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Welcome!
Registration is now open!
Register Today!The MAG Payments Conference will take place September 8-11, 2025 at the J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country in San Antonio, TX.
As our flagship event, the MAG Payments Conference continues to be the premier gathering place for payments and tech professionals across multiple verticals. Participants will enjoy invaluable networking opportunities, inspiring keynote speakers and a spotlight on cutting-edge solutions on the Innovation Stage. This event will provide exclusive insights into the future of payments.
Tech Forum Participants: The MAG Payments Conference will provide an in-depth exploration of payments technology, connecting merchant IT professionals and their business partners with key technology sponsors through engaging tech-focused educational sessions and dynamic networking events.
Bookmark this webpage and stay tuned for updates as planning continues and more information becomes available. We look forward to seeing you at the conference!
Countdown to MAG Payments Conference 25
September 08, 20250
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Reasons to Attend
Unmatched Relevance
Our programming, designed with the merchant in mind, reflects what matters most: reducing costs, staying compliant, innovating fast, and improving performance across payments.
Peer-Led Learning
Merchant insights are grounded in real experiences, challenges, and wins. You’ll find elevated sponsor showcases designed to inform and provide solutions that support smarter partnerships and real-world impact.
Strategic Alignment
Our event unites a diverse community of payments professionals across all experience levels and functional areas. Participants gain cross-functional insights that align priorities, spark innovation, and advance organizational objectives in the rapidly evolving payments landscape.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Industry veterans and subject matter experts in payments operations and technology who share knowledge and drive positive change
- Senior leaders seeking strategic alignment across departments
- Emerging professionals building foundational understanding of payments systems and ecosystems
Registration Information
Registration Deadlines
- June 5 - Registration Opens for MAG Payments Conference
- August 8 - Early Bird Deadline
- August 29 at 11:59 p.m. CT - Online registration closes. No cancellations, refunds, or transfers after this date.
- September 8, 2025, 01:00 p.m. – September 11, 2025, 12:00 p.m. CT - Onsite registration will be available.
Travel Information
Hotel
- Reserve Your Room
- MAG has secured a discounted group rate of $285 plus taxes and fees for a total of $362.56.
- To show a breakdown of the room rate, click 'View Policies' when selecting the room type.
- Cut-Off Date: Thursday, August 14 at 5:00 pm CT.
Airfare
- MAG has partnered with United Airlines to provide discounted airfare to San Antonio. To redeem, use code ZR23550247.
- For more information, click here.
General Information
- You must be registered for the conference to attend any of the MAG Payments Conference programming.
- Registration grants access to education sessions, general sessions, and business breakout sessions as well as the exhibit area. Access to Tech Forum sessions may require an additional cost for registration.
- MAG offers Merchant-Only sessions that are restricted to MAG Merchant Members and approved guest merchants.
- All badge reprints onsite will require a matching ID and will have an associated charge of $150 per re-print.
REGISTRATION ROSTER
Download ListTECH FORUM ROSTER
Download ListRegistration Fees
Guest Attendance
Not a member of the MAG but would like to attend the conference? Contact Meg Thaxton for more information.
Beware of Scams
Do not respond if an individual outside the MAG contacts you regarding accommodations or contact info.
The MAG Tech Forum is aligned with the MAG Payments Conference, offering education and networking opportunities for payments IT professionals. As the payments ecosystem evolves, the MAG Tech Forum connects payments technology experts and leading providers to explore innovative applications of these advancements.
The MAG Tech Forum aims to foster collaboration, provide tech-focused knowledge, and build relationships between merchants, their payments IT and business teams, and technology providers.
NETWORK
Connect with IT professionals at the Tech Forum and payments professionals at the MAG conference events representing
over 150 of the largest U.S. merchants which account for over $4.8 trillion in annual sales across physical and digital commerce.
DEVELOP
Create new business connections with Tech Forum and MAG merchant member attendees from every vertical
(eCommerce, Airlines, Department Stores, Mass Merchant, Grocery, Hospitality, Hotels Petroleum/Convenience Stores, Small Ticket/Restaurants).
DEEP DIVE
Presentations are available on current industry topics that your business peers across the retail community are grappling with in their companies. Join the strategic discussions and learn best practices for today’s rapidly changing payments environment.
LEARN
Access to industry experts who provide the latest insights and innovative uses of new payment technologies twice a year
through panel and keynote sessions, as well as within the exhibit halls at in-person events.
CONTINUED LEARNING
Beyond the in-person meetings twice a year, participate in the MAG webinar series, online learning, MAG committees, and Community of Practice (COP) efforts offered throughout the year. Want to get even more involved? Be a panelist at one of our upcoming events and share your perspective with fellow merchants.
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#MAGPaymentsConferenceMAG Payments Conference 25 Agenda
Agenda subject to change
Last updated on Friday, July 25, 2025. All times are in CST
Agenda Key
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Merchant Only Session
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Networking Reception Sponsored by: American Express
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Registration Open
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Breakfast
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Exhibit Hall Open
AllExplore the Exhibit Hall!
