Stepping into the buzz and brilliance of Money 20/20 for the first time can feel both exciting and overwhelming. As one of the most influential events shaping the future of money, it brings together the brightest minds in fintech, banking, payments, and innovation, all under one roof. Whether you’re here to connect, learn, or showcase, it’s an experience that can define your professional year if you approach it right.
Having attended the past two editions, we at BudPay have learned a thing or two about navigating the event efficiently. As a proud sponsor and exhibitor this year, we’re sharing some practical insights to help you make the most of your first Money 20/20 experience.
1. Start With a Game Plan
Money 20/20 is packed with insightful sessions, workshops, product demos, and networking opportunities, all happening simultaneously. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to miss the moments that matter most.
Before the event kicks off, review the agenda and highlight sessions that align with your goals. Are you here to meet partners, discover new technologies, or learn about payment innovation? Let your goals shape your daily itinerary. Apps and event dashboards are helpful for bookmarking sessions, tracking your meetings, and avoiding scheduling overlaps.
2. Network With Intention
One of the biggest draws of Money 20/20 is the people you’ll meet, founders, innovators, and decision-makers shaping global finance. To make the most of it, be intentional about networking.
Reach out to potential contacts in advance through the event app or LinkedIn. A short, thoughtful message can go a long way: introduce yourself, mention what you admire about their work, and suggest a quick chat during the event. During sessions, don’t be afraid to strike up conversations; everyone is there to connect and exchange ideas.
Have your elevator pitch ready. You never know when you’ll meet someone who could become a future collaborator or client.
3. Visit Exhibition Booths Strategically
The exhibition floor is a powerhouse of innovation. From groundbreaking startups to established players, each booth offers a glimpse into where fintech is heading next.
Set aside time each day to explore and engage with exhibitors, not just to collect swag, but to discover real solutions that could elevate your business.
At BudPay’s booth, for instance, you can experience firsthand how we’re simplifying cross-border payments for businesses across Africa and beyond. Our team will be there to demonstrate how seamless payment infrastructure can transform global commerce, one transaction at a time.
4. Take Notes and Follow Up
With so much happening at once, it’s easy for conversations and insights to fade after the event. Keep a digital notepad or app handy to jot down key takeaways, interesting ideas, or contact details.
Once Money 20/20 wraps up, follow up promptly. Send a thank-you message to people you met, reference your conversation, and explore how you can continue collaborating. This simple habit turns brief exchanges into lasting professional relationships.
5. Pace Yourself and Enjoy the Experience
Money 20/20 is intense, four days of non-stop learning, networking, and movement. It’s important to pace yourself. Stay hydrated, take short breaks between sessions, and recharge when needed. Some of the best connections happen during informal coffee breaks or hallway conversations, so allow room for spontaneity.
Most importantly, soak in the energy. Every conversation, panel, and demo contributes to a bigger picture of how the global fintech landscape is evolving, and how you can be part of it.
Final Thoughts
As a first-time attendee, you’re stepping into a community that thrives on curiosity, innovation, and collaboration. With a bit of planning and an open mindset, Money 20/20 can be more than just an event; it can be a catalyst for your next big idea or partnership.
If you’re exploring ways to optimize your business payments or expand globally, stop by BudPay’s booth (15108) to connect with our team. We’ll be happy to share insights from our journey and demonstrate how BudPay is powering the next generation of cross-border payments.
Here’s to making your first Money 20/20 a memorable and rewarding experience!
