MasterCard Demonstrates Global Retail Commitment at the World Retail Congress 2011

*Key insights unveiled for retailers on the ‘new’ consumer, spending trends, mobile payments and marketing to the youth market
*Latest payment innovations on display including chance to make mobile purchases

Berlin, Germany, – MasterCard, the payment and technology partner of choice for the retail sector, is participating in the World Retail Congress 2011 in Berlin from 25 to 28 September 2011, as part of its wider commitment to the global retail industry.

As co-sponsor of the event, MasterCard will be exhibiting a range of retail solutions and payment technologies at the Congress and will be participating in a number of ways:

*Javier Perez, President, MasterCard Europe, will take part in the discussion panel entitled ‘What the new ‘normal’ means for the ‘new’ consumer’ on Monday 26 September
*Mung-Ki Woo, Group Executive – Mobile, will facilitate a panel discussion on ‘Connecting with consumers in a multi-channel world’ on Monday 26 September
*Andy Mantis, Group Head of MasterCard Merchant Information Services - MasterCard Advisors will host a Consumer Insight Masterclass for retailers on ‘how to drive consumer centricity decisions from your data’ on Monday 26 September
*Elizabeth Wolgemuth, Global Head of Merchant Marketing will host a retailer lunch on Youth Insights with Oeri Van den Bergh author of the best-selling book on marketing to Generation Y, unveiling the findings of some new joint research.

Comments Javier Perez President, MasterCard Europe:

“As a truly independent payment scheme, MasterCard is committed to working with the global merchant community to unlock value, reduce costs, increase consumer loyalty and drive growth. The World Retail Congress is a key platform for us to do this.

“Working in partnership with leading retailers around the world, MasterCard offers a full suite of solutions and technologies tailored to meet their specific needs. Through data analytics we help our retail customers understand their customer base and apply insight to improve all aspects of the customer experience, driving loyalty and profitability. We are also playing a major role in helping retailers connect the bricks and mortar environment with e-commerce, pushing the boundaries of the payments space.”

At the Congress, MasterCard will talk about some of its latest insight into consumer spending trends, the very latest and emerging payment technologies (such as contactless and mobile) and what they mean for retailers and consumers, as well as insight and advice for retailers on the challenging youth market.

On its exhibition stand MasterCard will be showcasing its mobile payments technology. In addition all Congress delegates will receive a ‘Mobile Tag’ at the registration desk which they can place next to their mobile phone to make mobile payments at the Congress and experience the ease and convenience that this payment method can bring.

Concludes Javier Perez: “This year’s Congress will provide a strong platform to discuss the retail issues of the day, providing retailers with fresh thinking and the chance to learn about best industry practice. For MasterCard this is an opportunity to showcase the breadth of our merchant offer – from driving acceptance/supporting merchant processing needs and introducing payment innovations that will aid differentiation, to providing data analytics that drive customer understanding and loyalty and helping retailers to benchmark their performance against the competition.”

About MasterCard Worldwide

MasterCard (NYSE: MA) is a global payments and technology company. It operates the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard’s products and solutions make everyday commerce activities—such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances - – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Learn more at www.mastercard.com