Delegates at this week's Democratic National Convention in Denver have been given free commemorative badges by First Data that incorporate the vendor's contactless payments technology.
Up to 5000 visitors to the convention have been invited to use the limited edition lapel pin to make purchases of up to $10 at participating concession stands at the Pepsi Center. Purchases are made by tapping the badges against specially equipped payments terminals.
The lapel pins use First Data's Go-Tag technology, which can be used in stickers and attached to personal items like mobile phones and key chains.
Michael Capellas, chairman and CEO, First Data, says: "Consumers will be able to make purchases faster and easier - no more waiting in long lines - and better yet they can leave their wallets at home."
Capellas is targetting $100 million in new revenue from emerging mobile payments technology in 2009. The company has already secured a deal with video rental chain BlockBuster to incorporate GO-Tags terminals at its stores.