Thank you for attending the 2021 Mid-Year Conference!
The MAG 2021 Mid-Year Conference was held virtually between February 23-25. The Mid-Year Conference presented a dynamic line up of speakers who focused on the latest payment-industry topics as well as shared insight and an outlook on the future of payments.
MAG conferences offer a unique experience, attracting payments professions as well as those with organizational responsibilities that include payments and related matters. MAG Conferences bring together all key stakeholders in the payments ecosystem to discuss the most pressing issues in payments.
JOIN MERCHANT MEMBERS IN DRIVING POSITIVE CHANGE IN THE PAYMENTS INDUSTRY
MEET OUR MEMBERSThe MAG Tech Forum is aligned with the MAG bi-annual conference designed specifically for payment IT professionals. Technologies in payments continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and the Tech Forum provides education and networking opportunities among merchant technology professionals and leading technology providers focused on innovative uses of these new relevant payment technologies.
The objectives of the Tech Forum event alongside our MAG conferences is to foster collaboration, provide tech-focused knowledge, and build relationships across merchants, their payments IT and business teams, and technology focused sponsors.
PAYMENTS TECHNOLOGY
LEARN MORE!The pandemic has forced CIOs to transform from technology leaders to cross-functional business leaders. For those already in that space, it has cemented their position as a business partner, co-owning the customer journey.
Join us for a merchant-to-merchant discussion on the technology behind the scenes of the pandemic and get a sneak peek into their “Post-Pandemic-Playbook,“ looking at IT spend in 2021 and beyond.
Presenters: Michael Lozanoff, J.P. Morgan; Frank Liberio, Restaurant Brands International; Sorin Hilgen, EG America
Recurring payments & subscriptions is a hot topic for a lot of merchants today. Join us to hear best practices and suggestions for improving authorization rates on recurring payments (account updater, etc.), strategies to minimize false declines, and to hear firsthand experiences from your fellow merchants.
Presenters: Sophia Goldberg, Adyen; Kevin Maxham, Mastercard; Vanessa Culver; Zillow Group, Inc.; Josh Karoly, Netflix; Jordan Navarro-Abreu, Microsoft
Sophisticated bots are evolving beyond the capabilities of traditional tools. While web application firewalls (WAFs) and content delivery networks (CDN)s can protect your perimeter, they aren’t enough. How do you manage good bots? And what about new bots that mimic human behavior? In this new era of bot activity, bots make up 40% of all internet traffic. And businesses need to identify and control bots throughout the customer journey – they need to adapt their response to different types of bots in real time. With event-level control over bots, businesses can protect their customers, revenue, and brand without adding friction to the customer experience.
- Identify and block malicious bot activity
- Recognize and remove friction for good bots
- Classify and adapt responses to questionable bots
Presenter: Sven Hindman, Kount
Digital transformation is the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how you operate and deliver value to customers. It's also a cultural change that requires organizations to continually challenge the status quo, experiment, and get comfortable with failure. Tune in to experience the journey with us.
Presenters: Raja Vel, Fiserv; Santhosh Kumar, Inspire Brands
Big names in tech are rushing to enable QR codes, while merchants are getting in on the gold rush as well – join us to hear directly from our merchant panelists as they discuss use cases for QR code payments across the industry including barriers to adoption and lessons learned while implementing their solutions.
Presenters: Kia Lee, InComm Payments; Matt Kowalewski, Inspire Brands; Divya Narayanan, Square, Inc.
In today’s omnichannel world, it’s not just about understanding each generation on its own. It’s also looking at their similarities and differences so you can help build smarter consumer experiences. Now, more than ever, merchants need actionable data to make meaningful changes.
A recent Worldpay from FIS research study surveyed 15,000 consumers across the globe covering five generations – Gen-Z, Millennials, Gen-X, Baby Boomers, and Beyond Boomers – to understand their attitudes and behaviors towards payment trends, finances, and COVID.
In this session, we’ll discuss the fascinating results and invaluable consumer insights gleaned from this study that will be beneficial for merchants of all sizes navigating the ever-evolving payments landscape. And we’ll discuss how research findings are shaping payment experiences and innovations.
