As the fintech landscape continues to evolve, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve and continue learning and connecting. Fintech conferences cover a plethora of topics reflecting the ever-evolving nature of this exciting industry. But, what conference should you attend?
The world of fintech conferences takes a deep dive into technological innovations, financial services, and broader industry trends. Within technological innovation, topics include emerging technologies. This encompasses discussions on topics like blockchain, AI, machine learning, big data analytics, and more.
However, as financial data becomes more digitized, the risk of security threats increases. Conversations around this include exploring solutions such as secure authentication methods and data encryption strategies.
Lastly, rounding out tech innovations, there’s RegTech, which focuses on compliance with regulations and risk management, and its impact on fintech businesses.
Another core topic within fintech conferences is financial services. Expert speakers lend their insights and discuss new payment methods like real-time payments (RTP), contactless payments, and mobile wallets. Additionally, conferences may explore topics like alternative lending models such as peer-to-peer lending, alternative data credit-scoring, and the rise of AI-powered lending.
Wealth management is another significant part of financial services. This area focuses on things like robo-advisors, ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investing, the future of wealth management, and the expanding demand for personalized financial services. Finally, there’s open banking, which lends itself to conversations around its impact on financial innovation and the potential opportunities it may present for collaborations between traditional banks and fintech startups.
The last main topic fintech events cover are broader industry trends. These include financial inclusion for underserved populations. Conversations around this discuss ways to leverage tech to address financial exclusion and promote access to financial services for those populations.
Additionally, another trend covered is sustainable finance. This growing area explores the role of fintech in promotion more sustainable practices and facilitating green financing initiatives. There’s also conversations about industry trends and the future of work. It includes fintech leaders discussing how automation and other advancements in technology may impact the financial workforce. It dives into the need for up-skilling and re-skilling as a necessity.
However, topics don’t stop there. Depending on the specific event, other conversations may include marketing and the customer experience in fintech. Conferences may also get more specific in regards to the role of blockchain in industries like insurance or healthcare.
Obviously, that’s a lot to vet through. We suggest you start with identifying what conference is right for you to attend.
How do you know which conference is right for you?
When choosing a conference, be sure to consider your interests and goals. There are many key factors you should weigh to help you make a decision about the best ones for you and your company to attend or sponsor.
Here are our suggestions regarding what to look for when selecting an event to attend:
Alignment with your goals
- Professional development: Ask yourself if the conference aligns with your desired areas of growth? Also, ask if it provides knowledge and skills which are directly applicable to your current position or career path
- Networking: Review the attendees list from previous years. Are the attendees the types of people you want to connect with and add to your professional network? Are there any attendees who are high-value that could be potential clients, collaborators or industry peers?
- Business objectives: Does attending the conference support the goals of your company? Can attending the conference lead to valuable lead generation, industry insight or partnership opportunities?
Conference content and speakers
- Relevance: Review the conference agenda you wish to attend. Take a look and make sure the session topics, panels and keynotes are relevant to your industry and areas of interest.
- Speakers: Review the speakers for the event. Are they recognized industry experts and thought leaders in your field? Ask if they will offer valuable insights and perspectives to help you grow.
- Learning format: How do you learn best? Does the mix of presentations, workshops, interactive sessions, etc. align with how you learn?
Logistics and cost
- Location and dates: Is the location convenient for you or will you have to travel? What about the timing? How does that fit into your schedule?
- Cost: Make sure the registration fee, cost of travel and lodging aligns with the company budget and potential ROI.
Reputation and feedback
- Industry recognition: If you’re here at the TPA website, we only share the best conferences worthy of attending in the fintech sector. But, when vetting other conferences, you’ll want to attend ones which are well-respected in your industry.
- Testimonials: Take a look at the reviews and testimonials from past attendees. Are they speaking about the value of the content and networking opportunities that are presented?
How to research conferences
- Conference website: The conference’s landing page should provide you with all the pertinent information to make a decision – information on the speakers and who attends, schedules and sponsorship opportunities
- Social media: Check out the conference hashtag if they have one, and see what people have posted. Also, look at social media from associated organizations and speakers on the social media platforms to get a better feel for the buzz and what people are saying about it.
- Industry blog and publications: Do a search and read the recaps of the conference from previous years. What kind of takeaways did people have who attended?
