It's the biggest ATM industry-focused event in the world, and it's just a little more than three weeks away. Which makes this a good time to see what ATMIA US 2013 will offer attendees.

Plenty, according to David Tente, executive director of the U.S. chapter of the ATM Industry Association.

"Exhibitors representing every facet of ATM operations and management will be taking part in the expo, showcasing new ideas and technologies," he said. This year 82 companies will showcase their products and services in the exhibition hall — about a dozen more than last year.

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Then there's the educational component. "We strive very hard to address current industry issues in the U.S. during this annual summit — such as EMV migration, revenue generation in an era of interchange reduction and the coming migration of ATMs to Windows 7," said Mike Lee, CEO of the ATM Industry Association.

The theme of this year's conference is "The Destiny of ATMs: Designing Our Future." Much of the focus will be on how the ATM is increasing in importance as a retail banking delivery channel and a hub for integrated payments, said Tente.

"Four workshops [on Feb. 19] are being offered that delve more deeply into important subjects such as ATM business management, security, and ATM placement," he said. "The conference program has been expanded from two tracks to four, allowing attendees an opportunity to more quickly identify and focus on sessions that are of the most interest."

Steven Dubner, co-author of the best-sellers "Freakonomics" and "Super-Freakonomics" will give the keynote address, kicking off a day of sessions and exhibits on Feb. 20. "He has a way of looking at challenges from a different perspective that can be very helpful," said Tente.

A complete schedule for the three-day event is available at the conference website. Below we've listed eight highlights of ATMIA US 2013 that make a compelling case for heading to Scottsdale in February:

1. Workshop: ATM Security & Best Practices — offers a wealth of information about software security, encryption, contactless best practices, EMV anti-skimming, integrated payments security, a PCI update and more. A slate of seven industry specialists will present.
2. Day one keynote: The Evolving Role of ATMs in a Multi-Channel Strategy — introduces and analyzes newly commissioned research from the Mercator Advisory Group. Ed O'Brien, director of banking channels at Mercator, presents.
3. Day two keynote: Trends in Consumer Behavior Related to Multi-Channel Delivery — reveals consumer attitudes and behavior in financial services, as well as changes in consumer preferences resulting from multiple channel options; most consumers haven't met a channel that they didn't like which puts great pressure on FIs to have a clear multi-channel delivery strategy. Deborah Bianucci, president and CEO of BAI, presents.
4. Payments track session: How EMV Creates Opportunities for IADs/ISOs and Developing Your EMV ROI — discusses the real meaning of EMV and the impact it has for various markets and devices, including both ATM and POS equipment, and the opportunities it can generate for IADs and ISOs, as well as the pitfalls to be avoided. Donna Embry, senior vice president of strategic development at Payment Alliance International, presents.
5. Technology & Innovation track session: Grow your ATM Business through Managed Services — describes how ATM deployers can compete more effectively by partnering with an ATM Managed Services company, and shows how collaborating with a respected ATM management company can be a strategic step in building an efficient support model for an ATM network. Richard Struck, vice president and national sales manager at Elan Financial Services presents.
6. Business & Education track session: U.S. and European Business Perspectives — provides the basics of buying or selling a portfolio/company, decision-making insights on whether to sell or take advantage of others selling, and opportunities that may exist to enter the European market. Jack Milford Ford, Attorney at Jack Milford Ford Law, and Ron Delnevo, chairman of the ATMIA European board, present.
7. Regulations & Compliance track session: PCI for ATMs — an Update — covers how the newer PCI standards apply to ATMs; the newest versions of PCI DSS, PA DSS, and PCI PTS; how new standards such as PCI P2PE may affect ATMs; changes to the PCI PIN requirements under PCI SSC; development of a PCI ATM standard. Andrew Jamieson, security laboratories manager at Underwriters Laboratories, presents.
8. Scottsdale in February.

The 14th annual ATMIA US conference will take place at the Kierland Westin Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz., Feb. 19–21. Registration for the event is still open and is available to ATMIA members and non-members alike.

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photo: denimdave