Presenters: Kimling Lam, FIS; Nick Hughes, FIS; Ashleigh DePopas, FIS
Identifying good transactions can be equally important to identifying fraudulent ones, to minimize friction for your customers. This session will discuss how to optimize authorization rates by discussing strategies to identify good transactions from risky transactions using various methods & solutions.
Presenters: Neil Smith, Forter; Robert Mau; Oliver Wyman
Connected commerce is the new driver of consumer expectations. During their daily routines, people want to interact seamlessly with merchants, and that expectation is sparking a host of cutting-edge engagement opportunities. Join this session to hear about emerging use cases of connected commerce.
Presenters: Chinmay Gupta, EG America; Joe Bonefas, Discover Global Network; Khalid El-Awady, Car IQ; Tristan Roffey, Blackhawk Network
The ultimate networking session! Come 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.
- Customer Experience Special Interest Group (SIG)
- Security Special Interest Group (SIG)
The pandemic has forced CIOs to transform from technology leaders to cross-functional business leaders. For those already in that space, it has cemented their position as a business partner, co-owning the customer journey.
Join us for a merchant-to-merchant discussion on the technology behind the scenes of the pandemic and get a sneak peek into their “Post-Pandemic-Playbook,“ looking at IT spend in 2021 and beyond.
Presenters: Michael Lozanoff, J.P. Morgan; Frank Liberio, Restaurant Brands International; Sorin Hilgen, EG America
Recurring payments & subscriptions is a hot topic for a lot of merchants today. Join us to hear best practices and suggestions for improving authorization rates on recurring payments (account updater, etc.), strategies to minimize false declines, and to hear firsthand experiences from your fellow merchants.
Presenters: Sophia Goldberg, Adyen; Kevin Maxham, Mastercard; Vanessa Culver; Zillow Group, Inc.; Josh Karoly, Netflix; Jordan Navarro-Abreu, Microsoft
Sophisticated bots are evolving beyond the capabilities of traditional tools. While web application firewalls (WAFs) and content delivery networks (CDN)s can protect your perimeter, they aren’t enough. How do you manage good bots? And what about new bots that mimic human behavior? In this new era of bot activity, bots make up 40% of all internet traffic. And businesses need to identify and control bots throughout the customer journey – they need to adapt their response to different types of bots in real time. With event-level control over bots, businesses can protect their customers, revenue, and brand without adding friction to the customer experience.
- Identify and block malicious bot activity
- Recognize and remove friction for good bots
- Classify and adapt responses to questionable bots
Presenter: Sven Hindman, Kount
Digital transformation is the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how you operate and deliver value to customers. It's also a cultural change that requires organizations to continually challenge the status quo, experiment, and get comfortable with failure. Tune in to experience the journey with us.
Presenters: Raja Vel, Fiserv; Santhosh Kumar, Inspire Brands
Big names in tech are rushing to enable QR codes, while merchants are getting in on the gold rush as well – join us to hear directly from our merchant panelists as they discuss use cases for QR code payments across the industry including barriers to adoption and lessons learned while implementing their solutions.
Presenters: Kia Lee, InComm Payments; Matt Kowalewski, Inspire Brands; Divya Narayanan, Square, Inc.
In today’s omnichannel world, it’s not just about understanding each generation on its own. It’s also looking at their similarities and differences so you can help build smarter consumer experiences. Now, more than ever, merchants need actionable data to make meaningful changes.
A recent Worldpay from FIS research study surveyed 15,000 consumers across the globe covering five generations – Gen-Z, Millennials, Gen-X, Baby Boomers, and Beyond Boomers – to understand their attitudes and behaviors towards payment trends, finances, and COVID.
In this session, we’ll discuss the fascinating results and invaluable consumer insights gleaned from this study that will be beneficial for merchants of all sizes navigating the ever-evolving payments landscape. And we’ll discuss how research findings are shaping payment experiences and innovations.
Presenters: Kimling Lam, FIS; Nick Hughes, FIS; Ashleigh DePopas, FIS
Identifying good transactions can be equally important to identifying fraudulent ones, to minimize friction for your customers. This session will discuss how to optimize authorization rates by discussing strategies to identify good transactions from risky transactions using various methods & solutions.
