Navigating the Future of Merchant Payments and Maximising Your Conference Experience

Guest blog post by Natalia Ivanis, Chief Marketing Officer & Managing Partner at Merchant Payments Ecosystem.

With packed schedules, multiple tracks, and endless networking opportunities, conferences – especially huge events like MPE – can be overwhelming. It’s easy to feel lost or unsure where to start. The key to making the most of any conference is having a strategy; knowing what sessions to attend, who to connect with, and how to turn insights into actionable takeaways.

These tips will help you cut through the noise and maximise your time at any conference, ensuring you leave with valuable knowledge and connections.

How to get the most out of a conference

Attending a conference is an investment of time and resources, so planning ahead is key to ensuring you gain maximum value. Consider these strategies:

Define your goals – Determine what you want to achieve—whether it’s learning about specific payment technologies, finding a new service provider, or networking with industry peers.
Plan your agenda – Review the conference schedule in advance to prioritise key sessions, panels, and networking events that align with your goals.
Engage actively – Don’t just listen; ask questions, participate in discussions, and connect with speakers and fellow attendees to deepen your understanding of key topics.
Visit exhibitor booths – Many innovative payment solutions are showcased at conferences. Take time to explore exhibitor booths, engage with solution providers, and assess technologies that may benefit your business.
Schedule meetings – Use the event as an opportunity to meet with potential partners, vendors, and industry leaders. Scheduling meetings in advance can help maximise networking opportunities.
Take notes and share insights – Document key takeaways and share them with your team post-event. This helps translate insights into actionable strategies for your business.

Why the MPE conference stands out

One of the most influential events in merchant payments is the Merchant Payments Ecosystem (MPE) conference. This annual gathering brings together industry leaders, regulators, fintech innovators, and merchants to discuss key trends, challenges, and solutions in the payments ecosystem.

MPE provides:

In-depth discussions on emerging payment technologies and regulatory changes.
Opportunities to network with key players in the payments ecosystem.
Insights into fraud prevention, digital payments, and customer experience strategies.
Hands-on exposure to innovative payment solutions that can enhance operational efficiency.

Participating in conferences like MPE is a strategic move for any merchant looking to optimise their payment processes. Attendance can benefit your business in so many ways:

Solution-Focused Insights: Access to160+ expert speakers sharing actionable insights on PSD3, Open Banking, AI in Payments, Payment Optimisation, Cross-Border Payments, and more – topics critical to staying competitive.
Exclusive Networking: Engage in1-on-1 meetings, private roundtables, and fireside chats with peers and innovators, helping us build valuable partnerships and discover new solutions.
Merchant-Only Programs: Participate in solution-driven workshops and a private merchant lunch designed to tackle industry challenges in a no-sales, collaborative setting.
Discover Innovation: Explore solutions from100+ exhibitors offering the latest technologies in payments, fraud prevention, and customer experience optimisation.

If you are a merchant/retailer, you may be eligible for a free MPE pass

Merchants/retailers that pass the eligibility check will gain full access to three days of premium content, interactive workshops and advisory clinics, AI-powered conference app for smarter networking, and complimentary food and drinks throughout the event. Just click here to claim your free merchant pass to the conference.

The MPE conference is an invaluable opportunity for merchants to stay ahead in the fast-changing payments landscape. Whether you’re looking to optimise payment processes, understand new regulations, or explore emerging technologies, MPE offers the insights and connections needed to drive business growth.

By approaching the event with a clear strategy and an open mindset, merchants can gain significant benefits that extend well beyond the conference itself.

MPE Berlin | March 18-20, 2025