- Your network: Connect with your colleagues, mentors and others in your industry who have attended in the past and see what they thought of the event.
How T Palmer Agency evaluates conferences
We, at T Palmer Agency, are seasoned veterans of the tech industry. For more than a decade, we have been happily immersed in the world of tech conferences, exploring the diverse events that cater to each unique sector within this ever-evolving landscape. This experience has given us an in-depth understanding of what makes a conference truly exceptional and valuable for fintech (and other similar) industries.
Our passion lies in building connections and we curate our list of top conferences are based on three pillars: speakers, sessions, and networking.
Speakers
When it comes to speakers, we want to share with you the conferences that feature the most inspirational speakers who can deliver the all-important ROI. We look for speakers who are industry leaders, renowned experts, and thought-provoking visionaries who can offer new takes on the industry and share cutting-edge insights. Moreover, the speakers at the conferences we recommend guarantee attendees a valuable learning experience that can lead to insightful discussions.
Sessions
But, it extends beyond just the best speakers. We also evaluate conferences based on the relevant sessions they have on the agenda. Conferences offering a diverse selection of sessions that are directly related to attendees needs and interests make our list. In regards to topics, we want to make sure they are diving into the latest trends, whether that’s in AI, cybersecurity solutions, practical tips on scaling your business and more.
Networking
Finally, there’s the networking. This is such an important factor in deciding what conferences to attend because it isn’t just about the knowledge you can gain; it’s about who you can meet, too. Conferences we recommend offer ample networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful interactions between attendees and speakers, as well as attendees and their peers. Networking allows you to build valuable relationships, exchange ideas and discover potential collaborators to grow your business. So, at the end of the conference, you aren’t just leaving with new information, you’re also leaving with a robust network of new connections that can propel you and your business forward.
By attending these top fintech conferences, you can gain valuable insights, build connections, and stay ahead of the curve in this dynamic and exciting industry. Not only that, attending these conferences can be transformative to your business. Stop sending valuable time researching the best fintech events to attend. We’re industry experts and work with numerous fintech companies; we’ve done all the work for you!
The 10 best fintech conferences for 2024
Fintech Meetup
March 3-6, 2024 | Las Vegas, NV |# of attendees: 4K+ | Type of attendees: fintech professionals | Speakers | # of speakers: 200+| Cost: $1795 – $3495
Fintech Meetup is a massive gathering bringing together more than 4,000 attendees from fintech, banking, payments and lending. One of the leading industry events (and one of our personal favorites we always recommend) for more than a decade, the conference focuses on the biggest issues, challenges and opportunities facing the industry and organizations.
This year’s agenda is built around five themes: banking and payments, lending and credit, innovation and transformation, fraud, identity and risk, and legal, regulatory and compliance. Fintech’s agenda celebrates innovation and transformation, touching on the latest innovations and trends, tech disrupting fintech, banking, payments and lending. We love the focus on the future and “how” you can use the latest trends and technologies to deliver ROI and impact. What’s more, it’s easier than ever to connect with others who attend this conference thanks to the technology behind Fintech. In fact, the tech it uses facilitates more than 45,000 meetings and connections, delivering real results and measurable ROI.
Transact by ETA
April 17 – 19, 2024 | Las Vegas, NV| # of attendees: 3K+ | Type of attendees: payments professionals | Speakers | # of speakers: 150+ | Cost: $1195 – $2495
TRANSACT is where leaders in the payments industry from around the world head to conduct business. The conference brings professionals and decisions-makers from more than 1,000 payment companies together to strengthen relationships, expand their networks and create communities. With more than 150 speakers, the event focuses on payments technology and innovation, attracting payment networks, processors, merchants and financial institutions.
Insights regarding payments, mobile wallets, blockchain integration, best practices and more are shared here. If you’re looking for insights and to connect with a niche audience of payment companies, this conference is for you.