Presenters: Neil Smith, Forter; Robert Mau; Oliver Wyman
Connected commerce is the new driver of consumer expectations. During their daily routines, people want to interact seamlessly with merchants, and that expectation is sparking a host of cutting-edge engagement opportunities. Join this session to hear about emerging use cases of connected commerce.
Presenters: Chinmay Gupta, EG America; Joe Bonefas, Discover Global Network; Khalid El-Awady, Car IQ; Tristan Roffey, Blackhawk Network
The ultimate networking session! Come 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.
- Customer Experience Special Interest Group (SIG)
- Security Special Interest Group (SIG)
Networking Feature: Felix & Fingers Interactive Dueling Piano Show
Wake up and work out with j-fit Get your sweat on to start your day joining this moderate level fitness class from your own home. Tabata is a form of high intensity interval training (H.I.I.T.) with alternating 20 seconds of intense exercise with 10 seconds of rest and recovery. No equipment required for this class — just bring your body weight and a great attitude. Jen brings the energy and fun to her classes and offers modifications for everyone and you can use depending on your fitness level. 2021 is here so let’s get moving. Maybe bring a friend!
Be sure to join LIVE for a chance to win a $100 gift card from j-fit for future virtual classes.
The consumer experience has shifted drastically over the last few years. What was once sending in a catalog order to a merchant through the mail has evolved into ordering online, paying with a QR code, and even not paying at checkout until sometime later…after you receive the product! But merchants should never "innovate" without taking immense consideration for what that experience will look like for your customer.. Both at the time of checkout and afterwards. As a merchant, how should you think about and plan for upgrading your own shopping experiences to meet consumer expectations in 2021? In this educational session, hear from leading experts with a pulse on these emerging payment experiences, and from merchants who have flipped their checkouts upside down to meet demand for how their customers want to interact with them.
- Identify the different techniques merchants have used to evolve checkout experiences throughout 2020
- Explain the various ways consumers are experiencing installment payments (Buy Now Pay Later, or BNPL) today and how to develop a business plan to determine if BNPL is right for your business model
- Recognize the benefits and options available for a QR Code implementation at checkout… and why it matters now more than ever
The ultimate networking session! Come 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.
- Mass Merchant
- eCommerce
- Petro/Convenience
- Small Ticket/Restaurant
Fraud/Chargebacks
COVID has accelerated the shift from retail payments to ecom payments, and from contact payments to mobile/contactless payments. With this shift comes growth in fraud and chargebacks. Attend the [Chargebacks] track
to learn about the latest solutions to combat and mitigate these ever growing risks to your organization.
Moderator: Anand Goel, Optimized Payments, Inc.
Chargeback Gurus - Suresh Dakshina
Enabling Payments
When a customer pays for goods, sometimes they can pay in multiple ways. Sometimes, they only have one method they can use. Transferring value requires navigation through our various payment infrastructures. The
Payments Enablement track presents the opportunities and means for mitigating limitations within the U.S. merchant payments infrastructure.
Moderator: Daniel Pelegero, Retail Payments Global Consulting Group
Invenco - Craig Panter & Daniel Harrell
Alternative Payments
After an intense and sobering 2020, it appears at long last that alternative payments are ready for prime-time. A more open transacting environment is finally emerging, enabling more
secure and efficient payment options to sink in and gain scale.
Increased interest by MAG members in fielding more effective payment interactions with their customers drove development of this new Product Showcase track for alternative
payments. Attendees will be able to experience up to a half-dozen brief 'deep-dives' in this Product Showcase track from credible providers, along with an opportunity to follow-up with them with specific interests subsequent to the session. Providers
will be dispensing specific, targeted and relevant information about what it takes for merchants to put these new payment products into action--helping to make 2021 the year to finally make the transition to a payment system that works for everyone.
Moderator: Steve Mott, BetterBuyDesign
Gateway
For many organizations, gateways serve as the backbone of their payment acceptance infrastructure. Gateways have the potential to transform an organization’s payment strategy and create
meaningful efficiencies. Gateways offer solutions to integrate new payment types and methods, mitigate fraud, increase authorization rates, harness new technology, improve interchange qualifications, and leverage solutions like PINless debit, debit
routing, tokenization and encryption.
