Tall Bob joined Asia Pacific Loyalty Conference (APLC) to explore how SMS and MMS are transforming loyalty and customer engagement. From panel insights to on-floor conversations, here’s how mobile messaging is helping brands drive deeper connections and real results.
Loyalty is shifting, and we’re ready
Tall Bob just wrapped up an incredible few days at the Asia Pacific Loyalty Conference (APLC) 2025 at QT Gold Coast. With over 400 loyalty professionals and more than 180 brands in the room, the conversations were big, the energy was real, and the future of loyalty took centre stage.
As the event’s Mobile Partner, exhibitor, and part of the speaker line-up, we showed up to share, listen, and spark ideas around what loyalty can look like beyond points and perks.
The Tall Bob Team smashed it at the Asia Pacific Loyalty Conference.
(pictured: Ryan Berman with Lauri Menzies & Karmen Ou from Flybuys and Karl Deitz with event delegates)
Bringing mobile messaging to the loyalty conversation
At our booth, one thing became clear fast: brands are looking for new ways to connect. They want rapid, more relevant communication. They want results. And they’re realising SMS and MMS can do much more than send reminders or confirmations.
We spoke with marketers, loyalty managers, and digital leads who are ready to build creative and effective programs. They’re looking to keep customers engaged, boost retention, and turn messaging into a growth engine. That’s where Tall Bob comes in.
There was a real buzz on the floor. Everyone was open, curious, and ready to talk loyalty beyond the usual points and perks. The speed networking was a standout, and great to chat with brands about how mobile messaging could drive real engagement and sales. And yep, the Tall Bob socks were a hit.
— Karl Deitz, Head of Customer Strategy at Tall Bob
Great chats, secret codes, and everyone wanting to get their hands on the event must-have… a pair of Tall Bob socks!
(pictured: Karl Deitz with Stefani Pandovski from TerryWhite Chemmart, Ryan Berman with Rachel Stinear from ALA & Carly Neubauer from Elevate Loyalty, Karl with Iryna Byelyayeva from Adore Beauty, Jaimi Farrey from Hanes Brands Australia, Ryan with Nik Laming from Loyalty ConnectOS, and Karl with event delegates)
On stage with real answers, not just buzzwords
Our CEO, Ryan Berman, joined the panel on “Exploring Diverse Tech Innovations in Loyalty.” The session covered everything from Blockchain and card linking to Buy now, Pay later (BNPL), Rich Communication Services (RCS) and cross-device tech. It was a future-focused discussion, with all arrows pointing back to the customer and their data collection and data storage.
The audience was very inquisitive about the next-gen messaging technology, RCS, and its launch in Australia. Through the shared on-stage video, it is very clear that RCS will have a significant impact on Loyalty and frictionless customer experiences. For instance, having one-click redemption buttons within the messaging inbox will be transformative for brands and loyalty promotions.
It’s clear that brands are hungry for tech that works and has a specific purpose, not just cool ideas that distract the business from achieving its objectives. I loved being able to break down where SMS, MMS and RCS fit into loyalty communication.
— Ryan Berman, CEO & Co-Founder at Tall Bob
He also spotlighted some of the incredible partners Tall Bob works with who are already delivering these innovations in the market and can bring life to these technology ideas and hurdles.
Where loyalty meets next-gen tech, the panel discussion on “Exploring Diverse Tech Innovations in Loyalty.”
(pictured: Elisse Jones from Total Tools, Stephanie Andrews from Visa, Ryan Berman from Tall Bob, Nik Laming from Loyalty ConnectOS)
Honest conversations, strong connections
We showed up with our usual Tall Bob energy—genuine, relaxed, and focused on what actually works. Some brands were chasing the next shiny thing; however, the clear majority were ready to build loyalty programs that are personal, frictionless, and built to add value to their customers.
What stood out most was the quality of the conversations. Brands weren’t just browsing; they came with real challenges and were ready to explore new ways to connect with their customers. We left with meaningful chats, fresh ideas, and a heap of socks out in the wild. Worth every minute.
— Tall Bob team
What APLC means for what’s next
For Tall Bob, it was proof that mobile messaging isn’t just part of the loyalty mix. It’s the channel that connects insight to action and helps brands build loyalty that sticks.
We’re excited for what’s coming next. Let’s keep the momentum going.
Curious about what mobile messaging could do for your loyalty program? Reach out, we’ll show you what’s possible and what’s already working.