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Exhibit Hall Open
Description
Whether you're taking a break between sessions or eager to compete in the Exhibitor Quest for a chance to win great prizes, you won’t want to miss the action in our conference Exhibit Hall. This is the best opportunity to network with providers and discover the solutions your teams need. See you there! -
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Explore the Exhibit Hall!
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Taking the Pulse of the US Economy: Key Trends and the Path Forward
Description
This session offers a timely and comprehensive update on the U.S. macroeconomic landscape, with a focus on the core drivers of labor markets, inflation, and consumer spending. We’ll evaluate the health of the American consumer by looking at trends in wages, debt balances, and wealth accumulation across income groups. The discussion will also explore evolving spending patterns and sector-specific dynamics. Finally, we’ll examine leading economic indicators, assess potential risks on the horizon, and conclude with a forward-looking outlook for the remainder of 2025 and beyond. -
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Opening Keynote: It Takes All of Us: How Everyone in the Ecosystem is Needed to Move Payments Forward
Description
Explore the future of retail payments in this fast-paced panel featuring Chiro Aikat (Co-President, U.S. at Mastercard), Mike Cook (Senior Vice President & Assistant Treasurer at Wal-Mart), and Mike Lozanoff (Managing Director, Global Head of Merchant Services at J.P. Morgan Payments), moderated by John Drechny (CEO, Merchant Advisory Group). This session examines how new payments technologies, evolving consumer preferences, and the rise of AI agents are reshaping the retail landscape. Panelists discuss strategies for delivering seamless and secure payment experiences while addressing the opportunities and challenges presented by ongoing innovation. Gain practical insights into how merchants can prepare for the next wave of payments solutions, from infrastructure to balancing security with customer convenience. The discussion highlights what merchants should consider when evaluating and adopting new technologies, drawing on real-world lessons from Walmart and other industry leaders. Join us for actionable perspectives and forward-looking strategies designed to help your business thrive in the rapidly evolving world of retail payments.
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Explore the Exhibit Hall!
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Innovation Stage: ACI Worldwide
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This presentation explores the results from a 2025 summer survey of Tier 1 merchants on the strategic advantages of multi-acquiring. We will highlight how a multi-acquiring strategy delivers savings and increases revenue through enhanced transaction routing, increased approval rates, and local payment methods. Discover how multi-acquiring has driven merchant success, provided a seamless checkout experience for customers, and protected against payments disruptions. Join us to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to thrive in today’s competitive market. -
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Innovation Stage: Optimus Fintech
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In high-volume, multi-acquirer payment environments, merchants are losing millions annually to unvalidated fees, complex commission structures, and outdated reconciliation workflows. Optimus’s AI-powered Fee Management platform brings unmatched visibility and control, validating every fee, commission, and settlement at the transaction level across PSPs, gateways, and acquirers. This presentation showcases how merchants can detect incorrect categorization of interchange, scheme, assessment, and small-ticket item fees. We also explore how to reduce payments operations overhead, recover hidden revenue leakages and optimize cost of acceptance, and use AI to spot anomalies and provide audit-ready insights on demand. -
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Innovation Stage: Sezzle
Description
Today’s checkout experience is a powerful opportunity to build loyalty, unlock personalized experiences, and drive real revenue growth. This presentation explores how merchants are transforming payment experiences into strategic tools for customer engagement, retention, and lifetime value. Hear how leading brands are leveraging flexible payments to build loyalty ecosystems, using payments-linked rewards and engagement tools to drive repeat purchases, and tapping into payments data and AI to personalize offers and optimize customer lifetime value. Get actionable insights and real-world examples on how to stay ahead by putting purpose into every payment experience. -
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Networking Lunch
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Tech Forum Kick-Off
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Level 100:Join Mastercard Services and Chick-fil-A for a candid conversation on how business experimentation and data-driven insights are shaping customer experience strategies. Discover how thoughtful testing supports innovation, reduces risk, and enhances decision-making across operations and customer experience. Hear real-world examples of how customer feedback, analytics, and strategic collaboration drive improvements that matter. Walk away with practical takeaways to apply within your own organization. -
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Explore the Exhibit Hall!
