The Finalists have now been announced for the third annual Contactless Intelligence Monkey Awards – sponsored once again by VISA Europe

The Monkey Awards are presented to those companies, organizations and retailers who have done the most to embrace and implement contactless technology into their day-to-day operating practices. These awards represent a real promotional springboard and give the winners a reputation and credibility for their efforts within the industry.

The competition is open to all implemented contactless applications within the relevant sectors, regardless of geographic region or size of corporation. Selected by a panel of experts, the Awards will be presented to the Winners at a prestigious evening ceremony organized in London during the Contactless Intelligence Spring Conference (29th April 2010).

The Finalists for each Category

1. In Restaurant Dining. Awarded to the dining establishment that has done the most to incorporate contactless into their service and payment structure and had the most success from doing so.

• YO! Sushi (UK)
• Aramark (UK)
• Baxter Storey (UK)
• EAT (UK)

2. High Throughput Beverage. Awarded to the convenience drinks establishment that has done the most to incorporate contactless into their service and payment structure and had the most success from doing so.

• Pret a Manger (UK)
• Caffe Nero (UK)
• AMT Coffee (UK)
• Coca Cola vending for Winter Olympics (Canada)

3. High Throughput Food. Awarded to the convenience food establishment that has done the most to incorporate contactless into their service and payment structure and had the most success from doing so.

• EAT (UK)
• Subway (UK)
• Pret a Manger (UK)
• CRUSSH (UK)

4. Competitive advantage through technology. Awarded to any company or organisation who has gained an advantage in business by implementing contactless technology.

• AMT Coffee (UK)
• Wright Express – Sheetz NFC trial in petrol stations (US)
• ViVOtech – Citibank NFC trial in Bangalore (India)
• Morehead State University – Eagle Cards (US)

5. NFC in the High Street. Awarded to the company/retailer that has done the most to incorporate NFC into their service and payment structure and had the most success from doing so.

• Zapa Technology – NFC loyalty stickers (Ireland)
• e24 – NFC trial in a Farm shop (Switzerland)
• LaCaixa – NFC trial in Sitges (Spain)
• ViVOtech – Citibank NFC trial in Bangalore (India)

6. Health / Lifestyle / Entertainment. Awarded to those events, venues or establishments that have incorporated contactless technology into their offering and structure and in doing so have contributed towards customer support and service.

• Austrian Institute of Technology – NFC health monitoring (Austria)
• City of Oulu – NFC meals for the elderly (Finland)
• Ricoh Arena – contactless for Conventry City FC (UK)
• Caffe Nero (UK)

7. Public Concern. Awarded to any public concern that has incorporated contactless technology into their local or public infrastructure for the betterment of local citizens.

• Metric Group – HillingdonFirst Card (UK)
• City of Oulu – NFC attendance at schools (Finland)
• City of Oulu – NFC timetabling for students (Finland)
• Bracknell Forest – e+ Citizen card (UK)

8. Transportation. Awarded to those companies or organizations that have incorporated contactless technology into their offering and structure and in doing so have contributed towards customer support and service.

• Translink – contactless ticketing (N.Ireland)
• RBS – open contactless EMV payments on busus (UK)
• O2 – NFC ticketing in Pilsen (Czech Republic)
• mBlox – mobile ticketing on Arriva buses (UK)

9. Trailblazing & Innovation. Awarded to those companies who have done to most to further the boundaries of contactless technology either through technology introduction or pilot programs.

• RFinity – NFC trial using microSD cards at BY University, Idaho (US)
• Monext – SmartPark NFC parking application (France)
• ITN International – SIM based NFC trial at Mobile World Congress (Spain)
• Sagem Orga – NFC key fob (Germany)

10. The VISA PayWave award – Best Customer experience

View last year’s winners

The Judges

• Wendy Atkins – C-IQ Editor (Head Judge)
• Nav Bains – GSMA
• Paul Chamberlain – Association of Convenience Stores
• Dominique Descolas – Veolia Transport
• Tim Jefferson – The Human Chain
• Lewis Nolan – Visa Europe
• Randy Vanderhoof – Smart Card Alliance
• Samee Zafar – Edgar Dunn

To Attend the Ceremony

If you would like to join the Awards Ceremony on 29th April to find out the Winners, download the registration form and return it to us.