Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Prepaid Congress 2026 is the premier event for gift cards and prepaid solutions in Germany, taking place on November 5, 2026, at the Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt in Berlin. It gathers decision-makers from trade, business, politics, and regulation for high-level discussions and networking.
Prepaid Congress takes place in Berlin, Germany. Venue: Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Prepaid Congress 2026 will be held on November 5, 2026, at the Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt in Berlin, Germany.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is the only specialized congress for gift cards and prepaid solutions in Germany, expecting over 250 participants.
- 3Organiser: The congress is organized by PVD, with registration and program details available at prepaidkongress.de.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include key decision-makers from retail, finance, and regulatory sectors, influencing the future of prepaid solutions.
- 5Entry / Access: Tickets are available online, with various pricing options for partners and members.
Why visit
Attending the Prepaid Congress offers valuable insights into current market trends, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and discussions on regulatory challenges. Dates and Venue: The Prepaid Congress 2026 will be held on November 5, 2026, at the Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt in Berlin, Germany. Buyer Authority: Attendees include key decision-makers from retail, finance, and regulatory sectors, influencing the future of prepaid solutions.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the Prepaid Congress provides companies with direct access to decision-makers in the prepaid industry, enhancing visibility and opportunities for partnerships. It is an ideal platform to showcase innovative products and services to a targeted audience. The Prepaid Congress is crucial for industry professionals to stay updated on market developments, regulatory changes, and innovative practices in the prepaid sector. It fosters collaboration and knowledge.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Retail executives focused on prepaid solutions
Financial service providers interested in gift card innovations
Regulatory professionals monitoring compliance in the prepaid sector
Marketing specialists seeking insights into consumer behavior
Technology providers developing payment solutions
Policy makers involved in financial regulations
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Companies offering prepaid card solutions
Gift card manufacturers and distributors
Payment service providers and fintech companies
Retailers looking to expand their prepaid offerings
Consultants specializing in prepaid market strategies
Regulatory compliance experts in the financial sector
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Gift cards for retail and online shopping
Prepaid debit and credit cards
Digital payment solutions and wallets
Loyalty and rewards programs
Regulatory compliance tools for prepaid services
Innovative marketing strategies for prepaid products
Location & Facilities
Venue
Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt
Berlin, Germany
Facilities
Parking
Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt in Berlin typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt in Berlin typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
Official show dates 202611 – 05
Event daysconfirm daily opening hours on the organiser registration page
Standard Ticket
990Reduced for Partners
890Reduced for PVD Members
400Reduced for FinTech Start-ups
400
Who runs the show
Organisers
PVD
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Berlin, Germany
Why it matters
Attending Prepaid Congress on 2026-11-05 to 2026-11-05 in Berlin lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
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ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · EUR
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Berlin Brandenburg
Berlin Brandenburg (BER) is the main commercial gateway serving Berlin; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt.
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Budget
Moabit / Wedding, north of Berlin HauptbahnhofUSD 70–110 / night
Simple chain and independent hotels around Turmstrasse and Wedding, 2-4 U-Bahn stops or a 20-minute walk from the venue. Confirm before travel whether breakfast and cancellation terms are included.
Mid-range
Berlin Mitte around Hauptbahnhof and the SpreeUSD 130–200 / night
Business hotels within 5-15 minutes on foot of the Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt; convenient for a one-day congress. Rates rise during conference weeks, so book early and confirm before travel.
Premium
Host venue hotel and top Mitte propertiesUSD 230–350 / night
Includes the Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt itself plus upper-tier Mitte hotels. Staying on site keeps badge collection and sessions in the same building; confirm rates and cancellation terms directly with the hotel before travel.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Airport express / S-Bahn
Estimated costEUR 4–5 (AB/ABC zone single ticket)
Best forBerlin Brandenburg (BER) airport station to Berlin Hauptbahnhof
The FEX airport express and S-Bahn line S9 serve BER station toward Berlin Hauptbahnhof in around 30-45 minutes. The venue is a short walk from the Hauptbahnhof exits. Validate or buy your ticket before boarding; confirm current fares before travel.
Taxi
Estimated costEUR 40–90
Best forBerlin Brandenburg (BER) to Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt, Berlin Mitte
Taxis rank outside the BER terminals and the run into Berlin Mitte usually takes 35-60 minutes depending on traffic. Metered fares are regulated, so ask for a receipt for expense claims; confirm before travel.
