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A Funny Thing Happened
on the Way to the Forum


By Gene Retske
Editor of The Prepaid Press

In case you haven’t heard, there is a new prepaid show in town, The Prepaid Press Expo. After the cheering and applause dies down, you might ask a simple question – why? It is a reasonable question, and one that goes to the heart of our rationale for taking this bold step.

First, a little history. This is not the first time we considered doing this. In fact, at one time, a few years ago, we had traveled a good ways down the path to an alliance with a large, respected trade association. It looked like a good idea, but, as they say, ‘the devil is in the detail.’

And, it was the details that derailed the effort. We were young, they were old. Our market was fleet of foot and entrepreneurial, theirs was established and stable. We wanted flexibility in making the arrangements, they needed consistency. And so on. As much as we liked the idea, there just was not a good middle ground, so we parted friends.

Then, later, another group offered to finance an effort. Again, we liked them, but again, we had different goals in mind. (You might notice that some significant details, like names and dates have been omitted. They are unnecessary; what is important is the flow, to see how we have arrived at the decision we have made.) This arrangement was not really business oriented, and was just a financing plan. It was like trying on clothes. There was nothing wrong with the suit, we just couldn’t visualize ourselves working like that.

Then, one day, a perfect storm of things convened. A key player with lots of experience became available. A time and venue opened up. And, oh yes, many, many potential sponsors and exhibitors asked us, with an increasing urgency and volume, ‘why not?’

Not having a good answer to that question, we decided to take the plunge. I won’t bore you with the logistics, but all the arrangements have been made, and we are ready to announce a date and a location.

Ready? Here it is. Mark the dates. August 19 to 21, 2008 at Caesars Palace, in Las Vegas.

We are going to bring the prepaid industry together in a way that it has never been convened before. Prepaid long distance/calling cards, wireless and payments, all together. Look at the pages of The Prepaid Press, or the Live! Edition, or our website, www.prepaid-press.com, and you will see what will be at Caesars next year. This will be the prepaid event of the year.

We are creating a marketplace of ideas, products and opportunities.

Two thousand years ago, the Romans created a central location to bring the community together, and called it the Forum. In 2008, the Prepaid Press Expo will do the same for the prepaid industry. Did I mention the toga party? No, well, bear with me a few more paragraphs and I’ll get to the fun stuff. The Forum was one of the driving factors that made Rome the transcendent society it was.

The Forum of old had shops displaying all manner of merchandise, “Tabernae,” great indoor markets, and a central stage, the Imperial Rostra, where orators spoke to the assembled masses. The Prepaid Press Expo Forum in 2008 will have all this, and more. (toga, TOga, TOGA!)

Expo attendees will learn from industry experts, engage in regularly scheduled prize drawings, be informed about Expo events, and directed to various floor activities. The buzz starts here and carries throughout each and every exhibit, conference, and event at tppEXPO’08.

It will all be new and different. The sessions will be conducted with the highest professionalism ever. Our partners (stay tuned!) will offer content equivalent to the highest priced seminars around. Even the design of the Expo will be fresh and new, and designed to maximize networking and contacts.

As details are finalized, we will announce them on our website, www.PrepaidPressExpo.com. Bookmark and visit frequently to stay on top of fast breaking developments.

Any questions?

Oh, sorry, the Toga Party. Well, it will be held at the Roman Baths, and will capture the experience of the legendary celebrations of ancient Rome. This will be an event that will be remembered for a long time to come. A very long time. Maybe 2000 years.