Description
Whether you're taking a break between sessions or eager to compete in the Exhibitor Quest for a chance to win great prizes, you won’t want to miss the action in our conference Exhibit Hall. This is the best opportunity to network with providers and discover the solutions your teams need. See you there! -
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Innovation Stage: JCB
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As the brand holder of the JCB payment scheme—and an issuer and acquirer—JCB takes a multifaceted approach to fraud prevention. This presentation will highlight our strategies to combat fraud, examine industry trends, and explore the broader impact of fraud on all stakeholders. We recognize a three-step process that grows more sophisticated each year, requiring businesses to adopt holistic, evolving defenses. We’ll share how JCB’s multi-layered countermeasures aims to prevent card information theft, block fraudulent use of compromised data, and limit damage and disrupt fraud monetization. By leveraging our integrated role in the payment ecosystem, JCB effectively implements comprehensive fraud prevention strategies. -
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Innovation Stage: TodayPay
Description
Did you know that the TSA and airport security is more innovative than the U.S. payments system? Believe it or not, U.S. air travelers have multiple options and more rails to use to get on their flight, than they do to get a refund from a merchant. When it comes to airport security, U.S. consumers can enjoy speed, choice and service. Not so for monolithic refunds. Despite the billions invested in seamless merchant acquiring and checkout innovation, there's literally been zero innovation in refunds. For merchants, a lack of refund options is expensive, refund delays result in ever more expensive disputes, exorbitant chargebacks and endless complaints. Thankfully it doesn't have to be this way. Hear exclusively from the former Global Head of Fintech from J.P. Morgan, and now Founder & CEO of TodayPay, the world's first alternative payment method for merchants to issue refunds to their customers and control the post-purchase customer experience. -
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Order Up! Creating a Full Menu of Checkout Options
BusinessTapping into the $20 Billion Opportunity: Navigating Benefit Card Spend for Retailers
TechAI in Payments: Your Business Model Still Matters
TechSome Data Is Just Fluff: Own Your Story with Strategic Analytics
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Order Up! Creating a Full Menu of Checkout Options
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Deciding how to set up your checkout can sometimes feel like building a Michelin-star menu. How do you ensure every customer gets what they want and that their expectations are met? Like any successful payments manager will tell you, building the right checkout for your customers requires data-driven decisions, a clear roadmap, and organizational buy-in from top to bottom. Join this panel to discover insights into new checkout options that can help improve the customer experience, bring more through your doors, and establish loyalty with every shopper. -
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Tapping into the $20 Billion Opportunity: Navigating Benefit Card Spend for Retailers
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We delve into the source and growth trajectory of benefit card spend, including Medicare Advantage funds and new emerging contributors. Worldpay, in collaboration with Soda Health, Incomm, FIS, and United HealthCare, will break down the key players and technologies shaping this market. Retailers accepting OTC products, private label items, baby care, household cleaning items, healthy food, assistive devices, maternity products, and more will find valuable insights during this session. We will cover everything you need to know and offer predictions about the future of this industry. -
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AI in Payments: Your Business Model Still Matters
Description
Level 100:Artificial intelligence has increasingly become a hot topic at just about every payments conference. True innovation arises when AI is integrated holistically across an entire business model. This session explores how payments companies can leverage AI, not just to enhance isolated sectors, but to transform their business operations and competitive positioning in a connected, sustainable manner. We will explore how AI can be strategically implemented across different business functions to drive efficiency, create new revenue streams, and unlock new growth opportunities. -
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Some Data Is Just Fluff: Own Your Story with Strategic Analytics
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Level 200:Customers expect seamless experiences across channels and personalization at every touchpoint. However, in an era of overwhelming data, how do you distinguish valuable insights from mere noise to build the shopping journey your customers desire? This session will focus on how merchants can leverage insights into customers' shopping patterns and preferences, as well as peers’ performance, to make smarter marketing and operations decisions. Learn how data can inform your business strategies to help build loyalty and deliver on shoppers’ demands.
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Business
PINless Debit Acceptance Through Industry Collaboration
BusinessHigher Ed & Healthcare Payments: The Untold Story
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PINless Debit Acceptance Through Industry Collaboration
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This session will engage multiple industry stakeholders—including merchants, acquirers, domestic networks, and industry consultants—to discuss the collaborative efforts required to implement PINless debit. We will explore the merchant strategies surrounding PINless debit prior to and following the Federal Reserve Clarification. We will identify the necessary steps taken by other industry stakeholders to prepare for the merchant’s rollout plans. The objective of this session is to demonstrate the potential benefits of collective action in enabling merchants to exercise their right to route debit transactions to their preferred network. -
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Higher Ed & Healthcare Payments: The Untold Story
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Join this session to learn from payments professionals in two key industries—healthcare and higher education—about the unique complexities of handling payments in such varied environments. This panel will discuss their challenges, as well as their innovative solutions, and explore how payments providers can enhance their capabilities to address the needs of a robust environment.
