MPC Interviews Alan V. Forgione of Northeast Acquirers Association (NEAA)
Please tell us your name, title, company, and email address to provide to prospective participants interested in receiving more information.
Alan V. Forgione, President, Northeast Acquirers Association, alan@northeastacquirers.com.
What makes NEAA different than the other events out there in the industry?
NEAA stands out as the longest-running show in the payments industry, with a unique focus on the Northeast region. Unlike other industry events, NEAA is dedicated to serving merchant-level sales professionals by providing an affordable, accessible conference designed around their specific networking and educational needs. This regional focus allows us to tailor our programming and networking opportunities, ensuring attendees gain relevant insights, connections, and resources to succeed in the Northeast marketplace.
How would you describe NEAA’s value proposition to prospective conference attendees, sponsors, and payment professionals?
NEAA offers an exceptional value proposition for conference attendees, sponsors, and payment professionals by delivering a comprehensive, low-cost event specifically designed for merchant-level salespeople. Early-bird registration starts at just $125, granting full access to:
- Educational sessions and panels led by industry experts
- Networking opportunities with over 130 leading vendors and fellow professionals
- All-inclusive meals, networking parties, and conference events
With everything included in a single, affordable registration fee, NEAA makes it simple and accessible for payment professionals to connect, learn about the latest trends and technologies, and discover new partnership opportunities—all in a focused setting tailored to the needs of the Northeast region.
What recent challenges has your leadership and board faced in serving the payment community and how did you overcome them?
Our leadership and board at NEAA are dedicated to serving the payment community, and while we haven’t faced significant obstacles beyond logistical matters, these details are critical to delivering a successful event. The main challenges include identifying the right venues, effectively communicating event details to participants, and most importantly, curating a conference agenda that addresses the needs of both merchant-level salespeople and all payment professionals.
We continually overcome these challenges by:
- Carefully selecting accessible, well-equipped venues that support our event’s goals
- Improving our outreach and communication to ensure everyone knows what to expect and when
- Working closely as a board to develop a diverse and relevant lineup of topics and presentations, ensuring each session provides real value to every attendee in the payment space
Through collaboration and attention to detail, we strive to deliver a well-organized, impactful conference experience year after year.
What recent milestones has NEAA achieved and why is it significant for the payment acquirer industry?
NEAA recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of continuous service to the payments acquiring industry. This milestone is significant because it demonstrates our longstanding commitment to bringing together industry professionals for high-quality networking, meaningful educational exchange, and exposure to the latest developments in the field.
For over 40 years, NEAA has provided a trusted platform where payment acquirers, merchant-level salespeople, solution providers, and other professionals can connect, collaborate, and gain new knowledge. Our longevity underscores the value and relevance of our conference—and our pivotal role in supporting the ongoing growth and success of the payment acquirer community.
What near-term opportunities will 2026 present for NEAA payment professionals?
The year 2026 offers a wealth of opportunities for payment professionals in the NEAA community, especially as the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Here are key areas and trends to watch:
- Integration of Crypto Payments
The ability to accept cryptocurrency and digital assets alongside traditional payment types—such as credit, debit, and gift cards—will expand merchant offerings and reach new customer segments. Professionals who can seamlessly integrate and support these new rails will stand out in a competitive market.
- Enhanced Focus on Security
As technology advances, so do security risks. Payment professionals will need to stay ahead of evolving threats by implementing robust security measures—not just for merchants, but also for agents and processors. Ensuring the safety of transactions and data will be a critical differentiator moving forward.
- Real-Time Payments (RTP)
Banks are increasingly enabling real-time processing, leading to faster settlement for merchants and agents. This shift will require acquirers and ISOs to adapt quickly to meet new expectations for speed and efficiency in fund delivery. Staying current with RTP developments will be essential for remaining competitive.
- Innovation Showcases and New Networking Formats
Showcase Showdown: This new event format gives selected participants a chance to deliver concise, 10-minute presentations, competing for “best-in-product” and “best-in-service” honors. By giving both new and veteran companies a platform to share their latest solutions, we encourage diversity of thought and creative problem-solving.
These initiatives are vital because the payments industry is driven by ongoing innovation. By welcoming both new entrants and established players with fresh offerings, NEAA ensures that our community stays ahead of trends, ready to tackle both current and future challenges. In 2026, payment professionals who engage with these opportunities will be well-positioned for success.
