Event Partner Opportunities

Level Up 2027
Level Up sponsorship purchases will start on July 15th. 

Contact us today to book: 
Alexis Lichterman alexis@mentompayments.com 

Ruben Pizana

ruben@onyxprocessing.com

David Landis david.landis@clym.io
Brian Reddoch brian.reddoch@paymentpros.org

Who Attends Level Up?
Decision Makers.

Who Attends Level Up?
Everyone.

* 5/3rd Bank * Aperia Solutions * Arnall, Golden, Gregory * Central Bank of St Louis * Chargebacks911 * Chesapeake Bank * Clearent * Commercial Bank of California
* Complete Merchant Solutions * Cross River Bank * Cutter Financial * Deutsche Bank USA * Discover Financial Services * EasyPay * eBay * Elavon * Electronic Verification Systems * Esquire Bank * EVO Merchant Services * Exact Payments * First American Payment Systems * Fortis * Fresno First Bank * Frontstream * G2 Risk Solutions
* Get Beyond * Glacier Payments * Global Payments * Gravity Payments * Greenlight Payments * Humboldt Merchant Services * International Processing Solution
* Intuit * IPPay * KeyBank * LegitScript * LexisNexis Risk Solutions * Mastercard * Maverick Payments * MerchantE * Merchants Bancard Network * Merrick Bank
* Midigator * Ministry Brands * Mission Valley Bank * MobiusPay * MVB Bank * Nacha * NABP * Netevia * Newtek * North * Nuvei * One Inc Systems * Paya * Paybotic
* Payroc * Paysafe * Payscout * Payverse * PNC Bank * Priority Payment Systems * Reach * Repay * SecureTrust * SecurityMetrics * Select Bankcard * Shift4 * Shift'd
* SignaPay * Signature Payments * Silicon Valley Bank * Sphere Commerce * Spot On * Square * Stax * Stripe * SumUp * Talus Payments * Tek Card Payments
* Trinity Payments * Vantage Card Services * Venable * Verifi * Versapay * Visa *
Wells Fargo * Walmart Marketplace * Worldpay * Yardi * Zen Payments *

This is a sample of organizations that attended in the past three years

Why Sponsor at Level Up?

  • 400 - 45- Payment Industry Attendees
  • 50% Senior Leaders
  • 78% Decision Makers and Decision Influencers
  • Limited to 25 Exhibitor Spaces
  • Education Driven Agenda with 25+ Session Brings Your Clients Not Sales People
  • 5+ Networking Events Over 3 Days

"LegitScript is proud to be a long-standing partner of the Association for Payment Professionals. We share APP’s commitment to advancing payments risk mitigation, compliance, and underwriting best practices, and we see tremendous value in the community it fosters. By sponsoring APP events and participating in its programs, we’re able to connect with industry leaders, exchange insights on emerging challenges, and collaborate on solutions that help payment providers confidently onboard and support merchants. APP continues to be an essential forum for driving trust, innovation, and integrity across the payments ecosystem — values that align directly with LegitScript’s mission." 

Scott Roth| CEO - LegitScript

NEW in 2027

Promo Codes: 
APP will provide unique promo codes to top-level partners. These codes will give attendees $50 of their registration. A list of partners with codes will be listed on the website starting August 1, 2026 and linked to the site or e-mail you provide. 
These will be available to anyone in the "Whale" sponsorship tier ($20k+).

Vendor Rooms: 
APP is making some hall space available to vendors to purchase and use as they want (* adhering to hotel rules and noise requirements). These large spaces are directly connected to the Vendor Row with a door next to your exhibitor table. The sizes range from 46' x 26.5' (feet, not inches) to 60' x 40'.
The signs will be branded to your name (i.e. Griffith 7 can become "Dr. Pepper Demo Room". It is a private space with admittance decided by you. Some suggestions for use include:

  • Cafe
  • Massage Room
  • Headshot Studio
  • Soda and Boba Room
  • Private Meeting Space and Demo Room



Vendor Spotlight Packages

Vendor Spotlight Packages
With Extra Space
Cost Vendor Spotlight Promo Codes -
NEW in 2027
Includes Connected
Vendor Room

NEW IN 2027
# of Passes # Packages
Available
Day 1 Vendor Spotlight + Prime Vendor Room $25,000 15-Minute
Day 1 Main Stage
Yes Yes
Vendor Room A or B
4 SOLD OUT
Vendor Spotlight + Vendor Room  $23,000 15-Minute
Day 1 Main Stage
Yes Yes
Vendors Room C or D
4

