News from the Wire

Smart Card Alliance explores challenges, opportunities in mobile world

Monday, February 23, 2009 — 15:43:10 (EST)

Princeton Junction, N.J., Feb. 23, 2009 -- An agenda packed with information about technology and market trends is in store for attendees of CTST The Americas 2009, the premiere event for secure identity and payments. Being held May 4-7, 2009 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, CTST 2009 is the place to see cutting edge presentations and case studies, learn best practices, meet with innovative vendors, witness live demonstrations, network with industry peers and more.

The Smart Card Alliance, as part of a continuing partnership with CTST and SourceMedia, is once again producing the conference program as its official annual meeting. The Alliance has built the conference program around the theme of “Enabling Secure Identity and Payments in a Mobile World.”

“Our increasing mobility—using cell phones, the Internet and digital transactions—has changed the way we interact and the way our identity, payment and other information is handled and used,” said Randy Vanderhoof, executive director of the Smart Card Alliance. “What can we do to keep our information protected? Our conference program will cover all of the newest business applications and technology developments in identity, payments, government, mobile communications, healthcare and transit applications, and how these developments translate into business opportunities in a new, more mobile, world.”

More than 120 speakers will cover a wide range of topics divided into four main tracks—Identity & Security, Payments & Applications, Mobile & NFC, Emerging Technology—and two one-day spotlight tracks—Healthcare and Latin America. Attendees can pick the sessions that interest them most, and leave time to visit the exhibit hall. Keynote sessions start each day, bringing together executives from the payments, security and mobile industries for interactive roundtable discussions. Attendees can meet with colleagues during dedicated networking sessions during the day and at the evening receptions sponsored by the Smart Card Alliance and other supporting sponsors.

Three pre-conference workshops from the Smart Card Alliance, Collis and OATH are offered this year, covering the topics of “Smart Card Technology and Payments Applications,” “Mobile & Contactless Payments from EMV to NFC,” and “OATH Initiative for Open Authentication Workshop,” respectively. The Alliance will also present its “Outstanding Smart Card Achievement” (OSCA) awards at a Networking Reception on Monday night, May 4. The OSCAs recognize the issuing organization, technology organization and individual that have significantly impacted and influenced the market for smart cards in North America.

The complete agenda and full registration details are available on the CTST Web site. Early registration discounts and the conference rate at Hilton New Orleans Riverside hotel expire on April 4, 2009. Smart Card Alliance members receive one free registration at CTST and qualify for a $200 discount off additional paid registrations.

CTST 2009 sponsors are Collis, First Data, Gemalto and Oberthur Technologies.

About the Smart Card Alliance

The Smart Card Alliance is a not-for-profit, multi-industry association working to stimulate the understanding, adoption, use and widespread application of smart card technology.

Through specific projects such as education programs, market research, advocacy, industry relations and open forums, the Alliance keeps its members connected to industry leaders and innovative thought. The Alliance is the single industry voice for smart cards, leading industry discussion on the impact and value of smart cards in the U.S. and Latin America. For more information please visit www.smartcardalliance.org .

About SourceMedia

SourceMedia, an Investcorp company, is the pre-eminent provider of timely and essential market information -- including industry news, analysis, research and insights -- for members of the financial services community, as well as related fields such as accounting and technology. Through its comprehensive library of professional publications, suite of industry-standard data applications, and in-depth seminars and conferences, SourceMedia offers its clients and subscribers a valuable and sophisticated range of products and services. www.sourcemedia.com .

The Green Sheet Inc. is now a proud affiliate of Bankcard Life, a premier community that provides industry-leading training and resources for payment professionals. Click here for more information: bankcardlife.com?orid=33533&opid=1 .

Source: Company press release.