Level Up 25
Park MGM Las Vegas, NV
Registration Now Open
Grow Together!
APP's annual Level Up conference is dedicated to connecting the industry through education, community, and impactful solutions. Just as trees grow tall and strong together in a forest, APP and Level Up serve as the roots of industry connections, providing the foundation to educate and navigate on risk, compliance, and payment topics. APP was created with collaboration and we grow as an industry with collaboration.
Together, we can grow taller and stronger with collaboration.
Rooted in Education:
With a knowledge-packed agenda curated by members for members, Level Up 25 will plant the seeds of wisdom. Our topics range across the six disciplines that impact the payments ecosystem - Risk, Compliance, Regulatory, Security/PCI, Disputes/Chargebacks, and UW/KYC.
Branching Out Via Community Events:
Level Up is more than just connecting you to education and resources; it's about fostering a forest of professional connections. We have embedded several community events into the agenda so you can find peers facing the same daily challenges, those who have the solutions you need, and others with whom you can share your knowledge and experience.
Seeds for Future Growth:
Level Up is built to connect you to solutions. These can come from the sessions. They can also come from your fellow attendees who are also facing the same challenges as you. And, from our Solution Provider partners who can help your organization reach new heights.
Why? Connecting to solutions will help your organization grow - avoiding loss and ensuring compliance leads to a better bottom line.
Forest of Support:
APP was founded with collaboration so we imbue that spirit thrives at Level Up. Sessions like the Roundtable are designed to help attendees work together. Benefit from the collective wisdom and experience of our community leaders and mentors, who are dedicated to helping you thrive. This supportive network is here to ensure you have the guidance and encouragement needed to flourish in your career.
Personal & Professional Growth:
At APP Level Up, we believe in the power of growth—both personal and professional. Join us to cultivate your potential, expand your network, and grow into the professional you aspire to be. Our 20+ sessions help you professionally as you become a more knowledgeable leader and team member. But we also have volunteer roles that can help you build your personal brand and leadership skills.
Level Up is the new home for TPPPA's annual in-person Risk Assessment Compliance Course!
In this session we will discuss the connection between Risk Assessments and Internal Controls. We will discuss the importance of PROGRAM Risk Assessments for Sponsoring/Originating Banks related to Third Party Payment Processing, and the requirement for complementary Program Risk Assessments and Internal Controls for Third-Party Payment Processors, (including Nested Third-Party Payment Processors). We will also provide tips and techniques for effectively creating/updating Program Risk Assessments from existing Internal Controls, such as Policies, Procedures, Training, Agreements, etc.
In the second part of the session, participants will be guided through an exercise to glean specific controls from the participants’ own policies, procedures, training and agreements. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops and copies of their company’s own controls for an exercise in populating a Program Risk Assessment Template, which will be provided to all participants.
What you will learn:
- How Program Risk Assessment differs from customer, product or various compliance risk assessments (e.g. AML Risk Assessment).
- How Risk-Based Programs are derived from and forever tied to an Ongoing Program Risk Assessment Discipline.
- How to Demonstrate proper oversight and engagement of the Board in the Risk Assessment Process.
- How to periodically test internal controls and update the Program Risk Assessment.
Agenda
We Are Still Finalizing the Schedule. Everything Listed Below Is Tentative.
The Sessions That We Have Been Booked Are Below. We'll Be Adding More over January.