Wealth Management Edge
May 13 – 14, 2024 | Hollywood, FL | # of attendees: 2K+ | Type of attendees: senior decision makers from the country’s most elite RIA firms | Speakers | # of speakers: 100+ | Cost: $195 – $3995 |Early bird ends March 15, 2024
Wealth Management EDGE is a wealth management conference which powers investment, productivity and growth. It aligns industry-leading brands Inside ETFs+, WealthStack and RIA Edge. Within the Inside ETFs track, your learn about new investment strategies, product and portfolio construction ideas and meet industry advisors, issuers and influencers. WealthStack brings together a new generation of growth-oriented advisors who embrace technology to grow their businesses and wealthtech innovators. Finally, within RIA Edge, you’ll meet the fastest growing RIAs and some of the most influential voices in the industry.
You’ll learn about fine-tuning or developing your M&A, succession planning, compensation, human capital and leadership strategies. For us, the selling point is that you essentially get three conferences in one.
Finovate Spring
May 21 – 23, 2024 | San Francisco, CA | # of attendees: 1,200+ | Type of attendees: decision makers from banks, financial institutions and investors | Speakers | # of speakers: 100+ | Cost: $1,099 – $2,598 | Early Bird pricing ends Feb. 23, 2024
FinovateSpring gives attendees the opportunity to connect face-to-face with the FinovateSpring community. The common goal: plot a course for the future. This is the leading fintech conference on the west coast of the US, and it brings in more than 1,200 attendees who are executive-level in the fintech sector. There are also live demos of innovative fintech solutions and the latest developments, expert advice from key influencers, and remarkable networking opportunities.
You’ll meet fintechs, platform players, financial institutions, regulators and investors all who are working to redefine the future of financial services the world over and make valuable connections. If you’re on the West Coast, this is a no-brainer conference to attend. And, if you’re not on the West Coast, you can either head out for it or wait until the fall to attend its sister event, Finovate Fall, in NYC.
Consensus by Coindesk
May 29 – 31, 2024 | Austin, Texas | # of attendees: 20K+ |Type of attendees: developers, investors, founders, brands, policy makers | Speakers | # of speakers: 100+ | Cost: $2,099 – $9,000 | Early Bird pricing ends Feb. 23, 2024
Consensus is the world’s largest and longest-running conference in the fintech industry and a premier event. It also brings together some of the most influential across crypto, blockchain and Web3 sectors. The annual conference is a call-to-action for builders, creators, storytellings, and money-movers coming together for the future of financial technology and the Web3 economy. This year, Coindesk and EasyA are teaming up for a unique opportunity — a three-day hackathon attracting the world’s best developers to build the future of Web3. The conference promises “hard-hitting conversations with visionary speakers” and hands-on workshops geared towards solving industry challenges.
From keynote speeches and conversations with visionary speakers to hands-on workshops aimed at solving industry challenges, developers, investors, founders, brands, policymakers and more will walk away with the tools and insights needed to continue laying the foundation of a more decentralized future. We love the quality of attendees at this conference.
Fintech Talents
April 16 – 17, 2024 | New York, NY | # of attendees: 600+ | Type of attendees: credit unions, community banks, tier one financial institutions | Speakers | # of speakers: 100+ | Cost: $760 – $1140
Fintech Talents North America brings together innovators and change-makers who are redefining the future of the fintech industry. The goal of the event is to share their thinking, innovative solutions and experiences in the rapidly evolving industry.
Fintech Talents features a diverse audience from the North American financial services industry — from early-stage fintech startups to the world’s largest service providers. At the event, you can exchange ideas, and meet partners and providers to help meet your business goals. While it’s a smaller conference, you can get a lot out of it.
DIGITAL BANKING by American Banker
June 24 – 25, 2024 | Boca Raton, FL | # of attendees: 850+ | Type of attendees: decision makers from banks, financial institutions and investors | Speakers | # of speakers: 100+ | Cost: $1,099 – $2,598 | Early Bird pricing ends Feb. 23, 2024
DIGITAL BANKING is an immersive conference addressing the latest trends in digital banking. This includes artificial intelligence-powered customer experiences, omnichannel strategies and the rise of embedded finance. It offers engaging demos which showcase cutting-edge technologies and solutions. In addition, the interactive panel discussions attract industry leaders who touch on critical topics and provide practical insights. At DIGITAL BANKING, the networking experiences are thoughtfully curated and powerful.