When it comes to gateways, there are many providers and countless solutions. Ensuring the proper alignment and fit is critical. Organizations must ensure they partner with a provider who will help them evolve their strategy and increase
the efficiency of their payments. If not properly aligned, a gateway can create undue burden, unnecessary complications, business challenges, roadblocks in the customer journey, and a layer of additional cost.
In this track, we will showcase
several gateway providers. They will share with us their available solutions and the wealth of benefits they offer to help your organization better understand the current market offerings. Identifying the optimal solution, that presents the best fit
and can grow with your organization, serves as a foundational pillar to evolving your payments strategy.
Moderator: Angela Grunte, Redbridge Debt & Treasury Advisory
Join a panel of women leaders from entrepreneurs leading the success of their own independent business to professionals with a corporate career path, both of which are on a journey where connections, relationships, and experiences have guided them through triumphs, challenges, and transitions bringing them to where they are today. Engage in dialogue regarding balance, self-advocacy, self-care, connection to community, workplace culture and fit, professional advancement, and tips to build a brand, a network, as well as the confidence to communicate your worth. Of course, all professionals need the support and guidance of others to be successful. That said, this panel is targeted to both men and women young professionals interested in the advice of those with experience and knowledge.
Moderator: Noelle Wiggins, Ekata
Panelists: Jacque Chilton, McDonald's Corporation; Beverly Reilly, The Home Depot; Kathy Hanna, The Kroger Co.; Jamie Landheer, FIS; Elley Frost, CMSPI; Courtney Stanley, Courtney Stanley Consulting, LLC; Sarah Soliman, Soliman Productions; Jen Hoeft, j-fit
The ability to collect, share and store data continues to grow at a significant pace. Many in the payments ecosystem are leveraging this new availability of data in creative ways. Whether it is to authenticate a cardholder, prevent fraud, or help tailor products to a consumer, the ability to digest data is changing retail. In addition, data will also change the way customers complete purchases by allowing enhanced checkout processes which remove verification steps. Let’s think about how data will change the checkout experience collaboratively, and in this session, a panel of experts will share how they see data shaping the future.
The world is becoming more connected every day, and with 5G on the horizon, the places in which payments can be accepted will expand. Whether it is refrigerators placing grocery orders or ordering fast food from a connected car, faster networks will increase the ability for these transactions to occur. As merchants we should think about ways the payments experience may change and how your company can take advantage of these trends. Ask our panel of experts what you should consider during the exponential growth of connectivity.
Customers are looking to simplify their lives by adopting experiences which save them time and reduces their frustration. This has resulted in the acceleration of touchless payments, and, in many cases, payments moving to the background. These new types of transactions include buy online and pick up in store (BOPIS) and visual scanners creating a cashier less store. Listen in as our panels of experts will talk about the continued evolution in the customers’ purchase experience and how merchants should be preparing for this new reality.
As you look at connectivity and data being used in the payments space, you can start to envision how alternative payments may shape the future of commerce. New risk models are emerging in which credit is granted to consumers through closed end products. Real time payment networks are coming online which allow money to move more directly between parties. Peer to peer networks are being leveraged to move funds between consumers and business. Will we see any breakout new alternative payments, or will the landscape continued to be dominated by the current payment networks? Our group of experts will contemplate the future of alternative payments during this session.
We’re going outside the “virtual box,” so come along and be prepared to expect the unexpected.
Are you intrigued?
Join us for an unparalleled experience of world-class magic, mind-reading and LAUGHTER!
Rmax Goodwin, magician and mentalist, will deliver a performance you won’t stop talking about and certainly never forget.
Wake up and work out with j-fit. Start your day with meditation, creative and experiential poses to learn what it means to be well while exploring the body - all from your own living room. Yoga offers a way to see a world that is working for you instead of against you. Yoga reminds us that everything is connected so we must live, act, and breathe with awareness. No equipment required for this class - just bring you, your smile, and a great attitude. Lauren bring a calm and warm, comforting approach to her classes and offers suggestions for modifications everyone can use depending on your fitness level. 2021 is here so let’s get moving. Maybe bring a friend!
Be sure to join LIVE for a chance to win a $100 gift card from j-fit for future virtual classes.
The ultimate networking session! Come 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.
