Hi everyone
Happy Friday!
We have some developments this week and I thought I would share and get your input.
Some board members have inquired about Sage Summit and whether or not we would be involved. Initially, there was not much interest. But this past week, I have had conversations with Board Members.
For several months, PAYA has been wanting to join. I have delayed getting past MOTM 2023 out for consideration for Fortis. However, I want them to join.
We also have spoken to AvidXchange about joining 90 Minds and I am in the process of onboarding them already.
Worth noting, the relationship between Fortis and Paya is not good and they are in a sense, direct competitors. I hesitated to sign up Paya out of loyalty to Fortis as a top sponsor of MOTM. So this could create some negative feelings with Fortis. But I do not believe it is our job to manage the competition.
I believe we should have no limitations on Affiliate Members, we should be as inclusive as possible and give our members as many choices and information as possible. I wanted to get through MOTM 2023 and give Fortis that space which we did. I now believe the time is right to allow Paya to join. Also, its a good business decision, with this membership and sponsorship potentially bringing in $20k+ this next year.
As part of these discussions (as with all sponsor conversations) Paya has offered the following:
Co-Sponsorship Happy Hour Event at Summit
Just so we're clear we (Paya/Nuvei) are offering the co-sponsorship at no cost to 90Minds to help promote and kick off our involvement with the group. So long as your board is ok with the participation we would include 90Minds and a pass for Anne to Sage Partner Summit to attend.
My ask is we get consideration at MOTM 24 in Palm Springs to present to the group a reintroduction of Paya and our teams and innovation we've done over the past year (by MOTM it will be 24 months). Otherwise there are really no strings attached. We will pay our membership and sponsorships like everyone else. We just want to have a seat at the table and be active contributors to 90Minds!
Also this week, I learned about this event with several of our current Sponsors (including Fortis):
Summit After Dark Tickets, Mon, May 22, 2023 at 8:00 PM | EventbriteSo we have been in discussion about me attending these separate events on behalf of 90 Minds. Sage was unwilling to give me any sort of pass or ticket but Paya will as a sponsor. I have already registered for the Fortis/Scanco Event.
I did do a budget check on this and this is what I see in terms of costs right now:
The Conference Hotel was $1500 for two nights, I was able to secure another hotel connected to the same property for $600 for two nights.
Hotel: $600
Parking: $80
Travel Costs (air or drive): $350
F&B: $200
I believe I can attend for less than $1500.00. This event is sold out.
Some questions:
1. Are you going?
2. Do you know who is?
3. Should we Co-Sponsor Happy Hour with Paya and AvidXchange (maybe other sponsor additions to this)?
4. Is it worth the expense or the grief?
5. Should I approach Fortis for the same arrangement?
6. Or just give them a heads-up?
I would love your input so comment away!
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Anne Sawyer
Executive Director
90 Minds, Inc. 1
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