Session Name |
Description |
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Day 2 |
Account Compromise (A Legal Perspective): Which Victim Bears the Loss? |
Account takeover (ATO) and business email compromise (BEC) fraud continue to pose significant challenges, with perpetrators often hidden and courts struggling to allocate losses among payors, payees, and platforms. This session, tailored for C-Suite executives, in-house legal teams, and risk managers, will explore how these disputes have been resolved and the uncertainties that remain in the legal landscape. Attendees will gain insights into contractual strategies to mitigate risk, proactive measures to protect against fraud, and the risk practices courts have deemed sufficient to shield parties from liability. Join us to strengthen your organization’s defenses and navigate this complex and evolving issue with confidence. |
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Arming Your Merchants Against Iframe Attacks: A Practical Guide to PCI Req. 6.4.3 and 11.6.1 |
This session will share findings from over 2,000 ecommerce client-side forensic investigations. We have seen a dramatic increase in attacks specifically on ecommerce sites using iframes to host a payment page from a 3rd party service provider. These findings emphasize the importance of PCI DSS requirements 6.4.3 and 11.6.1 in helping combat ecommerce skimming trends. For example, in 100% of the cases where card data skimming was occurring, the security failure was present on the merchant’s referring page and not because of a malicious script on the 3rd party hosted payment page. This finding clearly indicates that the main skimming risks are on the merchant’s side, not on the service provider’s side. Merchants are responsible for monitoring the scripts that they include on their websites (PCI DSS requirement 6.4.3) and checking for the presence of malicious scripts and behaviors on any payment or referring payment pages (PCI DSS requirement 11.6.1). The trends we’ve found can help merchants see the practical application of these requirements, and be empowered to secure their websites against threat actors. |
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Data + AI: Recipe for Results |
The rise of Generative AI has intensified online crime and made it harder to disrupt. Bad actors, spanning from a single person to transnational crime organizations, are using AI-enabled tactics to exploit the increasingly interconnected nature of our digital world. However, alongside these challenges, there are opportunities for firms to leverage AI technology for good. There is no doubt that Chat GPT changed the world – but there is one golden rule that applies to everyone using it: The output is only as good as the data you feed it. Find out about the latest trends in orchestrated models and why they're necessary to solve the complex challenge of risk in payments. |
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The Future of FBO Accounts |
The FBO account structure has been a common “best practice” by payments providers seeking to remove themselves from the flow of funds to reduce their risk of being regulated as a money transmitter. While this structure remains foundational to countless arrangements between banks and their fintech partners, the risks created by the misuse of this structure has led the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to issue a proposed rule which would impose extensive requirements on FDIC insured depository institutions with respect to “custodial deposit accounts with transactional features” – FBO accounts included. This proposed rule, which has bipartisan support, comes amid heightened scrutiny of bank and fintech arrangements by the federal banking regulators and a furry of other regulatory enforcement and initiatives aimed at bank-fintech arrangements. This discussion would cover the current best practices related to FBO account structures and the impact that the proposed rule would have on financial institutions, their third-party providers and the future of FBO Account structures. |
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A Live Journey Through a Haunted Forest Fraught with Risk |
Journey together as we enter a dark and eerie forest fraught with hidden dangers and unexpected frights. In this immersive session, we’ll shine a light on the ever-evolving landscape of fraud, uncovering the risks that lurk in the shadows. Explore current fraud trends, including account takeovers, and witness firsthand how quickly and easily fraudsters can create fake bank statements, utility bills, and even websites in under a minute. You’ll gain an insider’s view of the tactics used to deceive and exploit through eye-opening demonstrations and chilling videos. Most importantly, we’ll equip you with lanterns (proactive measures) and breadcrumbs (preventative strategies) to help your organization navigate this haunted forest and emerge unscathed. Will you make it out safely? Join us to find out! |
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Mastercom Collaboration: Understand the Mandate, Unlock the Benefits |
Mastercard introduced Mastercom Collaboration to address rising fraud and disputes in the payments ecosystem — a sweeping mandate that requires all disputes on their network to be prefaced by pre-chargeback notifications (alerts). Tens of thousands of unregistered alerts now fall to each acquirer every month and add significant costs if they are not leveraged correctly. In this session, we will help acquirers understand Collaboration and unlock the value these alerts add, presenting strategies for acquirers to develop in-house solutions that enhance risk visibility in their portfolios and reduce disintermediation to outside parties. |