- Mass Merchant
- Petro/Convenience
- Small Ticket/Restaurant
Welcome to merchant only day, an opportunity to participate in unfiltered discussion about the direction of the payments industry through a merchant lens. Over the course of the conference, we heard how data, customer experience, connectivity and alternative payments may shape the future – but what does this mean to you as a merchant? We have assembled an expert panel of merchants who all have made significant contributions to the payments landscape over their decades of experience to share their expertise. Invite your senior leaders and join us to participate in a candid discussion about what is broken in the payments industry and what the future holds.
Join us for an overview of headlines from the MAG Annual Member Survey that show trends in merchant initiatives, technology investments, product implementations, and benchmarking metrics such as authorization, fraud & chargeback rates as well as shifts in transaction volumes across channels. 2020 was an interesting year and it will be even more interesting to see how trends were impacted by 2020. Don’t miss out!
MAG members and staff will share what we’re doing to amplify the merchant voice through our collective education efforts under our Merchant Payments Professionals 101 e-learning that launches Spring 2021, enhanced communications efforts through the introduction of our new MAG website design, and collaboration efforts to drive positive change in the payments industry through current Communities of Practice.
Presenters: Eric O'Brien, Merchant Advisory Group; Leah Collins, Merchant Advisory Group; Beth Provenzano, Merchant Advisory Group; Kelly Andrus, EG America; Julie Monteiro, Inspire Brands; Joe Vasterling, Best Buy and Matt Howarter, WalmartWake up and work out with j-fit Get your sweat on to start your day joining this moderate level fitness class from your own home. Tabata is a form of high intensity interval training (H.I.I.T.) with alternating 20 seconds of intense exercise with 10 seconds of rest and recovery. No equipment required for this class — just bring your body weight and a great attitude. Jen brings the energy and fun to her classes and offers modifications for everyone and you can use depending on your fitness level. 2021 is here so let’s get moving. Maybe bring a friend!
Be sure to join LIVE for a chance to win a $100 gift card from j-fit for future virtual classes.
The consumer experience has shifted drastically over the last few years. What was once sending in a catalog order to a merchant through the mail has evolved into ordering online, paying with a QR code, and even not paying at checkout until sometime later…after you receive the product! But merchants should never "innovate" without taking immense consideration for what that experience will look like for your customer.. Both at the time of checkout and afterwards. As a merchant, how should you think about and plan for upgrading your own shopping experiences to meet consumer expectations in 2021? In this educational session, hear from leading experts with a pulse on these emerging payment experiences, and from merchants who have flipped their checkouts upside down to meet demand for how their customers want to interact with them.
- Identify the different techniques merchants have used to evolve checkout experiences throughout 2020
- Explain the various ways consumers are experiencing installment payments (Buy Now Pay Later, or BNPL) today and how to develop a business plan to determine if BNPL is right for your business model
- Recognize the benefits and options available for a QR Code implementation at checkout… and why it matters now more than ever
The ultimate networking session! Come 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.
- Mass Merchant
- eCommerce
- Petro/Convenience
- Small Ticket/Restaurant
Fraud/Chargebacks
COVID has accelerated the shift from retail payments to ecom payments, and from contact payments to mobile/contactless payments. With this shift comes growth in fraud and chargebacks. Attend the [Chargebacks] track
to learn about the latest solutions to combat and mitigate these ever growing risks to your organization.
Moderator: Anand Goel, Optimized Payments, Inc.
Chargeback Gurus - Suresh Dakshina
Enabling Payments
When a customer pays for goods, sometimes they can pay in multiple ways. Sometimes, they only have one method they can use. Transferring value requires navigation through our various payment infrastructures. The
Payments Enablement track presents the opportunities and means for mitigating limitations within the U.S. merchant payments infrastructure.
Moderator: Daniel Pelegero, Retail Payments Global Consulting Group
Invenco - Craig Panter & Daniel Harrell
Alternative Payments
After an intense and sobering 2020, it appears at long last that alternative payments are ready for prime-time. A more open transacting environment is finally emerging, enabling more
secure and efficient payment options to sink in and gain scale.