Rideshare
Estimated costEUR 40–90
Best forBerlin Brandenburg (BER) to Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt
International rideshare platforms operate in Berlin alongside local app-based taxi services. Pickup points at BER are signposted outside the terminal and surge pricing is common during conference weeks; confirm fares in the app before travel.
Car or rental car
Estimated costEUR 40–90 plus parking
Best forBER via the A113 and A100 into Berlin Mitte
Driving into central Berlin brings congestion, low-emission zone requirements and limited kerbside parking, with daily parking often EUR 25-40. For a one-day congress beside Hauptbahnhof, rail or taxi is usually simpler; confirm before travel.
Walking / inner-city transit
Estimated costEUR 3.50 (AB zone single ticket) or free on foot
Best forBerlin Hauptbahnhof and the government quarter to the venue
The venue sits within walking distance of Berlin Hauptbahnhof, so visitors staying in Mitte may not need transit at all on the congress day. Short U-Bahn or tram hops cost a single AB ticket; confirm before travel.
Weather
Berlin in early November is late autumn: cold, often grey and changeable. Typical daytime highs sit around 6-9 C and night temperatures around 1-3 C, with rain or drizzle on a good share of days and occasional early frost. Expect short daylight hours and a real chance of wind and damp conditions on the walk between Hauptbahnhof and the venue. These are climatological bands, not a forecast; check the live Berlin forecast in the days before 5 November 2026.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Germany is covered by EU roaming rules, so visitors with an EU or EEA mobile contract can use their home allowance in Berlin at no extra cost. Travellers from outside the EU should arrange an eSIM or a prepaid German SIM on arrival; BER airport and central Berlin shops stock them, and a passport is normally required for registration. Mobile coverage and 5G are strong across central Berlin including the Hauptbahnhof district. The host hotel is expected to provide Wi-Fi in public areas and meeting rooms, but confirm access and any charges with the venue, and keep an offline copy of your registration confirmation in case the conference network is busy.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language and sessions
The organiser's primary website is German and the congress serves the German prepaid market, so confirm the working language of the sessions and the Community Night on prepaidkongress.de if you need English-language content.
Business dress and tone
Business dress for a German payments industry congress is generally smart business rather than formal, with a suit or smart jacket common. Punctuality matters: arrive before the opening session rather than drifting in during the first panel.
Cash, cards and Sunday closures
Card and mobile payment are widely accepted in Berlin, though some smaller venues and bakeries still prefer cash. Most shops close on Sundays, so plan any shopping or pharmacy visits for the days around the congress.
Tipping and service
Restaurant and taxi tipping in Berlin is usually rounding up or around 5-10 percent of the bill, stated verbally to the server when you pay. Card terminals often allow you to enter a tip amount directly.
Getting around the city
Berlin's S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram and bus network runs on an honour system with ticket checks, so validate or buy your ticket before boarding. The Hauptbahnhof area is the main interchange for the congress and for onward travel.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: BER
Book into Berlin Brandenburg (BER), the city's commercial airport, and aim to arrive on 4 November 2026 so you are already in Berlin for the one-day congress on 5 November. Direct flights operate from most European hubs, while long-haul travellers will usually connect through a European gateway. Early November is a normal business travel period in Berlin rather than a holiday peak, but booking a few weeks ahead usually gives better fares and more convenient arrival times. Confirm the latest airline baggage and check-in rules for your route.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Berlin Brandenburg (BER): Berlin Brandenburg (BER) is the main commercial gateway serving Berlin; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt.. Allow road or rail time to Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt: Moabit / Wedding, north of Berlin Hauptbahnhof: Moabit / Wedding, north of Berlin Hauptbahnhof; Berlin Mitte around Hauptbahnhof and the Spree: Berlin Mitte around Hauptbahnhof and the Spree; Host venue hotel and top Mitte properties: Host venue hotel and top Mitte properties.
Ride-hail: International rideshare platforms operate in Berlin alongside app-based taxi services, so pickup by app is a realistic option from BER airport or from hotels across the city. Pickup zones at the airport are signposted outside the terminals, and fares rise during peak hours and conference weeks. If a ride is arranged for the evening Community Night, confirm the pickup point with the driver, as the area beside Berlin Hauptbahnhof has restricted stopping lanes.
