How APP Members Are Building Community One Conversation at a Time

How APP Members Are Building Community One Conversation at a Time

At the Association of Payment Professionals (APP), we’ve always believed in the power of a good conversation—especially the kind that happens with a hot cup of coffee in hand and a few trusted peers on the line. It’s not about formal presentations or slide decks. It’s about connection. It’s about camaraderie. It’s about knowing you’re not the only one navigating the complicated, ever-evolving world of payments.

That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce APP Coffee Connect, a new virtual meet-up series launching in 2025. These free, 30-minute gatherings are designed exclusively for APP members and built around one simple idea: sometimes the most valuable part of your membership isn’t a whitepaper or a webinar—it’s the people sitting across from you (virtually or otherwise), sharing the same challenges, questions, and laughs.

Why Coffee Connect?

The Coffee Connect series was inspired by one of APP’s most beloved traditions: the informal meet-up we host before our annual Level Up conference. Every year, attendees arrive early to share a cup of coffee and catch up with familiar faces—or meet new ones. These pre-conference chats often lead to the most memorable conversations of the entire event. People swap stories about audits gone sideways, share tips on new card brand releases, and yes, occasionally laugh about the strangest fake ID they’ve seen that month.

“We wanted to replicate the discussions we see at Level Up throughout the year,” said Brian Reddoch, APP’s Vice President of Operations. “Because the best education and preparedness comes from talking to each other.”

APP Coffee Connect aims to bring that same magic into a virtual space—no travel, no agenda, and no pressure. Just a welcoming environment where payment professionals can talk shop, ask questions, and realize they’re not the only ones trying to decode the latest surcharge rules or make sense of the newest merchant application form.

What to Expect

Each Coffee Connect session is tailored to a specific role or focus area within the payments ecosystem. Whether you're an underwriter, compliance lead, PayFac operator, or just starting out in the industry, there’s a Coffee Connect for you. APP volunteers and industry veterans help guide the conversation, but the real energy comes from the participants themselves—members who show up to share what they’re seeing, ask what others are doing, and build relationships that can last well beyond the meet-up.

Here’s what makes Coffee Connect stand out:

• It’s casual. No slides, no sales pitches. Just honest conversation and real connection.
  
  

• It’s focused. Each session targets a specific group, making the conversation highly relevant and useful.
  
  

• It’s community-driven. Your questions and experiences shape the discussion, not a pre-written agenda.
  
  

• It’s judgment-free. Not sure how to interpret the latest AML update? Still confused about card brand surcharge rules? You’re not alone—and no question is too basic.
  
  

• It’s just for members. Coffee Connect is a benefit of APP membership, providing a private space where professionals can speak candidly among peers.
  
  

Upcoming Coffee Connect Sessions

Here’s a look at the early lineup for 2025:

• Next Gen Leaders - August 21st
  New to the industry? Meet other emerging professionals, hear from seasoned mentors, and build your professional network from the ground up.
  
  

• Small ISOs - September 18th
  Are you working on small shop and have to wear many… many … oh so many different hats? This one is for you.
  
  

• Underwriters - October 2nd
  A meet-up for the unsung heroes of risk. Come share stories, swap insights, and connect with others who live and breathe merchant applications, supporting docs, and red flags.
  
  

• ISO Compliance Professionals - October 9th
  If you’re knee-deep in AML, card brand updates, MPAs, and data breach protocols, you’ve found your people. Talk through pain points, trends, and what’s actually working.
  
  

• Payment Facilitators - October 30th
  Connect with others navigating the PayFac model. From onboarding to compliance to risk management, this one’s for anyone who manages sub-merchants and wears too many hats.
  
  

And these are just the beginning. As Coffee Connect grows, we’ll continue adding sessions based on member interests and industry needs.

How to Join

APP Coffee Connect sessions are free to all members. Simply register through the APP events page, grab your favorite mug (coffee, tea, or whatever fuels you), and log in. Come with questions, ideas, or just a willingness to listen and learn.

You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t even need to say a word if you don’t want to. But you might just leave with a new perspective, a useful tip, or a new friend in the industry.

Learn more and sign up for an upcoming session at www.paymentpros.org/events. We’ll see you there.