Welcome back to The Paycast Network! If you prefer reading over listening or just want a quick scannable recap of our latest episode, you are in the right place.
In this episode, host Chase sits down for an action-packed roundtable with John McCormick from GCF and the Southeast Acquirers Association (SEAA), alongside recurring favorite industry agents, Carlos and Jason.
With the 25th Anniversary of the SEAA Conference just around the corner, this episode serves as the ultimate guide for what to expect, how to prepare, and why this year’s venue is bound to be legendary.
A Quick Trip Down Memory Lane: Pre-Show Trivia
Before diving into the main event, the crew warmed up with some high-pressure sales history trivia. Test your own knowledge on these industry milestones:
- The 1950s “Sales Caravans”: Long before massive modern convention centers existed, tech and appliance giants like IBM and General Electric (GE) chartered entire fleets of trains and buses. They moved their sales forces collectively across the country for regional pep rallies.
- “See You at the Top”: The legendary 1980s motivational speaker whose philosophy inspired generations of professionals was none other than Zig Ziglar. His famous mantra still rings true in merchant services today: “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”
Why SEAA is the Ultimate Launchpad for New Agents
For newer independent agents, large merchant services conferences can sometimes feel overwhelming. Jason asked John a critical question: Why should a new agent make the trip down to Miami for SEAA?
John’s answer highlights exactly what makes SEAA unique: It intentionally levels the playing field.
- No Mega-Booths, Just Value: In the exhibit hall, you won’t see multi-million dollar double-decker booths overshadowing smaller companies. Every single vendor—from multi-billion dollar conglomerates to brand-new tech startups—gets the exact same size table.
- Built for Real Connections: This standard setup shifts the focus away from flash and corporate hierarchy, placing it entirely on networking, sharing insights, and eye-to-eye conversations.
- A Culture of Mentorship: The merchant services field can occasionally feel isolated since most agents operate as independent 1099 contractors. SEAA acts as a community hub where competitors openly share tips and seasoned veterans look out for newcomers.
“Say hello to people. Don’t be afraid to walk into a circle. That’s how you make connections. You might feel like you’re on an island out there as an independent agent, but here you have a massive network of peers ready to support you.” — Carlos
The Venue: Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Mark your calendars: This year’s conference runs from June 8th to June 10th, 2026, at the historic Fontainebleau Miami Beach.
John strongly recommends that attendees book their rooms directly at the resort using the SEAA group rate. Not only is the property world-class, but staying on-site ensures you don’t miss out on the organic networking that happens late at night by the famous Blue Bar.
The Weekend Schedule At-A-Glance:
- Sunday Afternoon: An casual “Sunday Funday” pool party to kick off the early networking.
- Sunday Night (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM): The official Welcome Party. If the Miami weather permits, it will be held outdoors on the South Ocean Lawn; if it’s a bit too humid, the party will move into the air-conditioned elegance of the Fleur de Lis ballroom.
- Monday & Tuesday: The main exhibit hall, educational tracks, and brand-new event features.
Dress Code Tip: Leave the heavy three-piece suits at home! The standard attire for the event is resort casual. It’s Miami, it’s summer, and everyone wants to stay comfortable while doing business. (Just note: John has officially drawn the line at Speedos!).
Breaking New Ground: Introducing “Payments Connection”
One of the most exciting updates for the 25th anniversary is the evolution of SEAA’s classic “Demo Days” into a brand-new format called Payments Connection.
John describes it as “speed dating for payment products.” Here is how it works:
- The advisory committee vets dozens of applicants and selects 10 exhibitors showcasing unique, cutting-edge products.
- These exhibitors are split across two dedicated rooms, each set up with standard cocktail tables.
- Attendees rotate through the tables, getting a highly focused 5-minute introduction to each product.
- A designated “traffic cop” rings a bell every five minutes to keep the crowd moving seamlessly.
This rapid-fire format is a massive win for agents looking to diversify their portfolios. Finding unique, value-add solutions makes your merchant accounts significantly “stickier,” effectively slashing merchant attrition and protecting your long-term residual streams.
The 2026 Keynote Speaker: Jon Dorenbos
SEAA conferences are famous for bringing in powerhouse keynote speakers, and this year is no exception. The 2026 presenter is Jon Dorenbos.
If you’re an NFL fan or an avid viewer of America’s Got Talent, you likely already know his name. Dorenbos spent 14 seasons in the NFL, notably playing as a Pro Bowl long snapper for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is also a world-class professional magician who placed third on AGT.
However, his presentation goes far deeper than card tricks and football stories. After enduring unimaginable family trauma at the age of 12, Dorenbos used magic as a tool for healing, mental focus, and survival. His keynote is a breathtaking, high-energy masterclass on resilience, forgiveness, teamwork, and building a positive vision. It’s a must-watch session that promises to leave the room inspired.
Catch The Paycast Network Live!
As an official media partner, The Paycast Network will be set up right outside the main expo hall throughout the entire event. We will be conducting interviews with top industry leaders, catching up with friends, and playing our favorite road game: “Sell Me the Duck!”
Stop by our booth, say hello to Chase and the crew, test your sales chops by trying to sell us a rubber duck, and you might just walk away with an awesome prize.
For registration links, hotel bookings, or to submit questions to the advisory board, head over to the official website at southeastacquirers.com. We will see you in Miami!