Public transit: Berlin's public transport combines S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram and bus, with the Hauptbahnhof interchange a short walk from the Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt. From BER airport, the FEX airport express and S-Bahn line S9 both serve Berlin Hauptbahnhof, typically in 30-45 minutes. Buy or validate a ticket before boarding; an ABC single journey is around EUR 4.40 at current fare levels and a day ticket is usually better value if you plan several trips. Confirm live timetables and fares with VBB or BVG before you travel.
Parking: The host Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt is a city hotel beside Berlin Hauptbahnhof, an area with limited kerbside space and controlled parking zones, so visitors driving into Berlin should expect to use a hotel or station car park rather than street parking. Berlin's central low-emission zone applies to older vehicles, and daily parking charges at central garages are typically significant. Confirm availability, access times and rates directly with the hotel or the Hauptbahnhof parking operators before driving to the congress.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Typically around 6-9 C by day and 1-3 C at night in early November, with colder snaps possible. Treat these as climatological bands and check the live forecast before travelling.
Seasonality: Early November in Berlin is often overcast with frequent light rain or drizzle and a real chance of wind. Days are short, with darkness falling in the late afternoon, so the walk between Berlin Hauptbahnhof and the venue can be cold and damp. Confirm the live forecast in the days before 5 November 2026.
Packing: Pack a warm, water-resistant coat, layers, a compact umbrella and comfortable waterproof shoes for walking between Berlin Hauptbahnhof and the venue. Bring business attire for the congress and the Community Night, plus a small bag for a laptop or tablet if you plan to take notes during sessions. Gloves and a scarf are useful for early-morning and late-evening transfers.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Prepaid Congress usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm registration on prepaidkongress.de/en/register/ and check your confirmation details and ticket tier.
T-2
Book accommodation in Berlin Mitte near Hauptbahnhof, or directly at the host Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt for the shortest commute.
T-3
Book flights to Berlin Brandenburg (BER) or a rail connection to Berlin Hauptbahnhof, aiming to arrive on 4 November so you start the congress day in the city.
T-4
Plan the BER transfer: airport express (FEX) or S-Bahn from the airport station, or a taxi or rideshare to Berlin Mitte.
T-5
Review the agenda on the organiser site to plan which sessions matter for your prepaid, e-money or payments priorities, and note the Community Night in the evening.
T-6
Install a VBB or BVG transit app and, if you are arriving from outside the EU, arrange an eSIM or local SIM for the Berlin stay.
T-7
Check the Berlin forecast, pack for cold and wet November weather, and save your registration confirmation offline with a photo ID for badge collection.
T-8
Arrive at the Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt well before the opening session to collect your badge and settle in before the first panel.
Networking spots
2Prepaid Congress registration concourse
Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights€180.00
- Per diem × 2€150.00
- Insurance€25.00
Estimated total€355.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · Standard Ticket
EUR 990 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · Reduced for Partners
EUR 890 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · Reduced for PVD Members
EUR 400 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · Reduced for FinTech Start-ups
EUR 400 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Standard Ticket | EUR 990 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Reduced for Partners | EUR 890 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Reduced for PVD Members | EUR 400 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Reduced for FinTech Start-ups | EUR 400 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Prepaid Congress fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published — confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources — confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Is Prepaid Congress 2026 in Berlin a one-day event?
Yes. The organiser states the Prepaid Kongress takes place on 5 November 2026 in Berlin, with a Community Night that follows the conference day.
Where is Prepaid Congress held in Berlin?
The event is held at the Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt, in Berlin Mitte directly beside Berlin Hauptbahnhof, so arrivals by long-distance rail, S-Bahn and airport express can walk to the venue.
How do I register for Prepaid Congress 2026?
Registration is handled through the organiser page at prepaidkongress.de/en/register/. Confirm current ticket terms and availability directly with the organiser.
What does a ticket to Prepaid Congress cost?
The published fee schedule lists a Standard Ticket at EUR 990 per person, a reduced rate of EUR 890 for partners, EUR 400 for PVD members, EUR 400 for fintech start-ups, and free admission for political staff. Check the register page for the current tiers and eligibility rules.
Is there a reduced rate for fintech start-ups?
Yes. The published ticket tiers include a reduced rate of EUR 400 per person for fintech start-ups, alongside the EUR 400 PVD member rate. Eligibility and proof requirements should be confirmed with the organiser at registration.
Who attends the Prepaid Congress?
The programme addresses the prepaid, e-money and payments sector, so the audience is drawn from issuers, programme managers, processors, scheme and BIN partners, regulators and compliance specialists, retail and gift card programmes, and fintechs building prepaid products for the German and European market.
