EDDA organised a comprehensive speaker programme covering every important aspect of the SEPA and also addressing the future of the payments industry in Europe. Delegates heard from some of the current schemes, banks, and infrastructure companies and, of course, key major European corporates that will be significant users of these services from the outset. With the first SEPA transactions processed on January 28th, the conference was the first such event following the practical implementation of SEPA payments. The conference was clearly outlined the benefits of SEPA and the changing payments landscape that aims to create faster, cheaper products and services in every EU member state including the UK.

VocaLink, the UK's foremost payment processor, was the lead sponsor of the conference and contributed a number of speakers and panelists. Direct Debit Limited who also took a sponsorship role demonstrated their SEPA-ready system, DDe-€uro to a packed press room at the conference as well as leading a panel disussion.

Highlights of the programme included features such as "SEPA Direct Debit –Benefiting Customers", and an EPC Update from Ron Van Wesel of Dutch banking giant ABN AMRO, as well as talks from key speakers from the European Central Bank, The European Association of Corporate Treasurers, large European Corporates such as Telecom Italia, Ernst and Young and infrastructure players such as SWIFT and Equens.

The format included speeches and panel discussions.

If you would like to know more, or get copies of the speaker presentations please contact Patrick Nobbs at: pnobbs@edda.eu.com or visit www.edda.eu.com