At the forefront of driving change in currency and identity - Bilbao in 2023
The Bilbao stage this year hosted parallel sessions on currency and identity featuring presentations from central banks, governments, and law enforcement. They provided a dynamic exploration of innovation in currency and identity and encouraged engaging conversations. Currency topics included sustainability, green banknotes, central bank digital currency, production efficiency, and cash usage. On the identity side, the focus was on digitalised services, counter-fraud training, passport series, document digitalisation, biometrics and the balance between digital and physical credentials. The event concluded with an inspiring panel discussion addressing unprecedented situations aimed at finding ways our community can contribute.
Certainly, the place to be was the News & demo stage, where exhibitors presented some brilliant innovations. Requests for a larger News & demo space next time have already been received due to the big success and turnout.
The exhibition floor offered first-hand access to cutting-edge solutions and products from 100+ world class security suppliers. Exhibitors used the opportunity of having so many industry players under one roof to launch new products. Security Fibres promoted their new Micro-Marques™, High Security SPECTRUM™ and Myriad™ Fibres, Oberthur Fiduciaire launched the Anima™ security thread and TOPPAN launched the new IODINE printer. New partnerships were announced too: IQ Structures and Hueck Folien launched a new design optical security stripe for banknotes with a Bilbao motive.
The day before, on 17 October 2023, two exclusive parallel events took place: Intergraf Identity High and Intergraf Currency High. Attendance is by invitation only and restricted to a select vetted audience to ensure high-profile conversations and the exchange of best practices within a secure environment.
Another important event taking place on 17 October, was the Certification Workshop 'Let’s talk about certification - A strategic approach to everyday problem solving for Intergraf-certified companies'. The workshop assembled a diverse range of engaging training and informational sessions to ensure that companies are well-equipped to handle the challenging scenarios in the day-to-day operations of a certified company.
New this year was the Tender Tactics session during which interested parties could learn about the benefits of INTERGRAF ISO 14298 and INTERGRAF 15374 standards to secure supply chains and to reap the advantages of internationally acknowledged standards meticulously designed to cater to unique identity and currency needs.
Three exclusive networking events took place at prestigious local locations in Bilbao such as the iconic Guggenheim Museum, where attendees had the privilege of a private gallery visit after closing hours before the welcome cocktail. An ideal setting for catching up with customers, colleagues, and friends. As per usual, Wednesday it was time for the Exhibition Aperitif: an informal meet & greet for exhibitors and attendees to bring networking to a next level on the exhibition floor! But the cherry on the cake was the Pintxo Party on Thursday, which took place at the San Mamés football stadium: a highly appreciated hotspot where the evening ended on the dance floor.