Is Prepaid Congress a trade exhibition or a conference?
It is organised as a congress and conference day with a networking evening rather than a full multi-hall trade fair. Partner and sponsor involvement should be confirmed directly with the organiser.
Can I stay at the venue hotel?
The Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt is both the host venue and a hotel, which makes it the shortest possible commute on the congress day. Room availability and rates for 5 November 2026 must be checked with the hotel or a booking platform.
How do I get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to the venue?
Take the airport express or S-Bahn from the BER airport station to Berlin Hauptbahnhof, from where the Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt is a short walk. A taxi or rideshare from BER to Berlin Mitte typically takes 35-60 minutes depending on traffic.
What language is the congress held in?
The organiser's primary domain is German, so confirm the working language of sessions and the Community Night on prepaidkongress.de before you book travel if you require English-language content.
Glossary
- Prepaid card
- A payment card loaded with funds in advance rather than linked to a credit line, so spending is capped by the loaded balance. Common in travel, gifting, corporate spend and financial-inclusion programmes.
- Prepaid credit card
- A card carrying a Mastercard or Visa scheme logo and a BIN but funded in advance. Used for travel money, corporate expense and unbanked or underbanked customer segments.
- E-money (E-Geld)
- Stored monetary value issued against funds received and used to make payment transactions accepted by third parties. It is the EU legal basis behind many prepaid issuing programmes discussed at German prepaid events.
- E-money institution (EMI)
- A firm licensed to issue e-money and provide payment services under EU and German rules without holding a full banking licence. Many prepaid programme issuers operate on this licence type.
- ZAG (Zahlungsdiensteaufsichtsgesetz)
- The German Payment Services Supervision Act, the national law implementing PSD2 that governs licensing and conduct for payment institutions and e-money institutions, including prepaid issuers.
- BaFin
- Germany's federal financial supervisory authority. It supervises banks, payment institutions and e-money institutions, and is the licensing counterparty for most German prepaid issuing models.
- PSD2
- The EU revised Payment Services Directive, setting licensing, strong customer authentication and open banking rules that directly shape prepaid onboarding and programme design.
- PSD3 and PSR
- The planned successor package to PSD2. Relevant to prepaid issuers tracking future licensing scope, fraud liability and authentication requirements in the EU.
- KYC (Know Your Customer)
- Identity verification obligations applied before onboarding a cardholder, merchant or programme partner. Load limits on prepaid products are typically tied to KYC level.
- AML (anti-money laundering)
- Monitoring, reporting and control duties that limit misuse of stored-value products. Anonymity caps, load ceilings and transaction monitoring are standard prepaid AML controls.
- BIN sponsorship
- An arrangement where a licensed institution or scheme member lends its BIN range so that a non-licensed programme can issue cards under a recognised scheme.
- Issuing processor
- The technical provider that authorises, clears and settles prepaid card transactions on behalf of the issuer, and supplies the platform behind the card programme.
- Programme manager
- The company that designs, markets and operates a prepaid programme, usually sitting between the licensed issuer and the end customer or distribution partner.
- White-label prepaid programme
- A prepaid product branded by a retailer, employer or fintech partner but built on another firm's licence, BIN and processing platform.
- Corporate prepaid and expense card
- Prepaid cards issued to employees for travel, per diem or expense spend, typically with load controls and merchant category restrictions.
- Gift card
- A stored-value card or voucher sold for a fixed amount and redeemed at a defined merchant or card network.
- Chargeback
- A cardholder-initiated reversal of a transaction. A significant fraud and dispute cost line in prepaid operations and a frequent compliance topic.
- Interchange
- The fee exchanged between acquirer and issuer on a card transaction. A core element of prepaid programme revenue economics alongside programme and card fees.
- Community Night
- The evening networking format that follows the Prepaid Congress conference day, as described in the organiser's event outline.
- PVD members
- A reduced ticket category referenced in the Prepaid Congress fee schedule. Confirm the association's exact scope and membership eligibility on the organiser registration page.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Prepaid Congress
- Prepaid Congress 2026
- Prepaid Congress Berlin
- Prepaid Kongress Berlin 2026
- Prepaid Congress Berlin 2026
- prepaid cards conference Berlin
- prepaid industry congress Germany
- prepaid debit credit cards expo
- gift cards trade show Berlin
- digital payment solutions expo Berlin
7 more alternate names hidden
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Sources
1
References
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Publishers
0
Date checked
1
PVD
- event_website
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