Welcome to XXXI Mint Directors Conference
Ross MacDiarmid, MDC Secretary General
MDC2020 postponed to 31 October 2021
The Mint Directors Conference and the South African Mint have postponed the showcase event for mint industry collaboration and knowledge sharing, the 2020 Mint Directors Conference, to 31 October–3 November 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa.
This decision was taken amid continuing concerns over the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic across the world and the likelihood that social distancing and lockdowns will become the norm for some time to come.
By moving the event to 2021, conference organisers have chosen the most secure option that will ultimately be in the interest of all participants – especially given that the new date for the conference will be towards the end of the year, rather than in early 2021 when the situation may still have been uncertain.
Despite the extended postponement, the conference theme – Global Challenges, New Horizons, Future Opportunities – retains its significance to participants as a reflection of their principal concerns.
In addition to examining the challenges and their impact on our industry, the conference will provide a forum for the mint industry to forge a path for coins into the future, whether as a means of transaction, a store of value, a token of national pride or an investment for future generations.
The three-day programme will comprise a dynamic mix of plenary, twin-track and break-out sessions, enabling participants to cover the widest range of topics and issues, all focused on how we can ensure the future success of our products and our industry.
The conference is also about networking – meeting old friends and making new ones, finding new suppliers or technologies, forging new partnerships, and working collaboratively to find new solutions. We will be able to do so at the same time as enjoying the culture and sights of wonderful Cape Town through a variety of social and networking events during the conference.
We are grateful for your understanding and continued support with regard to this decision.
And we look forward to seeing you in Cape Town in October 2021.
Honey Mamabolo, MD, South African Mint
It is a great honour and privilege for the South African Mint to host the XXXI International Mint Directors Conference (MDC), in South Africa.
The South African Mint is one of the foremost preservers of South Africa’s heritage and is more than 120 years old. We are a subsidiary of the South African Reserve Bank. Our coins are ambassadors of South Africa and its heritage, globally. Thousands of our Bullion, Circulation or Collectable coins leave our shores each year, acquired by people who will treasure them for many years in their collections.
There is a word in South Africa – Ubuntu – which translated simply means that we are all bound together in ways that are invisible to the eye; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others. In the same vein I trust our combined efforts have, and will continue to play a significant role in promoting coinage and recognising the role physical money plays in the lives of the citizenry.
We as an industry have our challenges and we invite you to participate in the MDC dedicated to: “Global Challenges, New Horizons, Future Opportunities”. We will prepare various programs and opportunities for an interesting and successful conference.
It will be a pleasure to welcome delegates and other participants, some for the second time, to Cape Town in October 2021.
We look forward to seeing you in the Mother City, Cape Town with the beautiful Table Mountain.
About the MDC
Established in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1962, the Mint Directors Conference (MDC) was founded by the Directors of 10 western European mints. The MDC was previously referred to as the European Mint Directors’ Conference and also known as the International Mint Directors Conference.
Today, the MDC membership has grown to include 42 member mints and over 50 associate members. The MDC remains the principal body of government mints worldwide, promoting the regular exchange of information on all coinage matters and hosting a biennial conference to share information of common interest and to discuss the challenges the mint industry faces.
The MDC conference is hosted in turn by member mints, and typically attracts around 300 delegates. The 2020 Mint Directors Conference – the 31st since the event was first held – takes place in Cape Town, South Africa, hosted by the South African Mint.
Locations for previous events include:
| 2018 – Seoul, South Korea | 2008 – Seoul, South Korea |
| 2016 – Bangkok, Thailand | 2006 – Paris, France |
| 2014 – Mexico City, Mexico | 2004 – San Francisco, USA |
| 2012 – Vienna, Austria | 2002 – Osaka, Japan |
| 2010 – Canberra, Australia |
About the Organisers
South African Mint
The South African Mint is a leading manufacturer of legal tender coins, as well as commemorative and rare collectible coins. Founded in 1892, we have over 125 years’ experience in supplying symbols of value to the African and global markets, and pride ourselves in delivering products that represent our commitment to uniquely African design and supreme craftsmanship.
We collaborate closely with our customers to develop distinct and durable monetary products that capture and preserve the heritage and pride of a nation.
We also play an active role in the international minting community, and this will be the second time we have hosted the MDC, having first done so in 1998.
The South African Mint is a wholly owned subsidiary of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), established in accordance with the SARB Act.
Reconnaissance International
Reconnaissance, which has been appointed by the South African Mint as manager and media partner for the 2020 Mint Directors Conference, is a UK-based company offering publications, events and services to the secure document, authentication technology and currency and payment sectors.
Its publications comprise B2B newsletters, directories and special reports, including (through a joint venture), Currency News, Cash & Payment News and Mint News Quarterly .
Its portfolio of conferences include the three regional High Security Printing conferences and the Coin Conference. It also provides a conference management service, and runs events on behalf of associations, including The Future of Cash and the African Currency Forum.
In addition, Reconnaissance provides the secretariat for three industry associations, including the International Currency Association.
Reconnaissance will bring to the Mint Directors Conference a unique knowledge and experience, acquired over the years in the currency sector and in event management.