Increased interest by MAG members in fielding more effective payment interactions with their customers drove development of this new Product Showcase track for alternative
payments. Attendees will be able to experience up to a half-dozen brief 'deep-dives' in this Product Showcase track from credible providers, along with an opportunity to follow-up with them with specific interests subsequent to the session. Providers
will be dispensing specific, targeted and relevant information about what it takes for merchants to put these new payment products into action--helping to make 2021 the year to finally make the transition to a payment system that works for everyone.
Moderator: Steve Mott, BetterBuyDesign
Gateway
For many organizations, gateways serve as the backbone of their payment acceptance infrastructure. Gateways have the potential to transform an organization’s payment strategy and create
meaningful efficiencies. Gateways offer solutions to integrate new payment types and methods, mitigate fraud, increase authorization rates, harness new technology, improve interchange qualifications, and leverage solutions like PINless debit, debit
routing, tokenization and encryption.
When it comes to gateways, there are many providers and countless solutions. Ensuring the proper alignment and fit is critical. Organizations must ensure they partner with a provider who will help them evolve their strategy and increase
the efficiency of their payments. If not properly aligned, a gateway can create undue burden, unnecessary complications, business challenges, roadblocks in the customer journey, and a layer of additional cost.
In this track, we will showcase
several gateway providers. They will share with us their available solutions and the wealth of benefits they offer to help your organization better understand the current market offerings. Identifying the optimal solution, that presents the best fit
and can grow with your organization, serves as a foundational pillar to evolving your payments strategy.
Moderator: Angela Grunte, Redbridge Debt & Treasury Advisory
Join a panel of women leaders from entrepreneurs leading the success of their own independent business to professionals with a corporate career path, both of which are on a journey where connections, relationships, and experiences have guided them through triumphs, challenges, and transitions bringing them to where they are today. Engage in dialogue regarding balance, self-advocacy, self-care, connection to community, workplace culture and fit, professional advancement, and tips to build a brand, a network, as well as the confidence to communicate your worth. Of course, all professionals need the support and guidance of others to be successful. That said, this panel is targeted to both men and women young professionals interested in the advice of those with experience and knowledge.
Moderator: Noelle Wiggins, Ekata
Panelists: Jacque Chilton, McDonald's Corporation; Beverly Reilly, The Home Depot; Kathy Hanna, The Kroger Co.; Jamie Landheer, FIS; Elley Frost, CMSPI; Courtney Stanley, Courtney Stanley Consulting, LLC; Sarah Soliman, Soliman Productions; Jen Hoeft, j-fit
The ability to collect, share and store data continues to grow at a significant pace. Many in the payments ecosystem are leveraging this new availability of data in creative ways. Whether it is to authenticate a cardholder, prevent fraud, or help tailor products to a consumer, the ability to digest data is changing retail. In addition, data will also change the way customers complete purchases by allowing enhanced checkout processes which remove verification steps. Let’s think about how data will change the checkout experience collaboratively, and in this session, a panel of experts will share how they see data shaping the future.
The world is becoming more connected every day, and with 5G on the horizon, the places in which payments can be accepted will expand. Whether it is refrigerators placing grocery orders or ordering fast food from a connected car, faster networks will increase the ability for these transactions to occur. As merchants we should think about ways the payments experience may change and how your company can take advantage of these trends. Ask our panel of experts what you should consider during the exponential growth of connectivity.
Customers are looking to simplify their lives by adopting experiences which save them time and reduces their frustration. This has resulted in the acceleration of touchless payments, and, in many cases, payments moving to the background. These new types of transactions include buy online and pick up in store (BOPIS) and visual scanners creating a cashier less store. Listen in as our panels of experts will talk about the continued evolution in the customers’ purchase experience and how merchants should be preparing for this new reality.
As you look at connectivity and data being used in the payments space, you can start to envision how alternative payments may shape the future of commerce. New risk models are emerging in which credit is granted to consumers through closed end products. Real time payment networks are coming online which allow money to move more directly between parties. Peer to peer networks are being leveraged to move funds between consumers and business. Will we see any breakout new alternative payments, or will the landscape continued to be dominated by the current payment networks? Our group of experts will contemplate the future of alternative payments during this session.
We’re going outside the “virtual box,” so come along and be prepared to expect the unexpected.
Are you intrigued?
