, Global Head Product and Engineering at PayPal.
Exhibitors announced new products that will shape commerce and enhance the consumer experience. Visa announced its Quick Chip, designed to speed up the checkout time for millions of consumers using EMV (chip) cards. Verifone debuted its new POS system, Carbon for the first time in the U.S. The sleek new device looks more like a tablet than a traditional processing terminal.
First Data showcased its new Clover online store designed to help merchants improve their overall business. It will be offered free to business owners through the end of the year.
“We’re happy our exhibitors see TRANSACT as a place to break news,” said ETA Director of Communications Meghan Ceislak. “We’ll work with them to do everything possible to make their experience a success.”
TRANSACT developed relationships to include exciting features in the Exhibit Hall. A special zone showcased the latest in biometrics technology presented by members of the FIDO Alliance so that attendees could see the future of payments security first-hand. It worked with intuit to award $25,000 to the winner of this year’s Payments Pitch-Off, a Shark-Tank style competition where start-ups demonstrated their technology product or service in front of a panel of judges.
This year, TRANSACT 16 added a digital marketing component to its outreach that included mobile advertising and content marketing. The content marketing approach will help them continue to maintain the brand in between shows in order to engage with their attendees, provide year round value.
“We want to remain top of mind for the payments industry throughout the year,” said Del Baker Robertson, director of membership and marketing at ETA. “It’s essential that we offer the best way for industry to connect and move the needle forward for merchants and their consumers and building online communities helps us do that.”
TRANSACT 17 will be held May 10-12 in Las Vegas.
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
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