Smart chip card replaces the paper token system at P!NK concert, reducing queues and helping concert goers spend more time enjoying the show
While Grammy winning singer and songwriter P!NK declares 'I'm not Dead' with the title of her latest album, her September 5th concert in Dubai Media City's amphitheatre certainly sees the death of a Dubai regular - the paper token payment system.
The traditional paper token system is to be replaced by 'the concertcard', an innovative smart chip payment system designed by Vice Versa International for Mirage Promotions concerts and events and a first in the UAE. The sleek and stylish smart chip card will be the only method of payment for food, drinks and merchandise at the concert. Instead of a handful of paper tokens which are often only valid on the night, a concert goer needs just one smart chip card.
The concertcard acts as an electronic purse, holding value in Card-Cash™ on the smart chip. Concert goers can load money onto the card using cash or credit card and then use the concertcard as payment during the event. Staff simply insert the concertcard into a terminal and deduct the value of the purchase from the smart chip. Concert goers receive a receipt highlighting the purchase amount and the Card-Cash™ balance remaining on the card. The money on the card can be easily topped up using cash or a credit card at loading stations during the event.
"Though the smart chip concertcard has many benefits, ultimately it is designed to reduce queues at large capacity events. We believe most concert goers understand that it is necessary have a token system in place, but that the paper token has its limits. The introduction of the concertcard is as a result of the success of the Shakira VIP smart chip card which we implemented at her Dubai concert in March. The card was the only method of payment in the VIP lounge, and was well received by customers and staff who found it innovative and easy to use. As a result, we have worked with Mirage Promotions to develop a payment system that can be used across the entire event, completely replacing the paper token," explained Kira Milan, Founder and Managing Director, Vice Versa International.
The concertcard is the only method of payment at the P!NK concert, and costs 10 AED. It can be reused during the 2007/2008 Mirage Promotions events season. The concertcard is available to purchase prior to and at the event.
"If you have already bought P!NK tickets or are planning to, visit www.viceversacard.com and buy your concertcard online before the event. In the UAE we often hear of great events overshadowed by long periods of time spent in queues and so we are pleased to offer a solution whereby we aim to reduce the problem. We have developed an online facility where you can buy the card without having to leave your sofa! You can also load value onto the card at the same time and even have it couriered to your home, and if you end up with money left on the card, you can spend it at the next concert," added Milan.
Vice Versa International and Mirage Promotions urge P!NK concert goers to buy their card online, and the service is available now. www.viceversacard.com also provides information on how the smart card system works.
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About Vice Versa International FZ-LLC
Vice Versa International FZ-LLC was established to create loyalty and incentive solutions to more effectively connect retailers and consumers. The company has developed and wholly owns a unique loyalty and incentive solution run by smart chip technology. The technology can be adapted to run incentive programmes, loyalty schemes and e-purse and events solutions for any size of retailer or service provider. All data is stored and processed at Vice Versa International's headquarters and technology hub in Dubai Internet City and communicates with the 'plug & play' terminals in the network.
Vice Versa International FZ-LLC wholly owns and manages the Vice Versa card programme, designed for premium visitors to use in some of the world's most exciting and cosmopolitan cities. The programme showcases the capabilities and wide range of features Vice Versa International's technology can offer the retailer, such as immediate card acquisition and activation, instant reward and redemption and the ability to run both an incentive programme and a loyalty programme on the same terminal.
For more information on Vice Versa International FZ-LLC, please contact:
Ella Mayhew
Marketing & Communications Manager
Vice Versa International FZ-LLC
Tel: + 971 (0) 4 3654999
E mail: e.mayhew@viceversacard.com
www.viceversacard.com
© Press Release 2007