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Merchant Only SIG: eCommerce
AllMerchant Only SIG: Mass Merchant
AllMerchant Only SIG: Petroleum/Convenience Store
AllMerchant Only SIG: Recurring/Subscription Billing
AllMerchant Only SIG: Small Ticket/Restaurant
AllMerchant Only SIG: Technology
AllSponsors Only Session: Beyond the Buzz: How to Deliver Educational Sessions that Merchants Value
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Merchant Only SIG: eCommerce
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The ultimate networking session! Join the most highly-rated sessions of a MAG conference! These merchant-only discussion groups, led by merchant leaders, give you an opportunity in a no-pressure environment for an open and honest chat with your peers about what keeps you up at night. -
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Merchant Only SIG: Mass Merchant
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Merchant Only SIG: Petroleum/Convenience Store
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Merchant Only SIG: Recurring/Subscription Billing
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Merchant Only SIG: Small Ticket/Restaurant
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Merchant Only SIG: Technology
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Sponsors Only Session: Beyond the Buzz: How to Deliver Educational Sessions that Merchants Value
Description
What separates an engaging session from a forgettable one? This merchant panel addresses this question as they unpack what makes a payments educational session truly stand out. From content that addresses real-world challenges to formats that actually work, hear what resonates, what falls flat, and how sponsors can better meet merchants where they are and deliver impactful, relevant sessions.
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Networking Reception Sponsored By: J.P Morgan
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Registration Open
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Breakfast
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Exhibit Hall Open
AllExplore the Exhibit Hall!
AllInnovation Stage: Plaid
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Exhibit Hall Open
Description
Whether you're taking a break between sessions or eager to compete in the Exhibitor Quest for a chance to win great prizes, you won’t want to miss the action in our conference Exhibit Hall. This is the best opportunity to network with providers and discover the solutions your teams need. See you there! -
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Explore the Exhibit Hall!
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Innovation Stage: Plaid
Description
Traditional ACH payments pose growing challenges for businesses, especially due to delayed settlement times and the risk of insufficient funds. In a landscape where speed, certainty, and seamless user experiences are essential, Request for Payment (RfP) offers a modern alternative. This presentation explores how RfP reshapes payments for industries relying on timely, recurring, or high-value transactions. Gain practical insights into RfP use cases, best practices for implementation, and how early adopters have successfully improved cash flow, enhanced user experiences, and driven significant operational efficiencies. Discover how RfP delivers instant pay-ins, reducing risks associated with delayed ACH payments. You will leave equipped to evaluate and integrate this powerful new payment solution, establishing your business as a leader in innovation.
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Innovation Stage: Radial
Description
Agent Commerce is here, and merchants who are prepared will ride the transition wave as shoppers adopt an agent-centric commerce journey. One of the keys to preparedness is understanding the shift in awareness, fraud detection, identity management, product presentation, payment acceptance, and return/dispute processing for an agent journey compared to today’s shopper journey - from B2C to B2AC. Join us as we discuss the impacts and actions merchants can take to adapt and flourish in an agent-centric commerce reality. -
Business
Card Testing: Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire
BusinessThe B2B Payments Experience + How It Can Drive Business Growth + Efficiencies
TechBeyond Security: How Network Tokens Drive Better Payments Performance
TechFrom Long Release Cycles to Weekly Deployments: How CI/CD and Robotic Test Automation Are Revolutionizing Payments Software Testing
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Card Testing: Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire
Description
Card testing is a growing threat for merchants that can create serious challenges across different points in the customer journey. The impact is widespread, from rising vaulting and chargeback costs to infrastructure strain, brand damage, and mounting pressure around Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP) compliance. At the same time, fraudsters are evolving by leveraging bots and automation to expose deeper vulnerabilities by testing stolen credentials through zero-dollar authorizations, account takeovers, or low Average Order Value (AOV) purchases. We break down how these attacks are executed and explore effective strategies to stay ahead, so you can safeguard your business before the damage is done. -
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The B2B Payments Experience + How It Can Drive Business Growth + Efficiencies
Description
As the push toward the “consumerization” of B2B payments continues, the impact of the payments experience on business relationships has never been more apparent in today’s dynamic environment. Join this session to hear about digital solutions and partnerships that are making payments faster, simpler, and easier – as well as the opportunities that are still ahead for businesses to drive growth, efficiency, and security. -
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Beyond Security: How Network Tokens Drive Better Payments Performance
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Level 100:Network tokenization is not just a security measure that replaces sensitive card details with dynamic tokens; it also enhances payments performance and transaction success. By improving authorization rates and reducing payments failures, network tokens help businesses optimize strategies. They reduce declines from expired or replaced cards by ensuring continuous card-on-file updates, boosting customer retention. However, portability is an issue, as many tokens are tied to specific acquirers, limiting merchant flexibility. Join payments experts from IXOPAY, Semrush, and Optimized Payments to explore how innovative merchants incorporate network tokens into their payments strategies and achieve real-world results. -
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From Long Release Cycles to Weekly Deployments: How CI/CD and Robotic Test Automation Are Revolutionizing Payments Software Testing
Description
Level 200:What once took months now happens in days — or even hours. By combining Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) with automated test execution using robotics, testing has shifted from a slow, manual burden to a fast, reliable enabler of continuous delivery. Robotic automation ensures precision, consistency, and scalability across physical devices and environments, making every release faster, safer, and smarter.