SOLD OUT

Vendor Spotlight + Lounge Area  
$23,000
$20,000
15-Minute 
Day 1 (Main Stage) 
Day 2 (Track Stage)
 
Yes

Lounge in Front* 4 ONE
Vendor Spotlight Packages Cost Vendor Spotlight Promo Codes -
NEW in 2027
Includes Connected
Vendor Room

NEW IN 2027
# of Passes # Packages
Available
Day 1 No Extra Space
(Available for purchase after 12/1)
$17,000 15-Minute Main Stage
Single Track on Day 1
No No, just standard exhibit space (6'x2' table). 4 ONE
Day 2 Solo Spot $10,000 15-Minute Main Stage
Dual-Track on Day 2
No No, just standard exhibit space (6'x2' table). 3 ONE
Day 2 in Tracks $10,000 15-Minute Main Stage
Dual-Track on Day 2
No No, just standard exhibit space (6'x2' table). 3 EIGHT


 * The Sponsored Lounge is NOT private and is a bit customizable. It is, however, at the front and open to all.

Vendor Spotlights are embedded into the agenda - the same agenda as the educational sessions - so you are not just a presenter of problems, you are a presenter of solutions.

You can speak on any topic that you wish and can be as 'salesy' as you want to be. Best Practice - present a common challenge and then offer yourself as the solution.

 Networker Packages

Some organizations are known for bringing the industry together. They are the ones with a reputation for seeing the connections between people and creating the space for innovation and connections to occur.

Options
Description
Price
# Available

Exhibitor Space

At Level Up, booths are integrated with the event flow and are limited in number to encourage frequent traffic, high visibility, and plenty of opportunities to engage with attendees. Each booth comes with:

  • One (1) attendee pass
  • One 6x2 table
  • Fifth-tier logo placement in marketing materials
$3,500 TWO
Some are available with the purchase of Vendor Spotlight (see above).
Exhibitor Space
+ Premium Benefits

Created for those partners wanting the next level up from a Booth Sponsorship to include Fir Tier logo placement. At APP, booths are integrated with the event flow and limited in number to encourage frequent traffic, high visibility, and plenty of opportunities to engage with attendees. With the Premium Sponsorship, each booth comes with:

  • Three (3) attendee passes
  • One 6x2 table
  • Flyer or swag as a bag stuffer
  • Attendee List
  • High point value in conference gamification activities
  • Fourth-tier logo placement in marketing materials
$6,500 FOUR
Some are available with the purchase of Vendor Spotlight (see above).
Welcome Reception

The premier networking event at Level Up. With a Wonderland, we expected a lively mad tea party that you won't want to miss.  As a sponsor, your name will be in the middle of the action with plenty of marketing support thanking you.

$6,000 SIX

Trivia Night Table

Trivia Night was such a hit that we had to bring it back in 2025. The night before the conference starts our members gather as a community for some fun competition. When you sponsor a table, you'll be building a team to problem solve, have fun, and get to know each other. Comes with one table plus 20 drink tickets to hand out to attendees as a networking tool.

$1,500 FIFTEEN
Topical Meet & Greet

A special session is planned for a subset of the membership. This can be 'underwriters' or 'women in payments' or 'small ISOs' or whatever demographic you want to reach. 

  • Ability to plan and host a lunchtime session for a sub-section of the membership. Name on the agenda as the host
  • Third-tier logo placement in marketing materials
$3,000 ONE

Coffee Connect

A favorite of attendees to our virtual events now comes to the live venue!  Coffee Connect is a networking event before the start of the first day of registration. This is where attendees meet up and swap stories, talk about the sessions they are excited to see, and make new friends. This is your opportunity to host connections and be a welcoming friendly face at the conference. 

$3,000 ONE

 

  

 Industry Supporter Packages

APP Members know you are there to support them in their efforts to learn more, prepare better, and collaborate on a common cause.

Each of these sponsorship opportunities is available a la carte or can be built into a custom sponsorship package.

Options
Description
Price
# Available

Mobile App

Looking to support APP's technology? Include your logo into the mobile app and event page during the event. You will be the first thing attendees see as they seek information out and engage with the conference. 
Comes with one conference pass

$8,500 ONE

Water Bottles

Imagine your logo in the hands of attendees as they walk around all week on their aluminum water bottle with a bamboo top. These trend items are sure to be a big hit. Includes:

  • Your logo on water bottles handed out to each attendee
  • One conference pass
  • Third-level logo placement in marketing materials
$8,500  ONE 

Badge

 

One of the most popular partner opportunities every year.

