We headed back to Austin and broke another attendance record for ARC Payments Forum 2026.

ARC brought together payment experts, technology companies, agencies and airlines for the annual event to discuss the most relevant topics and trends in travel payments.

This year’s group included over 160 attendees from 70 different companies connected across the industry. Many attendees were making their first ARC Payments Forum appearance.

ARC values the opportunity to host this event because it allows you to hear directly from industry experts and from us about what we are working on.

I kicked off the forum by giving an industry overview followed by an update on ARC Direct Connect, the importance of data quality, chargebacks and other ARC Initiatives like Multiple Forms of Payments.

We also heard from Hansini Sharma, ARC’s Managing Director of Industry Standards & Best Practices, who spoke with Acquis Consulting Group's Chloe Carver about card data in the corporate travel market.

Other ARC speakers included Sarah Boyd, ARC’s Principal of Airline Retailing Solutions, and Cornelius Hattingh, ARC’s Director of Revenue Integrity, Accreditation & Compliance. Sarah explored how the industry's transition to orders will impact payments. Cornelius moderated a panel on fraud with Southwest Airlines, Riskified and Elavon.

Other sessions explored how evolving payment technologies are shaping the airline industry. We covered everything from frictionless checkout and authentication improvements to the growing role of digital wallets, real-time payments and alternative payment methods.

There was also a strong focus on connecting payments, data and loyalty strategies, along with practical discussions on managing chargebacks, improving payment acceptance and navigating fraud and risk in a complex environment.

As the industry continues to move toward offers and orders, conversations throughout the forum highlighted the importance of data, collaboration and adaptability in supporting what comes next.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting ARC Payments Forum. Your partnership plays an important role in bringing the industry together and making these conversations possible.

ARC will continue to bring the industry together to tackle the biggest obstacles impacting payments. We look forward to seeing you again next year.