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Navigating Federal and State Regulatory Shifts in Payments |
Following the 2024 Presidential, state and local elections, what is the anticipated impact that recent election results will have on the payments industry? The panel will look at previous elections and the impact of those results as we look to project the future in 2025 and beyond. This APP Government Relations Strategic Interest Group (GRSIG) panel will also review crucial legal and regulatory shifts in the payments industry and provide a comprehensive overview of the latest updates influencing payments companies. This session is designed to seamlessly bridge the gap between industry advancements and evolving legal frameworks. Hear from industry experts from Washington D.C. and beyond about today's most pressing regulatory and compliance concerns and connect the dots between your organization and the dynamic regulatory landscape. |
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Small Business Credit Trends & Interpreting Credit Data for Merchant Onboarding |
In this session, we’ll explore the intersection of small business trends and credit data analysis, highlighting the critical role of credit reports in underwriting merchants. As economic lulls can reveal hidden risks within credit profiles, payment companies must stay vigilant to avoid potential pitfalls. Tailored for Risk Managers and C-Suite leaders, this session will delve into the strength of the small business economy, key credit trends, and how targeted credit report analysis can optimize merchant onboarding while reducing manual reviews. Gain actionable insights to safeguard your organization by identifying hidden risks and streamlining your underwriting processes for greater efficiency and accuracy. |
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Vamp Q&A: Are You Ready for April 1st? |
The new Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP) will go live in less than a month. Are you prepared for a radical shift in the way we all manage fraud and chargebacks? Join us for this timely, can’t-miss discussion about VAMP. Get details on last-minute updates, advance warning for potential implications, tips to prepare, answers to lingering questions, and more. |
| Credits | Price | |
|---|---|---|
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Member Pass - Level Up 25 - Early Bird
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15.00 (ETA CPP Credit) | $845.00 |
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Member Pass - Level Up 25
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15.00 (ETA CPP Credit) | $895.00 |
| Credits | Price | |
|---|---|---|
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Non Member Pass - Level Up 25 - Early Access Rate
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15.00 (ETA CPP Credit) | $995.00 |
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Non Member Pass - Level Up 25
|
15.00 (ETA CPP Credit) | $1,095.00 |
| Credits | Price | |
|---|---|---|
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Trivia Night - Add-On Pre-Conf Event on Mon Night
Attendees must be registered for a paid event to attend Trivia Night. |
FREE | |
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TPPPA's "Risk Assessment Compliance Course"
TPPPA's annual "Risk Assessment Compliance Course". We're excited to partner with TPPPA. You don't need to attend APP's Level up to attend TPPPA's event or vice versa. |
$225.00 |
Thank you for registering for APP's upcoming annual conference, Level Up 25. This is your confirmation of registration. Additional details including links to the event platform will be sent closer to the event. If you have any questions, please email us at event@paymentpros.org
Hotel
Staying at the Park MGM hotel supports APP's mission to keep the conference price low!
We have secured a room rate starting at $145 per night. Room elevators let out less than 100 steps from the conference registration so there is no endless walk. There is a range of food options from quick to elegant. And, if you want to step out, the hotel is in the heart of The Strip in between the Aria and New York, New York.
To book your stay - Click Here.
If your cookies is taking you to an old site, use - https://book.passkey.com/event/50592142/owner/3623455/home
Agenda
You can keep track of the agenda as sessions and speakers come on board. Click here to see the agenda.
Pre-Conference Events - Separate Tickets Required
Compliance Workshop Hosted by TPPPA - $225
Details coming soon. TPPPA's annual compliance and risk assessment course is coming to Level Up as a pre-conference event.
Trivia Night - Free
This is a fun and casual event for the community. Attendees will be assigned a table and team at the event. There will be small bites and a cash bar (psst - some vendors will have drink tickets).
Partnership/Sponsorships
APP's Level Up 25 is a great way for your organization to reach its goals. Click here for more information.
Policy Details
Refund - Click Here to see the Refund Policy.
Code of Conduct - Click here to see the Code of Conduct Policy.
Meals
Breakfast snacks and coffee are served every day. Lunch is provided each day. All meals are included in your conference pass.
Vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free options will be available for breakfast and lunch servings.
If you would like to request a kosher meal, please email us your request at event@paymentpros.org
Sponsors Agenda:
We encourage all vendors to attend the sessions as well.
