Surviving and Thriving at Money20/20: Your Guide to Attending

Money20/20 Las Vegas is the annual can’t-miss event for anyone in the financial technology and payments space. Known for its high-energy environment, industry-leading networking opportunities, and countless brand activations, the conference delivers a week of nonstop interaction, innovation, and insights. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of this unique conference.

Let the Money20/20 Mayhem Begin

Money20/20 is bustling with around 15,000 ticketed attendees, and the venue also attracts an additional 10,000 non-ticketed attendees who join for networking and events. Add to that the ever-present energy of Las Vegas itself, and you’re in for an incredibly busy week.

Expect people everywhere – from exhibition halls, elevators, sidewalks, and hotel lobbies. So keep some Advil handy to manage the inevitable sensory overload from slot machines, music, and flashing lights. Money20/20 knows how to brand a conference, so don’t be surprised to see logos and advertisements plastered on everything from room drops and Ubers to skyscrapers and mega booths.

By day three, you might find yourself exhausted, with a jam-packed meeting schedule and eye bags to match (don’t worry, you are not the only one!).  

Pro tip: Need some daylight? Take a breather by working or hosting meetings on the pool deck on the 2nd floor, where you can recharge with some fresh air.

Back-to-Back Opportunities

At Money20/20, networking is central to the experience. With thousands of attendees and a bustling agenda, connections happen everywhere, from exhibition booths and lounges to exclusive evening events. Here’s what you can expect in terms of networking opportunities and how to make the most of your time.

Tips for a Smooth Schedule

The high demand for networking at Money20/20 can leave you bouncing between meetings all day. Many attendees find their schedules packed from morning until afternoon, with some missed meetings occurring due to the fast pace of the conference. Here are some tips to manage this busy environment:

• Prioritize Your Meetings: With so many connections and events, it’s easy to overbook. Make sure each meeting aligns with your objectives to avoid spreading yourself too thin.
• Scheduling Conflicts: Long walks between different venues, meeting rooms, and floors mean it’s easy to run late. Be sure to build in buffer time.
• Meeting Location Confusion: Familiarize yourself with the multiple meeting areas, including the connections lounge, speed-dating area, booth meeting spaces, and dedicated meeting rooms on various floors.
• Proactive Documentation: Keep a document of all meetings with their objectives, locations, and any prep materials. This will help you stay organized and track follow-up actions post-event.

The Ultimate Networking Hotspots at Money20/20

Money20/20 offers networking spaces tailored to different styles. Here’s an overview of some key areas for networking at the event:

• MoneyPot Stage & Networking Bar: This interactive space combines content with networking. Featuring live podcast recordings, panel discussions, and seating areas, the MoneyPot is ideal for more relaxed conversations while catching up on industry trends
• Money Row & Industry Nights: Networking continues into the evening with Money Row at The Venetian, where food, drinks, and DJ sets create an upbeat, casual environment to make connections. Industry Nights offers exclusive events, like this year’s parties at TAO Nightclub and a finale concert with En Vogue. These lively spaces are perfect for forming connections that go beyond formal meetings

From Synergies to Signatures

With such a range of professionals – from fintech founders to banking executives – networking conversations at Money20/20 vary widely. Here are the types of discussions you’re likely to have:

1. Exploratory Connections: Initial, high-level introductions focused on uncovering synergies. Having a concise “elevator pitch” ready will make these interactions more productive.
2. Strategic Partnerships: These discussions go beyond introductions, often involving specific objectives, such as technology collaborations or product integrations. Be clear about your goals and what your organization can offer.
3. Deal Closures: Money20/20 is also where long-term negotiations can culminate in deals. Ensure any decision-makers and materials needed for closing are available to make the most of these moments.

Money20/20’s combination of structured networking spaces, AI-powered app, and lively industry events provides countless opportunities to forge valuable connections. By planning effectively and setting clear networking goals, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of this high-energy event and turn conversations into meaningful professional relationships.

Events within the Event

Beyond meetings, Money20/20 offers official events, such as industry nights and concerts. This year’s lineup included an evening at TAO and a performance by En Vogue, which are all included with a conference pass. 

You’ll also find plenty of third-party events organized by companies, including cocktail hours, breakfasts, and even hosted experiences at Las Vegas attractions like the Sphere. Whether you’re connecting over coffee, dancing at a bar, or exchanging ideas at an exclusive brunch, these events offer a less formal setting to meet other attendees and build relationships.

Pro tip: Plan to attend a few events, but prioritize the ones that align most closely with your goals to avoid spreading yourself too thin.

So, Is Money20/20 Worth the Price Tag?

With tickets priced at around $4,000 for solution providers, many attendees question the ROI of Money20/20. The answer? It depends on your organization’s goals and how you approach the event. Here’s a framework to help evaluate whether the investment is worthwhile for you:

1. Create a Detailed Schedule: List every industry event, organization event, and one-on-one meeting with the goal of each interaction. After the conference, mark which goals were achieved.
2. Consider Alternative Approaches: If you’re on a budget, explore ways to participate without a full conference pass. This might mean scheduling meetings in hotel suites or even at the Starbucks across the street (beware, it’s packed and noisy!). Alternatively, you could reserve a suite and conduct back-to-back meetings there.
3. Calculate Your ROI: Track metrics like new connections, leads generated, and deals closed. If you determine that the conference yielded value for your organization, you’ll have a strong case for attending in the future.

Money20/20 is Costly, But Worth It for Many

Money20/20 Las Vegas is an exciting, high-energy conference that offers countless opportunities to connect, learn, and engage with leaders in the payments and fintech industry. By setting clear expectations, managing your schedule effectively, and making strategic decisions about how you engage, you can maximize the benefits of attending this vibrant conference. And remember, while Money20/20 is certainly an investment, the relationships, knowledge, and opportunities it provides can offer substantial returns for the right organization.