Zapaygo has made a breakthrough in the entertainment and leisure industry, signing a multi-year deal with the NEC Group and its hospitality partner, Amadeus. The deal sees Zapaygo becoming the exclusive food and beverage pre-purchase partner at NEC Group Venues, including the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), International Convention Centre (ICC) and Birmingham’s two arenas.

Throughout the pandemic Zapaygo has made strides in unifying the ordering, serving and payment experience, removing the need for dozens of apps a user has to download thereby enriching consumer’s experience and changing habits for good.

With the move towards freedom within hospitality, a recent survey carried out by Zapaygo found that 76% of respondents preferred to order and pay from their table, versus going to a bar or counter. Building on this research, Amadeus will use the new pre-order and pre-pay technology at its venues, as event business resumes for the caterer. Zapaygo’s mobile app will make its debut at the Champions of Boxing event at Utilita Arena Birmingham on 28th August.

Kevin Watson, Managing Director at Amadeus, said: “We are delighted to have pre-order app Zapaygo as a long-term partner for Amadeus. This innovative technology will work seamlessly alongside our cashless strategy throughout all NEC Group venues.

“We look forward to offering our customers greater choice in how they purchase from us, speeding up service times and reducing queues, while keeping our team and customers safe in a post-COVID world.”

Providing a contactless service is key, Amadeus and Zapaygo have come together to ensure event visitors can pick up their pre-ordered items safely and swiftly from designated collection points at venues, reducing waiting times at bars and restaurants.

Mike Fisher, Vice Chairman of Zapaygo said, “Innovation and enhanced customer experience are passions held strongly by both Zapaygo and the NEC Group. We are delighted by this new partnership. It enables us to continue to drive excellent customer service and consumer benefits as we connect the significant networks both organisations interact with.

“We are witnessing how technology can be embraced in providing great customer experience. Following lockdown, there has been a shift in how people interact with venues, and we are right there with them. From being more convenient and more efficient to being safer and more hygienic, there are a multitude of reasons why app usage in venues is increasing. Zapaygo allows venues to personalise their customer experience for every individual who walks through their doors.

“We are looking forward to providing memorable experiences for more users as events across the NEC Group take place.”

Amadeus caters for seven million visitors a year at the NEC Group’s five world-class venues and more than 30 venues across the UK including visitor attractions, exhibition venues and conference centres.