Join us for an unparalleled experience of world-class magic, mind-reading and LAUGHTER!
Rmax Goodwin, magician and mentalist, will deliver a performance you won’t stop talking about and certainly never forget.
Wake up and work out with j-fit. Start your day with meditation, creative and experiential poses to learn what it means to be well while exploring the body - all from your own living room. Yoga offers a way to see a world that is working for you instead of against you. Yoga reminds us that everything is connected so we must live, act, and breathe with awareness. No equipment required for this class - just bring you, your smile, and a great attitude. Lauren bring a calm and warm, comforting approach to her classes and offers suggestions for modifications everyone can use depending on your fitness level. 2021 is here so let’s get moving. Maybe bring a friend!
Be sure to join LIVE for a chance to win a $100 gift card from j-fit for future virtual classes.
The ultimate networking session! Come 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.
- Mass Merchant
- Petro/Convenience
- Small Ticket/Restaurant
Welcome to merchant only day, an opportunity to participate in unfiltered discussion about the direction of the payments industry through a merchant lens. Over the course of the conference, we heard how data, customer experience, connectivity and alternative payments may shape the future – but what does this mean to you as a merchant? We have assembled an expert panel of merchants who all have made significant contributions to the payments landscape over their decades of experience to share their expertise. Invite your senior leaders and join us to participate in a candid discussion about what is broken in the payments industry and what the future holds.
Join us for an overview of headlines from the MAG Annual Member Survey that show trends in merchant initiatives, technology investments, product implementations, and benchmarking metrics such as authorization, fraud & chargeback rates as well as shifts in transaction volumes across channels. 2020 was an interesting year and it will be even more interesting to see how trends were impacted by 2020. Don’t miss out!
MAG members and staff will share what we’re doing to amplify the merchant voice through our collective education efforts under our Merchant Payments Professionals 101 e-learning that launches Spring 2021, enhanced communications efforts through the introduction of our new MAG website design, and collaboration efforts to drive positive change in the payments industry through current Communities of Practice.
Presenters: Eric O'Brien, Merchant Advisory Group; Leah Collins, Merchant Advisory Group; Beth Provenzano, Merchant Advisory Group; Kelly Andrus, EG America; Julie Monteiro, Inspire Brands; Joe Vasterling, Best Buy and Matt Howarter, WalmartNetworking Feature: Nothing is As it Seems
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
#MAGTechForum | #MAGMIDYEAR | @MAGPayments!Conference Sponsors & Exhibitors
The 2021 Mid-Year Conference & Tech Forum will offer a variety of opportunities to show support for the MAG and gain additional exposure as you showcase your brand to conference attendees.
Sponsorship Value
As a MAG conference sponsor, merchants will:
- Remember your company, products and services
- See you as a supporter and partner in the payments community
- Recognize your brand
Discounted pricing available if selecting opportunities for both Mid-Year Conference & Tech Forum.
Important Deadlines
The December 31st deadline to sign up as a MAG Annual or Tech Forum Sponsor has passed.
Annual Sponsorship Opportunities
Learn MoreThank You to our Media Sponsor
Speakers
Thank for you being a valued MAG partner and agreeing to share your expertise and insights with our conference attendees. Check this page often for the latest updates and guidelines for your presentation.
Important Deadlines
- January 6: PowerPoint submissions and handouts due to MAG staff
- January 15: Speaker Bios (in PDF format), Headshots and Speaker Agreements due to MAG staff
- January 20: Deadline for speakers to register
Questions? Please contact, Lisa Mercurio
On-Demand Session Access and Conference Presentations
2021 Tech Forum Conference Sponsors
Thank you to our Sponsors!
2021 Mid-Year Conference Sponsors
Thank you to our Sponsors!
.jpg?sfvrsn=cd75c203_4 "Riskified")
SIG Reports
The following documents are proprietary and confidential.
These documents are for the MAG members only and must not be circulated outside of the MAG Membership.
Tech - Customer Experience | View on the MAG Learning Center |
Tech - Security | View on the MAG Learning Center |
| Petroleum / Convenience Stores | Coming soon! |
| Small Ticket / Restaurant | Coming soon! |
| eCommerce | Coming soon! |
| Mass Merchant | Coming soon! |