  • Your logo will be present on conference name badges and visible during the entire conference to all attendees
  • Third-level logo placement in marketing materials
  • Conference attendee list with emails
  • One conference pass
$9,000 ONE
Lanyards

Always the fastest-selling item - act quickly!

  • The logo will be present on the name badge lanyards and visible to the entire conference to all attendees
  • Third-level logo placement in marketing materials
  • Conference attendee list
  • One conference pass
$9,000 ON HOLD
Notebooks

Your logo will appear front and center alongside APP on the conference padfolio that is handed out to every attendee

  • Business card or flyer inserted into padfolio (card provided by sponsor)
  • Third-level logo placement in marketing materials
  • Conference attendee list
  • One conference pass
$8,000 ONE

Conference Bags

Your logo is front and center alongside APP on the conference bag

  • Flyer or swag included as a bag stuffer
  • Third-level logo placement in marketing materials
  • Conference attendee list 
  • One conference pass
$8,000 ONE
Power Stations

Attendees will love you for helping them keep charged without having to leave sessions.

  • Signage next to the power stations in the main speaking hall
  • Recognition during the conference remarks by the host
  • Fifth-level logo placement in marketing materials
$3,000 ONE
Registration Desk

Your logo placement at the start of the attendee's journey.

  • Logo present alongside event logo on direction signs to the registration area
  • Branded registration desk.
  • Availability to provide pop-up poster(s) at the registration area
  • Third-level logo placement in marketing materials
$5,500 SOLD
Keynote Speaker
  • Logo and signage attached to marketing that promotes the speaker.
  • Recognition during the conference remarks by the host at keynote mentions
  • First-level (top level) logo placement in marketing materials
$20,000 ONE
Donut Wall & Break

An APP tradition featured and tied to the Awards session.

  • Logo placement at the Donut Wall
  • Marketing push related to the tradition
  • Fourth-level logo placement in marketing materials
$3,000 ONE
Volunteer Reception

Volunteer room accessible and viewable from a high-traffic corridor

  • Logo visibility at the entrance of and inside the lounge space adjacent to the meeting room
  • Ability to make thank you remarks to the volunteers
  • Fifth-level logo placement in marketing materials
$3,000 ONE
Recharge Room
  • Breakout room accessible and viewable from a high-traffic room
  • Logo visibility at the entrance of and inside the lounge space adjacent to the meeting room
  • Fifth-level logo placement in marketing materials
3,000 ONE
Speaker Gifts

Each year, APP thanks our speakers with a charitable donation in their name to the Financial Coalition Against Child Pornography (FCACP). Help us thank our speakers and give to a great cause!

  • Includes logo on website, mention in our thank you card to each speaker, and daily mention by the host
  • Fourth-level logo placement in marketing materials
3,000 ONE
Break

Show your industry support by providing a break during the conference!

  • Inclusion of partnership in the agenda
  • Signage during break
  • Fifth-level logo placement in marketing materials
3,000 THREE
Lunch

Show your industry support by providing lunch during the conference

  • Inclusion of partnership in the agenda
  • Signage during lunch
  • Fourth-level logo placement in marketing materials
$4,000 TWO
Wildcards Sponsorship
  • Logo placement on all marketing materials at the fifth-tier. 
  • Marketing support of gratitude on social media, website, and at the event
$1,000 Multiple

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Regionals 2027

An update has been made to how Regional Sponsorship will operate in 2026. Each of the below will be made available for purchase on November 1, 2025. 
Sponsorship will no longer be for all of the Regionals but rather be broken up by location. 

TYPE COST DESCRIPTION
Site Host $0 - Other than any internal costs. Site sponsor hosts the event. You provide the space and APP will plan and execute the event. APP supplies the food, drink, and speakers. The Site Sponsor receives top-tier logo placement.  
 