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Stronger Together: How Wegmans, Aurus, and Riskified Collaborated to Tackle Fraud and Streamline Payments
BusinessDemystifying VAMP: What Merchants Need to Know About Visa’s New Risk Monitoring Program
TechThe Pain of Payouts – Build or Buy?
TechTrust, but Verify: The Infrastructure Enabling Payments in the Age of Agentic Commerce
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Stronger Together: How Wegmans, Aurus, and Riskified Collaborated to Tackle Fraud and Streamline Payments
Description
Fraud and payments friction pose major challenges, especially for enterprise businesses operating at scale. Addressing these issues isn’t just about choosing the right tools; it requires alignment across diverse teams and partners who bring different perspectives. Join leaders from Wegmans, Aurus, and Riskified as they share their experiences navigating the intersection of technology, payments, and fraud prevention through a collaborative initiative. You will hear directly from Wegmans’ VP of Technology about the internal hurdles they faced — from increasing chargebacks to customer experience concerns — and how they approached solving them through strategic partnerships. This conversation explores how to drive stakeholder alignment, evaluate risk mitigation strategies, and manage the complexity of implementation across IT, fraud, and payments. -
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Demystifying VAMP: What Merchants Need to Know About Visa’s New Risk Monitoring Program
Description
Visa’s Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP) is consolidating VFMP, VDMP, and VRMP into a single framework, changing the rules for how fraud and disputes are tracked. In this session, we’ll break down how VAMP scoring works, what’s triggering remediation programs, and which tools Visa expects you to use. Learn how TC40s, TC15s, and operational issues impact your score; leave with actionable strategies to monitor and mitigate VAMP risk across your organization. -
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The Pain of Payouts – Build or Buy?
Description
Level 100:Processing payouts at scale is challenging, especially for merchants operating across multiple regions. Unlike accepting payments—where established networks and providers make things relatively straightforward—payouts remain fragmented, slow, and costly. This panel will explore the complexities of global payouts, including regulatory hurdles, operational inefficiencies, and the cost of managing multiple payout methods and partners. We will dive into the build vs. buy decision: should merchants invest in creating their own payout infrastructure, or partner with providers that may have already solved for scale, speed, and compliance? Attendees will walk away with a roadmap for making payouts a competitive advantage rather than an operational headache. -
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Trust, but Verify: The Infrastructure Enabling Payments in the Age of Agentic Commerce
Description
Level 200:AI is poised to transform commerce as we know it, taking on tasks from product discovery to executing payments. This panel examines the foundational infrastructure necessary to facilitate secure and seamless "agentic commerce” and the tools already in place to support it. Dive into the evolving agentic payments landscape, the unique security and compliance challenges introduced by autonomous agents, and the innovative solutions that enable them. We will also address the critical role of tokenization and third-party vaulting for secure credential management and advanced fraud prevention, and why it is critical to assuring consumer trust in this new era of commerce.
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Winning the Game: How Identity Intelligence Can Prevent Fraud and Protect iGaming Players
BusinessThe World Cup is Coming to a City Near You. Is Your Payments Infrastructure Ready?
TechLeast Cost Routing: The Good, the Bad, and the Better Way
TechBiometrics in Payments: The Future is Personal
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Winning the Game: How Identity Intelligence Can Prevent Fraud and Protect iGaming Players
Description
Online gambling is a fast-paced industry where real-time transactions and seamless player experiences are critical. However, striking the right balance between fraud prevention and user satisfaction is not easy. Payment fraud, bonus abuse, and account takeover attacks are growing threats. New tactics are emerging, such as fraudsters engaging legitimate customers to pump their accounts with stolen payments methods, fueling money laundering, and overly aggressive risk controls can drive away loyal players just as quickly as fraudsters can cause damage. This session explores how operators can use identity intelligence to make smarter, more precise fraud decisions—without introducing friction for trusted users. We break down the key challenges iGaming platforms face, including real fraudster conversations from the deep and dark web. This session gives you the insights to outsmart fraudsters, protect your revenue, and build trust with your player base. -
Business
The World Cup is Coming to a City Near You. Is Your Payments Infrastructure Ready?
Description
There are 16 cities across the three North American countries where the World Cup will be played. Bank of America, Visa, and members of FIFA will discuss the payments ecosystem, what to expect, and how to prepare for World Cup 2026. We will leverage card issuing data and experience from prior large sporting events to share insights. We will also discuss what industries will be most impacted and how merchants with locations in host or surrounding cities can prepare for the influx of business surrounding the event. -
Tech
Least Cost Routing: The Good, the Bad, and the Better Way
Description
Level 100:With rising payments costs, many merchants instinctively route transactions to the lowest-cost payments provider. While this approach appears to optimize for savings, it can introduce hidden challenges. This session will unpack the unseen trade-offs of prioritizing cost over performance, including lower authorization rates, increased retry attempts, and the ripple effects on customer experience. We will discuss how routing for true value, balancing both cost and authorization rate, can drive better outcomes. -
Tech
Biometrics in Payments: The Future is Personal
Description
Level 200:Biometric authentication redefines payment security—not by adding complexity, but by removing it. We examine how face, palm vein, and fingerprint recognition are deployed to fight fraud, eliminate friction, and create a more intuitive payments experience. We’ll explore the technical, operational, and ethical implications of biometric adoption—grounded in real-world use cases and current regulatory frameworks. In a landscape where card-present doesn’t always mean identity-present, biometrics provide a reliable, real-time connection between customer and transaction.
