Seven Things to Watch at ETA SLF 2018

With ETA’s Strategic Leadership Forum just around the corner, here are seven key highlights to watch for next week in beautiful Dana Point, California at the c-suite event where payments leaders build connections and exceed expectations in exclusive company.

7. Linking up on the Links

Sponsored by ETA member Paya, the ETA SLF Golf Tournament is sure to be a memorable way to tee-off this year’s forum. Taking place along the dramatic bluffs of Southern California at the Monarch Beach Golf Links, this challenging par-70 championship oceanfront golf course will provide attendees a compelling and competitive introduction to the Strategic Leadership Forum. Not to mention a key opportunity to do business and make connections. Tee times will start at 8:30 am, and shuttles will be available to take players to the course at 7:15 am from the entrance of the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa.

6. A Leading-Edge Look at Connected Commerce

The opportunities presented by the Internet of Things (IoT) offers endless possibilities for the payments industry to enable commerce anywhere. Bringing connected cars to the market that are enabled to support payments provides an opportunity to leverage utility of cards to any device, anywhere at any time. Hear directly from Olabisi Boyle, Senior Director of IoT Connected Car at Visa, and Jon Ziglar, CEO of ParkMobile, on the opportunities the IoT and connected commerce via car present the payments industry. Then, see VISA’s connected car for yourself!

5. Examining the Role of Private Equity in Payments

The pace of merger activity in the payments industry continues to intensify – with upwards of 102 transactions totaling $46 billion in the first half of 2018. Private equity firms have played a major role in driving investment in key players with an eye towards expanding market growth and furthering new opportunities for the payments industry. This panel discussion will offer insight from both those sitting in the private equity realm and organizations that have successful worked in partnership to expand their organizations and align strategic focus. Get the take directly from four leading private equity executives.

4. Taking in a Luxurious Resort Setting

The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa located in Dana Point, Southern California is the perfect setting for the top echelon of a $6 trillion industry. Located right on the California coast and steps from the Pacific Ocean, this luxury resort and spa offers a blend of executive appointments and beachfront splendor. Between sessions, enjoy beautiful oceanfront views, a 14,000-square-foot spa with fully customizable treatments and sophisticated dining and bar experiences. Or, reserve one of the resort’s private conference rooms to meet privately with fellow industry leaders.

3. Keynotes from Blue-Chip Leaders

ETA SLF’s agenda will take a holistic look at industry trends, leadership strategies and business tactics in a panel designed for top payments leaders. On Tuesday afternoon, the opening keynote featuring Kim Fitzsimmons, President, Merchant Services’ Corporate & Investment Bank, JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Bill Clerico, Co-Founder of WePay. This keynote will take a look at how FinTech partnerships with legacy players are keeping payments innovative and cutting-edge. On Wednesday morning, hear directly from Worldpay CEO Charles Drucker as he details how he built Worldpay into the biggest payments processor in the world through innovation and acquisition. On Thursday morning, get the latest in financial services technology analysis from renowned industry leader and Fiserv President of Card Services Kim Crawford Goodman. These keynotes will provide insights into leading your organization through change, disruption and innovation. In every industry across the globe, one constant is change. It’s how leaders respond to change that determines their success.

2. The Inaugural ETA Hall of Fame Ceremony

Through long and distinguished careers as advocates and innovators, the inaugural class of the ETA Hall of Fame have displayed an unrelenting spirit of innovation, ambition and professionalism. ETA will recognize the lifelong achievements of eight distinguished professionals at a special ceremony at ETA SLF, giving attendees the opportunity to connect with our industry’s preeminent leaders. Hear directly from the inductees, including a tribute to Joe Kaplan from his friends and members of his family. The ceremony is generously sponsored by Visa.

1. Unrivaled Networking Opportunity

At the end of the day, the classic adage always rings true: it’s all about who you know. The payments technology industry is built on lasting partnerships, strong connections and savvy networking. At ETA SLF, the experience has been meticulously curated to create a networking experience unrivaled in the payments technology industry. Built into its agenda are networking receptions and luncheons sponsored by Visa, White & Case and Worldpay; a hallmark of its location are myriad settings to connect with payments’ top echelon. Enjoy facilitated introductions from ETA’s expert concierge service. At SLF, C-suite leaders, emerging innovators and thought-leaders will go beyond the point to build connections and position their business for the future.

Friday, September 29th is the last day to take advantage of registration savings before rates go up on-site. Click here to secure your spot to ETA’s Strategic Leadership Forum.