MPC evolves annual show to always-on platform

The MPC Digital Commerce Event entered into media partnership agreements with The Green Sheet Inc. and Board Studios Inc. and appointed several key staff members to its growing organization. After pivoting to an all-digital format in 2020, plans are underway to significantly expand the conference's scope, according to Marla Ellerman, executive director at MPC.

"We want to build on the breakout success of our 2020 conference, which drew nearly 2,000 attendees," Ellerman stated, adding that she wants to transform the show into a rich, interactive platform that provides continuous videos and content to the industry that never sleeps.

Kate Gillespie, president and CEO at The Green Sheet, concurred, stating that MPC has grown exponentially over the past decade from a small workshop in New York City into a diverse and globally focused event. "The Green Sheet looks forward to producing MPC's year-round, all-digital show guide with exclusive videos, one-of-a-kind content and advertising," she said.

Konstantinos Papakonstantinou, founder and CEO at Board Studios, agreed that today's sophisticated, digitally savvy audiences expect on-demand access to breaking news and industry trends in digestible formats. Noting that Board Studios works with fintech startups as well as Fortune 100 companies, Papakonstantinou called customized, business-first videos "a proven way to connect, engage and boost conversion rates."

Bigger planning team

Ellerman appointed events marketing executive Shilo Lusson to lead MPC's communications and program management. Known for exceptional organizational skills, Lusson brings considerable expertise to planning, negotiation and event management, Ellerman stated.

MPC's conference planning committee has also expanded. Incoming member Tracy Lai, partner at Lystar Group, will manage strategic business development in fintech and financial services sectors. Payments industry veteran Dale Laszig, senior staff writer at The Green Sheet and managing director at DSL Direct LLC, will guide content development for MPC's show guide and blog sites.

Lusson and Lai thanked Ellerman for the opportunity.

"I am thrilled to join MPC's conference planning committee," Lai said. "I look forward to working with Marla, Shilo and Dale to build an impactful MPC21 platform."

Lusson added, "I’m excited to participate in helping commerce move forward."

Laszig, who has previously worked with MPC media partners, staff and committee members, expressed thanks to Danni Thorpe, vice president of media relations at The Green Sheet, for helping establish media partnerships with MPC, The Green Sheet and Board Studios. Thorpe had envisioned the partners collaborating on a dynamic, interactive digital event guide, Laszig stated.

Beyond mobile payments

Ellerman acknowledged that the event formerly known as the Mobile Payments Conference has evolved into an inclusive experience that brings together thought leaders, innovators and decision-makers from across the global commerce ecosystem and even other conferences, including the Electronic Transactions Association and National ATM Council. She added that the show has consistently provided access to the world’s foremost experts in emerging payments and commerce, blockchain and digital currencies, cybersecurity and consumer privacy, customer experience and loyalty, and customer engagement and marketing.

Ellerman further noted that MPC21 will take place in August 2021; event planners will share more details in the coming months. While she and other payments industry stakeholders look forward to new possibilities in 2021, Ellerman called 2020 a defining year for digital commerce.

"Digital technologies kept the economy moving during the pandemic and made a lasting contribution to the future of commerce," Ellerman said. "We will continue to explore these themes while keeping our sponsors, exhibitors and followers up to date on the latest trends in our ever-changing industry."

A pre-registration wait list for MPC21 is available at www.mobilepaymentconference.com/goMPC21

Whether you want to upgrade your POS offerings, find a payment gateway partner, bone up on fintech regs or PCI requirements, find an upcoming trade show, read about faster payments, or discover the latest innovations in merchant acquiring, The Green Sheet is the resource for you. Since 1983, we've helped empower and connect payments professionals, starting with the merchant level salespeople who bring tailored payment acceptance and digital commerce tools, along with a host of other business services to merchants across the globe. The Green Sheet Inc. is also a proud affiliate of Bankcard Life, a premier community that provides industry-leading training and resources for payment professionals.

Notice to readers: These are archived articles. Contact information, links and other details may be out of date. We regret any inconvenience.