Charting the Next Frontier at Navigating Payments 2026

Published on July 2, 2026




Interviewee

Kimberly Ellis, AAP, AFPP, APRP, NCP
Senior Director of Member Services
 

(Angi Farren, UMACHA President & CEO, addresses the audience at Navigating Payments 2025.)

• Navigating Payments is UMACHA’s premier annual conference that brings together payments professionals from across the region and beyond. It is designed for anyone involved in electronic payments, including ACH operations, compliance, risk management, product development, treasury management, and leadership. Whether you are new to the industry or highly experienced, the conference offers valuable insights and practical takeaways.

• The payments landscape continues to evolve rapidly with new technologies, growing fraud risks, and ongoing regulatory changes. “Charting the Next Frontier” reflects the need for organizations to stay forward thinking, adapt quickly, and explore new strategies to remain competitive and secure.

• Attendees can expect an engaging and energizing experience. With about 35 expert-led sessions and roughly 350 participants each year, the conference offers a strong mix of education, networking, and vendor interaction in a collaborative and welcoming environment.

• Sessions focus on key industry priorities such as fraud mitigation, ACH and payments rule updates, faster payments, risk management, and compliance updates. The content is designed to deliver both strategic insight and practical guidance that attendees can apply immediately.

• The agenda includes a range of session types, from foundational content for those newer to payments to more advanced discussions for experienced professionals. This allows attendees to tailor their experience based on their roles and goals.

• Attendees often leave with actionable insights they can implement right away. This may include improving compliance processes, strengthening fraud controls, or identifying new opportunities for innovation. They also gain valuable peer connections that extend beyond the event.

(One of several breakout sessions offering during Navigating Payments 2025.)

• UMACHA recognized a growing need for more focused, in-depth learning opportunities, especially on critical topics like Nacha’s new fraud monitoring rules. The pre-conference workshop provides a dedicated space to explore these issues in greater detail before the main event begins using a collaborative approach where attendees can learn from each other in addition to UMACHA staff.

• The half-day, in-person pre-conference event on September 22 will focus on ACH fraud monitoring rules and upcoming rule changes that organizations should prepare for. It will also include a forward-looking overview of rules that have been approved but are not yet in effect.

• The pre-conference is designed to be interactive rather than strictly lecture based. It encourages peer discussion and knowledge sharing, giving attendees the opportunity to learn how others are approaching fraud monitoring and compliance challenges in real-world settings.

• The conference offers many ways to connect, including informal conversations between sessions as well as dedicated opportunities to engage with exhibitors and sponsors. It is an ideal environment for building relationships with peers and industry experts.

• By bringing together professionals who face similar challenges, the conference naturally encourages open dialogue and idea sharing. Attendees can exchange insights, ask questions, and learn directly from one another throughout the event.

(Attendees connect with exhibitors during Navigating Payments 2025.)

• Navigating Payments stands out for its strong sense of community and practical focus. It is not only about attending presentations. It is about participating in discussions, learning from peers, and leaving with solutions that can be put into practice right away.

What advice would you give to first-time attendees?

• Come prepared to engage. Review the agenda in advance, select sessions that align with your goals, and take advantage of networking opportunities. The more actively you participate, the more value you will gain from the experience.

(It’s not just people you get to connect with at Navigating Payments, as plenty of cuddles were shared during the puppy party at Navigating Payments 2025.)