Regional 1 Sponsor - Basic Package
Site TBD
$4,000 SOLD OUT
  • Badge sponsorship
  • Lanyard sponsorship
  • Ability to hand out items at check-in
  • First right of refusal to host the reception. 
Regional 1 Sponsor - Speaking Package
Site TBD
$8,000 - Unavailable

All of the above plus:

  • 15-minute Vendor Spotlight. Topic determined by you and can include a sales pitch. 
Regional 2 Sponsor - Basic Package
Site TBD
$4,000 SOLD OUT
  • Badge sponsorship
  • Lanyard sponsorship
  • Ability to hand out items at check-in
  • First right of refusal to host the reception. 
Regional 2 Sponsor - Speaking Package
Site TBD
$8,000 - Unavailable

All of the above plus:

  • 15-minute Vendor Spotlight. Topic determined by you and can include a sales pitch. 
Regional 2 Sponsor - Basic Package
Site TBD
$4,000 SOLD OUT
  • Badge sponsorship
  • Lanyard sponsorship
  • Ability to hand out items at check-in
  • First right of refusal to host the reception. 
Regional 2 Sponsor - Speaking Package
Site TBD
$8,000 - Unavailable

All of the above plus:

  • 15-minute Vendor Spotlight. Topic determined by you and can include a sales pitch. 

Reception Sponsor $0 - Other than your own cost. 
Available if the Main sponsor or Site Host declines
Reception Sponsors plan and execute the post-event reception. All costs are picked up by sponsors. 

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Sponsorship Policies

Sponsorship Tiers

The support of sponsors, partners, and solution providers is essential to being able to provide our members with quality education, service, and programs, like Level Up. One way in which we recognize the contributions of our partners is through sponsorship tiers at the Level Up each year.

Organizations may sponsor APP through just one opportunity, or combine multiple sponsorship options to receive greater recognition. Higher tier sponsorships receive more prominent recognition on our website and conference marketing materials, greater visibility in conference signage, and on-stage mentions during Level Up.

Our sponsor tiers for 2027 are tied to our theme of "Dive Deep Into Risk & Compliance" (Ocean) and include:

  • Whale: Packages totaling $20,000 or more
  • Dolphin: Packages totaling $12,000 to $19,999
  • Octopus: Packages totaling $8,000 to $11,999
  • Penguin: Packages totaling $4,500 to $7,999
  • Seahorse: Packages totaling up to $4,499

If you would like more information about Level Up or other sponsorship opportunities, please contact us.

 Sponsor Priority Policy
Formerly known as the EP3: Exhibitor Preference Point Program

APP's Policy became effective on November 1, 2025.


Sponsor Priority Policy

Purpose

To ensure a fair, transparent, and consistent process for assigning booth locations and speaking opportunities at APP events, including the annual Level Up conference.

Overview

APP values the partnership and ongoing support of its sponsors. This policy outlines how priority order will be determined for selecting exhibit booths and speaking opportunities.

Sponsorship sales will open on October 1 each year.
Booth assignments and speaking slots will be finalized beginning December 1.

Priority Criteria

Priority order will be based on three key factors that reflect a sponsor’s engagement and support of APP:

Factor

Description

Weight

Sponsorship Investment

Total sponsorship dollars committed for the current calendar year (including conference and other programs).

50%

Volunteer Engagement

Level of involvement by sponsor representatives in APP committees, task forces, and volunteer programs during the previous 12 months.

30%

Sponsorship Longevity

Number of consecutive years the organization has been an APP sponsor.

20%

Each category will be scored and combined into a total “Priority Score.” Sponsors will then be ranked in order of score to determine booth and speaking selection order.

Timing and Process

  1. October 1: Sponsorship opportunities open for purchase.

  2. December 1: Booth and speaking selections begin, in priority order.

  3. Monthly Review: Beginning in December, APP will review and update rankings monthly for the organizations not yet ordered.

Selection Procedure

  • Sponsors will be contacted in ranked order to select their booth and/or speaking slot.

  • If a sponsor does not respond within five business days, APP will move to the next sponsor in the ranking.

  • Sponsors may request placement preferences, but final assignments are at APP’s discretion to maintain a balanced and engaging conference layout and agenda.

Ties

If two sponsors have identical scores, preference will go to the sponsor:

  1. With the higher sponsorship total over the previous 12 months.

  2. With a longer sponsorship history

Transparency

Upon request, sponsors may receive a summary of the scoring framework and their standing after rankings are finalized.

Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually by APP staff and the Sponsorship Committee to ensure fairness and alignment with APP’s mission and values.

Sponsors are Members Too!  Are You ?

Membership is a great way to network, support APP, get discounts on conference attendance, hear about other thought leadership opportunities, participate in educational opportunities and get early messaging about upcoming events and activities.  Sponsor members earn extra EP3 Points too!