The PAYMENTS 2018 conference takes place April 29 to May 2 at the San Diego Convention Center, featuring educational workshops, meetings, keynote sessions and a variety of networking events for payments professionals. Produced by The Electronic Payments Association (NACHA), this year’s event is focused on faster payments and will be attended by payments professionals from all macro environments including mobile, retail and technology as well as payment processors such as CrossCheck.
NACHA says the event (1) “encapsulates the players and thought-leadership that are setting the agenda for the future; and (2) “propels industry dialogue forward to ensure the continued strength and integrity of the ACH Network and the U.S. payments ecosystem” while remaining responsive to consumers.
This article highlights keynote addresses and networking events for payments professionals. See part one for an overview of educational opportunities.
Sunday, April 29
The First Timers’ Coffee Reception (10:45 am – 12:00 pm) is a soft-touch approach to warming up attendees for two rounds of Sunday workshops. The social event begins with a brief overview of educational and networking opportunities followed by a coffee break with members of the Conference Planning Committee and NACHA staff on hand to answer questions and make introductions.
Two invitation-only receptions (5:00 – 7:30 pm) follow the half-day workshops:
- The Chairperson’s Reception provides a venue for NACHA leadership to commemorate another year of progress in the payments industry.
- AAP/APRP Reception — a networking opportunity for Accredited ACH Professionals and new Accredited Payments Risk Professionals.
The day closes with the popular no-host Sunday Social (5:30 – 7:00 pm) where payments professionals are invited to network during a relaxed evening with peers while enjoying delicious food and drink specials.
Monday, April 30
Economic forecaster and financial expert Mark Zinder will deliver the opening keynote session from 8:00 – 9:00 am. Zinder has 30-plus years in financial services and a gift for making the complicated simple as he “forecasts 
tomorrow’s big economic ideas and top trends reshaping business.” Organizers say his insights into macroeconomics and broad knowledge of market history are instrumental in clarifying investor needs.
Monday programming continues with a full day of business activities including the grand opening of the exhibit hall, followed by two rounds of morning concurrent spotlight sessions and two rounds of afternoon concurrent spotlight sessions, but momentum shifts to sure-fire fun at the “Beach” Reception in the Exhibit Hall (5:30 – 7:00 pm). Attendees are invited to enjoy boardwalk-style games and activities with food and refreshments as they are surrounded by cutting-edge technology providers, payments service experts and organizations poised to offer the best solutions.
Tuesday, May 1
Tuesday’s programming begins with a keynote session by Daniel Sieberg, author and co-founder of Google Media Labs (8:15 – 9:15 am).
Sieberg is an Emmy-nominated and award-winning TV correspondent, host and author whose work has appeared on numerous domestic and international television news programs, magazines and talk shows, and in publications. His book, The Digital Diet, explores how technology is transforming our lives and covers relationships, business, identity and more.
The busy day continues with two rounds of morning concurrent sessions and two rounds of afternoon session that are separated by the 2018 NACHA Payments Awards Luncheon (12:30 – 2:15 pm).
The two presentations, NACHA Excellence in Payments Award and NACHA Challenge Awards, “celebrate outstanding accomplishments and superior leadership in innovation, excellence and promotion of the positive environmental impact of electronic payments, statements and billing.”
Amy Trask, the former CEO of the Oakland Raiders and current chairman of Ice Cube’s BIG3, is the keynote speaker during the awards luncheon.
The NACHA Excellence in Payments Award honors individuals or organizations that show superior leadership and accomplishment in the development, implementation or advancement of domestic or international electronic payments.
NACHA Challenge Awards is a team competition with a $25,000 prize. This year’s focus is on developing ACH business and consumer payments that do not require bank routing numbers or account information.
The programming continues with more concurrent sessions, topical talks and an official break in the exhibit hall before PAYMENTS 2018 transitions to Tuesday Night Out at Petco Park (6:00 – 8:00 pm).
Payments professionals are invited to enjoy the rooftop deck featuring panoramic views of the ballpark and bay with music, libations and eats. Furthermore, the Loft level offers pool tables, foosball, darts and shuffleboard while batting cages and pop-a-shot games are available on the Concourse level. Diehard baseball fans may also take in behind-the-scenes tours of the ballpark with photo ops at home plate.
Old Friends: CrossCheck and NACHA
CrossCheck has a longstanding relationship with NACHA that includes membership and individuals from executive management serving on select NACHA boards. Download our free guide about electronic check processing to learn how CrossCheck can facilitate fast and easy transactions at your organization.