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Business
More Than Defense: Smarter Fraud Prevention for Growth
BusinessTravel Payments in 2025: What Global Travelers Expect and What Merchants Are Missing
TechPayment Token Lifecycle and Creative Uses
TechBeyond the Checkbox: Real-World PCI 4.0 for Modern Payments
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More Than Defense: Smarter Fraud Prevention for Growth
Description
PayPal and Katapult share how smarter fraud strategies are helping companies reduce risk and improve outcomes across the payments lifecycle. You’ll hear about emerging fraud trends, attack patterns, and how machine learning, behavioral biometrics, and device intelligence are changing fraud prevention. Whether you’re rethinking your risk stack, navigating new fraud signals, or curious about rule-based and AI-informed models working together, this session will give you a grounded look at what’s working and where the space is going. Fraud prevention doesn’t have to slow you down. Done right, it can drive confidence, performance, and growth. -
Business
Travel Payments in 2025: What Global Travelers Expect and What Merchants Are Missing
Description
The travel industry has undergone significant transformation in the past few years, and consumer expectations around payments are evolving just as quickly. This session presents new findings from a 2025 international study on travel payments around preferred payment methods, checkout experiences, currency preferences, and what travelers do when their payments are declined. We share actionable insights from this new data, comparing shifts in traveler expectations and identifying regional nuances in payments behavior. The session also explores the implications for airlines and online travel merchants and provides a forward-looking view on how travel brands can align with the new generation of digital-first passengers. Gain unique, data-backed insights to meet traveler expectations more effectively in 2025 and beyond. -
Tech
Payment Token Lifecycle and Creative Uses
Description
Level 100:Follow the lifecycle of tokens through the payments and merchant ecosystem. From provisioning, storage, recalling, translating, and uses beyond PAN protection. Tokens are critical to protecting your ecosystem and sensitive PAN data; we’ll look deeper into the who, what, where, when, why, and how of payment tokens. -
Tech
Beyond the Checkbox: Real-World PCI 4.0 for Modern Payments
Description
Level 200:PCI DSS 4.0 marks a turning point in standards from prescriptive compliance to outcome-based security, placing a heavier burden on merchants and providers to interpret and implement contextually relevant, technically sound, and auditable controls. This session explores how PCI DSS 4.0 is reshaping the way payments IT and business leaders need to approach security and compliance. We’ll dive into enhanced authentication mechanisms, dynamic risk response models, and demonstrable controls for third-party access. Learn how tokenization, cloud-native architectures, and modern vaulting strategies can ease the compliance burden and future-proof your payments stack. Walk away with a better understanding of how to translate PCI DSS 4.0 from policy into practice—enabling teams to reduce risk, increase security posture, and create more resilient payments environments without slowing down innovation.
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Networking Lunch
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Explore the Exhibit Hall!
AllInnovation Stage: Ellipse
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Explore the Exhibit Hall!
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Innovation Stage: Ellipse
Description
Description coming soon!