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ACTIVITY |
TIME |
LOCATION |
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TUESDAY, MARCH 4 |
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Registration Open |
0700 - 1000 |
Conference Level 2 |
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Keynote Doors Open |
0930 |
Presidio 3-5 |
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Morning Break |
1115 – 1145 |
Meeting Foyer |
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Lunch |
1245 – 1345 |
Griffith (Level 2) |
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Afternoon Break |
1545 – 1615 |
Meeting Foyer |
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End of Session |
1715 |
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Welcome Reception |
1730 - 1900 |
Richmond (Level 1) |
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 |
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Morning Break |
1025 – 1055 |
Meeting Foyer |
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Lunch |
1230 - 1400 |
Griffith (Level 2) |
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Afternoon Break |
1545 – 1630 |
Meeting Foyer |
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End of Session |
1730 |
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THURSDAY, MARCH 6 |
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Morning Break |
0940 - 1000 |
Meeting Foyer |
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Round Tables |
1145 - 1300 |
Presidio 3-5 |
Networking Opportunities:
Below are a list of networking opportunities for you get involved in:
- Trivia Night
- 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Griffith 1.
- Open bar (sponsors of Trivia Night will have drink tickets to hand out)
- Coffee Connect
- 9.15am Tuesday 4th March. Location: Presidio 2 (Level 2 Conference Center)
- 9.15am Tuesday 4th March. Location: Presidio 2 (Level 2 Conference Center)
- Trivia Night
- 4pm - 6pm Monday 3rd March. Location: Griffith 1 (Level 2 Conference Center)
- 4pm - 6pm Monday 3rd March. Location: Griffith 1 (Level 2 Conference Center)
- Opening Reception
- 530pm - 7pm Tuesday 4th March. Location: Richmond (Level 1 Conference Center)
- 530pm - 7pm Tuesday 4th March. Location: Richmond (Level 1 Conference Center)
- Lunch Room
- Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th March - Times per agenda.
Location: Griffith 1-6 (Level 2 Conference Center)
- Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th March - Times per agenda.
- Round table
- Final Session on Thursday 6th March
- Good opportunity to answer questions as attendees talk about common challenges
Mobile App:
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Please ensure your company is listed and all the details are correct. Any changes reach out to caroline@ckayinternational.com |
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Booth Setup:
Booths open for set up Monday at 12pm
Please have your
Sponsor Booth set up by:
Monday, March 3 @ 6pm
What Your Booth Looks Like:
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Each area gets:
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Mailing/Sending Your Items To/From Conference:
Vendor Booth items should be sent directly to the Park MGM and should be addressed as follows:
Hold For Guest: (Guest Name) and (Guest Cell Number)
c/o FedEx Office Business Center Park MGM
3770 South Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV, 89109
(APP March 3-6, 2025)
Box x of x
Shipments should arrive no earlier than Feb 27 and no later than March 1.
Sponsors are responsible for Storage and shipping fees that may apply.
Strikes, Breakdowns, & Returns:
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Please DO NOT strike your table before 12:00 pm on Thursday, March 6th
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You are responsible for your own tear down and return shipping.
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If you have garbage or recycling, please place in the bins provided.
Security:
There is no overnight security.
Please make sure you don’t leave anything valuable at your vendor table overnight
Day to Day Schedule
Monday - March 3rd
Pre-Conf Events
- Risk Assessment Compliance Course Hosted by TPPPA (Add'l paid ticket required)
- Trivia Night networking event
- Volunteer & Committee Meetings
- Vendor Setup
Tuesday - March 4th
- Leadership Stage - Main stage sessions
- Keynote Speaker
- Opening Reception
- Donut Break
- Coffee Connect
Wednesday - March 5th
- Education & Collaboration Stages - a full day of simultaneous sessions on two stages
- Impact Keynote
- Evening Free for Client Dinners/Meetings
Thursday - March 6th
- Growth Stage - Half day of sessions
- APP Gameshow
- Roundtable
- APP Board Meeting