If you’re in the banking or fintech communities, this event is a must-attend. You’ll learn how things like how to implement digital onboarding and processes to streamline customer acquisition. You’ll also learn how to leverage data analytics and AI to gain insights into customer behavior, stay on top of emerging tech like blockchain, AI and biometrics for potential integration, explore cybersecurity measures and much more. The conference provides a lot of ROI thanks to the networking and topics covered.
FinovateFall
Sept. 9 – 11, 2024 | New York, NY | # of attendees: 2k+ | Type of attendees: decision makers from banks, financial institutions and investors | Speakers | # of speakers: 100+ | Cost: $1099 – $2698 | Early bird ends May 17, 2024
Finovate Fall is the sister event to Finovate Spring. This conference attracts more than 2,000 decision-makers, 1,000 of which are from banks and investors in New York City. More so, it includes more than 70 demos. At the event, you’ll explore cutting-edge fintech solutions and new ideas at one of the world’s premier fintech showcases. Attendees come to Finovate Fall to have meaningful discussions with senior-level decision-makers who can help you and your company grow.
Attending Finovate events gives companies a competitive edge and regularly brings together some of the brightest minds in the fintech community. If you missed the spring event in San Fransisco or want to network even more, this is the event to attend.
Lend360
Sept. 11 – 13, 2024 | Nashville, TN | # of attendees: 850+ | Type of attendees: consumers and business lenders in online lending | Speakers | # of speakers: 100+ | Cost: TBD
LEND360 is an annual event for the leaders in online lending that explores fintech industry trends and the latest technologies impacting consumer lenders, small business lenders, service partners, investors, bank representatives, and more. Regardless of whether you are a consumer or business lender, you’ll meet businesses, partners, and influencers to help you move your own business forward. Additionally, topics include recommendations for management growth, overcoming recent challenges, and preparing for the future.
You’ll also learn more about the financial trends impacting the industry. Additionally, you’ll hear about what cutting-edge solutions coming down the pipeline at the intersection of fintech and online lending. This niche audience makes it the perfect fit for those wanting connections within the lending industry.
AFP
Oct. 20 – 23, 2024 | Nashville, TN | # of attendees: 7K+ | Type of attendees: corporate financial professionals | Speakers | # of speakers: 100+ | Cost: $995 – $2,194 | Early Bird pricing ends June 7, 2024
Every year, the Association of Financial Professionals (AFP), hosts this massive networking event. It brings in more than 7,000 corporate professionals. Attendees come from the treasury and finance industries. The collaborative environment fosters the exchange of knowledge, views and strategies. It also helps to generate solutions faced by financial professionals today.
The programming, built by the AFP 2024 Task Force, features more than 100 sessions across seven tracks. The tracks are: capital markets and investments, career development, executive institute, financial planning and analysis, payments, risk management and treasure management. The AFP consistently puts on excellent conferences, and this ranks as one of our favorites for industry professionals.
Money 20/20
Oct. 27 – 30, 2024 | Las Vegas, NV | # of attendees: 11K+ | Type of attendees: leaders in the global money ecosystem including banks, payments, tech, startups, retail, fintech, financial services, policy | Speakers | # of speakers: 155+ | Cost: $3,999 | Early Bird pricing ends March 1, 2024
Money 20/20 is the world’s leading, premium content, sales and networking platform for the global money ecosystem. This event attracts powerful attendees to connect with and is the top show in the fintech world. More than 3,000 leading companies attend, 64 percent of which are already established businesses, and 31 percent are startup. In 2023, attending companies included Amazon, Google, Mastercard, Deutsche Bank, JP Morgan, Stripe, Bain Capital and more. It fosters ideas and connections with leaders from across the industry who wouldn’t normally be together in one place.
This year, the theme of the show is Human X Machine. It will address how the new world of humans and AI come together, how it will redefine experiences, and more. If you can only attend one event this year, this is the one you go to.
There are also a handful of exceptional international conference worthy of taking a look at, including Sibos in Beijing Oct. 21 – 24, 2024, Fintech Week London June 10 – 14, 2024 and Money 20/20 in Amsterdam June 4 – 6, 2024.
Are you ready to get out there?
By attending any of these conferences, you can be sure its money well spent. Not only that, attending will lead to new connections, new knowledge and a new perspective on the industry. If you’re interested in a curated list of conferences specifically for your company, connect with us today!
