Last week I was a Money20/20 beginner!! It didn’t take me long to realise what makes this event so special. It’s the people. Away from our desks and Zoom calls, the energy shifts – conversations spark effortlessly, connections form in unexpected moments, and a shared enthusiasm propels everything forward. 

What was equally evident was the breadth of brands across financial services and the way their personalities came to life in person. The stage of growth they’re in, the drivers of their success, their brand presence and the creativity of those behind making it all happen were evident in a very different way. The eco-system wasn’t just visible; it was in motion, shaping the industry and fuelling a collective momentum to progress and make a difference.

I travelled to the event with two hats on – representing Vested and as a member of Financial Narrative, the world’s largest networking organisation for marketing and communications professionals in financial services. Experiencing the event through both lenses made one thing clear: while every brand was focused on making a strong impression, getting the attention it needed, ensuring their spokespeople performed well on stage, and their market announcements landed, there was equally a strong desire for meaningful connection. Marketing and comms professionals wanted space to exchange ideas, talk through challenges and gain deeper industry insights. The energy wasn’t just about visibility, it was about engagement, learning and building relationships that extended beyond the event itself. 

Money20/20 was a whirlwind. From spending time on the ‘beach’ to networking on a boat, earning gold coins, chairing a panel and hosting a dinner, it was a jam-packed few days. There’s something about in-person events, about shared experiences, the unplanned conversations and the tangible energy that reminds us why these events matter. I saw it, felt it and lived it. Yet, in all the excitement, I never quite made the time to queue for the Visa F1 Lego car!