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Innovation Stage: Equifax
Description
Artificial intelligence has revolutionized fraud detection, offering unparalleled speed and accuracy. We feed data into these advanced algorithms, and they deliver results, but the reasoning behind those results often remains shrouded in mystery. Join us for a presentation on the importance of understanding why specific results were presented and what specific factors influenced the decision. -
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Innovation Stage: UATP
Description
Payments are becoming a central focus across the end-to-end value chain. As the payments landscape evolves, businesses must adapt quickly to stay competitive. This presentation explores the cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of payments and examines emerging technologies that are revolutionizing how consumers and businesses transact. Learn how UATP is uniquely positioned to be your strategic payments partner. Offering low-cost, secure, and flexible solutions, UATP enables businesses to accept virtually any form of payment while maximizing efficiency and minimizing cost. -
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Innovation Stage: Bluefin
Description
In today’s dynamic payments environment, merchants must balance security, flexibility, and compliance—without being locked into a single vendor. Bluefin’s ShieldConex® Orchestration delivers just that. This processor-agnostic platform combines PCI-validated point-to-point encryption (P2PE), vaultless tokenization/detokenization, and flexible API orchestration to empower merchants across POS, eCommerce, and mobile channels. Join Ruston Miles, Founder of Bluefin, and Sean Gately, VP of Business Development, as they explore how ShieldConex® Orchestration enables:- Reduction of PCI scope by removing sensitive data from merchant systems
- Real-time, format-preserving tokenization to secure payment and PII/PHI data
- Processor independence, with the ability to easily switch or add processors, and securely share tokens across systems and partners
Awarded the 2025 Fortress Cybersecurity Award, ShieldConex transforms orchestration from a compliance burden into a strategic advantage. Don’t miss this session on the Innovation Stage at MAG Payments Conference 2025, where we’ll demonstrate how your organization can streamline payments, bolster data protection, and future-proof your infrastructure—without compromise. -
Business
Leveraging AI and Machine Learning to Balance Speed and Security
BusinessThe Fraudfather: Examining the Rise of Organized Friendly Fraud
TechProgrammable Payments: Merchant Opportunity in Global Stablecoin Adoption
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Leveraging AI and Machine Learning to Balance Speed and Security
Description
With most merchants experiencing fraud in the past year and over half of all shoppers choosing merchants that offer fast payments, the dual challenge of balancing speed and security has never been more critical. Discover how AI and machine learning can power transformative experiences while combating fraud without adding friction at checkout. Visa’s Acceptance Solutions for North America, Fiserv, and DoTerra share unique insights and proven approaches for integrating AI into the payments journey. From innovative authentication methods to managing friendly fraud, we’ll discuss strategies that leverage high-quality data to power accurate, robust AI fraud-fighting tools. Discover how to deliver secure, seamless digital shopping experiences that not only protect but also satisfy customers. -
Business
The Fraudfather: Examining the Rise of Organized Friendly Fraud
Description
Friendly fraud was once a byproduct of confusion—accidental disputes, forgotten purchases, or misunderstandings between customers and merchants. But in 2025, filing fraudulent chargebacks has become so easy and free of consequence that it's become an offer many criminals simply can't refuse. What started as individual misuse has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem, complete with step-by-step tutorials on social media, fraud-as-a-service networks, and AI-generated claims that overwhelm merchant systems. Armed with large language models and access to synthetic identities, bad actors can now scale their operations and file hundreds of fabricated disputes per day. While Visa and Mastercard estimate 75–82% of chargebacks are illegitimate, the average merchant recovery rate is just 18%. This session explores the evolution of friendly fraud through the lens of "wise guys", examining how small-time mistakes have given way to professionalized schemes. -
Tech
Programmable Payments: Merchant Opportunity in Global Stablecoin Adoption
Description
The fintech industry is on the precipice of a significant transformation with the integration of stablecoins and tokenized deposits into the global financial ecosystem. This pivotal moment stems from the inherent advantages stablecoins offer over traditional fiat transfers: 24/7 operability, near-instant settlement, and enhanced programmability. This session examines how businesses and banks integrate stablecoins into their offerings, manage associated risks, navigate regulatory landscapes, and ultimately bridge the gap between the traditional financial system and the burgeoning digital currency economy.
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All
The Future of Payments: A Fireside Chat with the Fed and Merchants
Description
Join John Drechny, CEO of Merchant Advisory Group, and Mark Gould, Chief Payments Executive of Federal Reserve Financial Services, as they explore the Federal Reserve's pivotal role in modernizing U.S. payment systems.This dynamic discussion will cover the launch and evolution of FedNow, the growing adoption of instant payments, and how real-time payment capabilities are transforming cash flow and operations for merchants across all industries. You'll gain firsthand insights into the Fed's approach to balancing innovation with security, fraud prevention, and building payment infrastructure that serves merchants and consumers nationwide.Bring your questions for a live Q&A and leave with actionable insights to help your business navigate the rapidly changing world of payments. -
All
It Finally Happened: What Merchants Need to Consider Now that the Merger Between Capital One and Discover is Completed
Description
Description coming soon! -
All
Networking Reception Sponsored By: Fiserv
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Registration Open
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Breakfast
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Merchant Only SIG: eCommerce
AllMerchant Only SIG: Mass Merchant
AllMerchant Only SIG: Petroleum/Convenience Store
AllMerchant Only SIG: Recurring/Subscription Billing
AllMerchant Only SIG: Small Ticket/Restaurant
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Merchant Only SIG: eCommerce
Description
The ultimate networking session! Join the most highly-rated sessions of a MAG conference! These merchant-only discussion groups, led by merchant leaders, give you an opportunity in a no-pressure environment for an open and honest chat with your peers about what keeps you up at night. -
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Merchant Only SIG: Mass Merchant
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Merchant Only SIG: Petroleum/Convenience Store
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Merchant Only SIG: Recurring/Subscription Billing
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Merchant Only SIG: Small Ticket/Restaurant
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Networking Break
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Annual Membership Meeting
Description
In accordance with the Merchant Advisory Group's bylaws, all MAG merchant members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Membership, held in conjunction with the MAG Payments Conference 25. This essential gathering serves as a cornerstone of our organization’s governance and community engagement. The agenda includes the formal announcement of the MAG Board of Directors’ newly elected candidates, along with the transaction of any other usual and customary business. This is a key opportunity for members to stay informed, exercise their rights, and participate in the continued success and strategic direction of the MAG. -
All
Merchants Unleashed: How Merchants Make a Difference at the MAG
Description
Session description coming soon! -
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When Advocacy Meets Collaboration: A Crossover Worth Talking About
Description
This year, as our Advocacy and Collaboration Committees have increasingly converged on shared challenges and goals, we're bringing both voices together for a dynamic joint session. Industry experts will explore where missions intersect, where strategies align, and how a unified approach can amplify impact. Join us for a conversation that honors each committee's unique perspective while embracing the power of working together. -
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To-Go Lunches
Conference Sponsors and Exhibitors
MAG Payments Conference will offer a variety of opportunities to show your support for the MAG and gain additional exposure as you showcase your brand to conference attendees.
