Yes, education and networking are first and foremost, but the location of the Smarter Faster Payments conference is also highly important. This April it’s in San Diego, and while he’s clearly partial, the president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority knows his town has a lot going for it. 

“We are a warm and welcoming city. There’s a chill vibe that you have here,” said Daniel Kuperschmid. 

Smarter Faster Payments 2026 will be at the San Diego Convention Center April 26-29, but many attendees are planning to arrive early or stay late to enjoy the area. Kuperschmid has no shortage of ideas on things to do, though one clearly tops his list. 

“You have to go to Balboa Park,” Kuperschmid told Nacha’s Payments SmartCast podcast. “It is the home to the San Diego Zoo, which is a world-class zoo.” But that’s not all it offers. 

“We have 17 different museums and arts venues that are in Balboa Park that are just incredible,” said Kuperschmid. 

What else? “I think just strolling through South Park is incredibly amazing, there’s shops and dining and it’s kind of a bohemian experience,” said Kuperschmid. Another suggestion: take a 10-minute ferry ride to Coronado to watch the sunset from the beach. 

And while attendees benefit from the sessions, keynotes, exhibit hall and networking at Payments, it doesn’t all happen by waving a magic wand. An incredible amount of work goes into planning Payments every year, and Renee Shipe, CMP, Nacha Director, Meetings Management and Conference Registration, is part of that team. 

“Nacha looks and plans for locations across the country that are central to payments,” said Shipe. “We love San Diego—I can’t say that enough. It’s a quick trip to and from the airport, and everything you need is walkable from your hotel. The area around the conference center is truly in the heart of downtown San Diego.” 

And while it has the beach, the attractions, the restaurants, San Diego is more than just a pretty face. 

“There’s a tremendous amount of brainpower in San Diego,” said Kuperschmid. “We are a center for innovation, and a center for arts and culture innovation as well.” 

Much more was discussed, and you can listen to the complete podcast below. 

For details on Smarter Faster Payments 2026, visit the conference website.