The second in our ‘Beyond the Stage’ series, where we speak to the individuals behind some of the biggest events and conferences in the world, whether that’s in retail, payments, technology or fintech. Graham Barrett is joined by Filip Rasovsky, Head of Event Production at MPE, Merchant Payments Ecosystem, taking place in Berlin from March 17-19. MPE is one of the leading events of its kind when it comes to payment acceptance and is now the home of the global merchants payment community. The show attracts over 500 global merchants and brands from every major vertical. As a media partner to MPE, we have secured a 10% discount code for our followers. When registering for the event, be sure to use the code: c-suite10 to secure your 10% discount, which is valid until March 17 2026 A 19 Year Legacy in Payments MPE returns for its 19th edition this March, marking nearly two decades on the payments event calendar. Originally launched as a card acquiring forum, the event has evolved significantly over time. Today, it stands as a merchant focused conference that brings together key players from across the payments ecosystem. As Head of Event Production, Filip Rasovsky oversees the speaker programme, including programme development and speaker onboarding. His role sits at the heart of shaping the content experience for attendees. He explains that while the final weeks before the event are always intense, this year’s major milestone has been the release of the full agenda. Months of preparation have gone into curating a programme designed to reflect the needs and expectations of the community. Why Berlin Remains the Natural Home MPE has been held in Berlin for 17 of its 19 editions, and the connection between the city and the event is now firmly established. Berlin was originally chosen for practical reasons. Its strong international transport links make it easily accessible for a global audience. Over time, its reputation as a fintech hub has further reinforced its suitability as the host city. The event takes place at the InterContinental Berlin, a venue that plays a significant role in shaping the MPE experience. Delegates can move seamlessly from their rooms to the conference floor, creating a highly immersive atmosphere. Conversations about payments do not stop when sessions end. Whether at breakfast, in the networking areas, or even in the hotel facilities, the industry dialogue continues organically. According to Rasovsky, this sense of closeness and continuity is difficult to describe but easy to appreciate once experienced firsthand. From Card Acquiring to Merchant Ecosystem MPE’s transformation from a card acquiring conference into a merchant led event has been deliberate and sustained. Over recent years, the organisers have focused on attracting major merchant brands and ensuring that merchants represent the largest share of participants. The philosophy is straightforward. Merchants must see clear value. They need to feel heard, appreciated and supported with meaningful opportunities to connect and learn. By listening to feedback and maintaining ongoing dialogue with participants throughout the year, the MPE team has refined the event to better serve this core audience. A Programme Built Around Experience One of the most significant developments for this year is the introduction of two distinct programme pillars: the on stage and off-stage formats. The on-stage programme reflects the traditional conference experience that regular attendees will recognise. Alongside this, the off-stage programme introduces new formats designed to encourage deeper engagement. These include micro formats, micro networking opportunities and deep learning sessions. Roundtables, successfully piloted last year, will return. These sessions blend structured content with interactive networking, offering a hybrid format that proved popular with delegates. Beyond the conference stages, the exhibition floor will also see innovation. A new Horizon Zone will spotlight start-ups and accelerate their visibility at MPE. An Accelerator programme for start-ups and scale ups will provide additional support, while MPE Next will introduce a personal development and career advice strand to the event. Across the board, the emphasis is on curated expertise, diverse industry perspectives and delivering value to every participant. The Big Themes for 2026 Two major themes are expected to dominate discussions in Berlin. The first is agentic commerce. Rasovsky describes the industry as being intensely focused on this topic, with high demand from speakers wanting to address it. The challenge for organisers has been ensuring that coverage remains relevant and well balanced, even as interest continues to grow. Agentic commerce is seen not only as a current trend but as a window into the future direction of payments. The second key theme is European payment sovereignty. With shifting geopolitical dynamics and ongoing market developments across Europe, questions around independence, infrastructure and strategic direction are firmly on the agenda. Together, these themes promise lively debate both on stage and in networking conversations throughout the venue. An In Person Experience While MPE has experimented with virtual editions in the past, the event is firmly positioned as an in-person experience. As Rasovsky notes, recent years have reinforced the importance of face-to-face connection. MPE is designed to bring the community together physically in one place. For those interested in attending, full details and registration information are available via the official MPE website. Participation requires being there in person in Berlin. With a refined programme, new interactive formats and a strong focus on the most pressing topics in payments, MPE 2026 is set to continue its legacy as a leading merchant focused event. The c-suite podcast team will be on site once again, capturing insights from speakers and attendees across the ecosystem. For anyone involved in payments, Berlin in March promises to be a key date in the calendar. PRCA members receive 10 CPD points for listening to this podcast if they log it on the CPD programme. View episode
Beyond The Stage: Inside MPE - Building ... ICE Barcelona Part 2 of 2: Fraud, Regula... ICE Barcelona Part 1 of 2: AI, Illicit O... Inside NRF Part 3 of 3: Retail’s Next De...
Redefining luxury hospitality at the Ara... Money20/20 Europe 2023 - Part 3 of 3 Money20/20 Europe 2023 - Part 2 of 3 Money20/20 Europe 2023 - Part 1 of 3
Mental Health & Wellbeing in the workpla... Suicide Prevention - How employers can p... Mad World 2021 - Part 2 of 2 Mad World 2021 - Part 1 of 2