Benefits of Becoming a Conference Sponsor and/or Exhibitor include:
- Brand Visibility and Gain Exposure – Exhibitors and sponsors receive significant promotion leading up to the conference and on-site through complimentary marketing and branding.
- Connect With Merchants – Attendees at MAG conferences are the key decision makers for their organizations in the areas of payments, fraud, cybersecurity and fintech who can efficiently move projects forward.
- Build Relationships – Strengthen existing relationships, understand merchants’ needs, discover new opportunities and grow your business.
- Valuable Conference Insight – Attend conference sessions to expand your knowledge and gain insights from payments leaders.
Please visit the Sponsorship & Exhibitor Selection Portal to make your exhibit booth selections and complete the assigned tasks to finalize your participation at MAG Payments Conference 25.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES:
July 31, 2025
- Deadline to sign up as a MAG Annual or Tech Forum Sponsor
- Deadline to sign up as a MAG Payments Conference Sponsor and/or Exhibitor
REMINDER: You must be a current MAG Annual Sponsor in good standing to be a MAG Payments Conference sponsor. View the MAG Annual Sponsor Listing here.
Exhibit Personnel
Exhibit personnel who will staff your booth must be registered for the conference and can register using one of the options below:
Standard Sponsor registration using either a comp or purchasing a full conference pass.
Please refer to the Annual Sponsor Levels and Benefits to determine how many complimentary registrations your company receives.
- $100 Exhibitor Set Up/Take Down Only*
- $1200 Exhibit Booth Staff Pass for MAG Payments Conference**
If interested in the above exhibitor registration types, please reach out to Sophia Beyer-Bush at promo code information.
*Grants access to the Exhibit Hall for set up on Monday, September 8 from 8am-5pm and take down on Wednesday, September 10 from 3:30pm – 7 pm CT.
** This pass will not allow access to other conference elements including the general or education session. This pass is for those who will only be staffing your booth but will not be attending sessions.
Payment
MAG Payments Conference sponsorships and exhibits will not be guaranteed or promoted until payment has been received. We encourage you to submit your payment as soon as possible.
Once your conference sponsorship and/or exhibit selection is made and approved, a MAG Staff member will reach out for payment. Preferred payment is via ACH/WIRE. If you’d like to pay with ACH/WIRE, contact MAG Staff, Jennifer Whitlock. Payment can also be made by check. Please make your check payable to "Merchant Advisory Group" and mail to the address below
Merchant Advisory Group
4248 Park Glen Road
Minneapolis, MN 55416
*If your company would like to purchase lead retrieval licenses for the MAG Payments Conference exhibit hall, payments will be processed via credit card directly in the Exhibitor and Sponsorship selection portal.
Exhibitor Rules & Regulations
Though your booth is complimentary, you must visit the Conference Sponsorship and Exhibitor portal to make your exhibit booth selection.
Please let us know by July 31, 2025, if you will not be utilizing your exhibit space.
Questions?
Conference Sponsorship and Exhibitor Questions: Contact Jennifer Whitlock.
Interested in Becoming a MAG Annual Sponsor? Contact Meg Thaxton.
Attendee List to Sponsors:
Attendee Lists: Beginning June 30 the MAG will post an attendance roster on the conference website and update it weekly. As an added benefit to MAG Annual Sponsors, we will be sending 2 pre-conference registration lists (August 18 and August 25) and 1 post-conference attendee list (September 15) with the contact information of those registrants who have given their permission to share. We ask that you limit your number of electronic promotions to conference attendees to a maximum of two email communications.
Speakers
Thank for you being a valued MAG partner and agreeing to share your expertise and insights with our conference attendees.
Click here to see the latest updates and guidelines for your presentation.
MAG SOCIAL MEDIA AND LOGO GUIDLINES
Learn MoreMAG Payments Conference 25 Sponsors
Once your MAG Payments Conference sponsorship is confirmed, your logo will be included here!
