Leap forward: …

Pioneering the Future of AI in Financial Services at the Inaugural Leap Forward Conference

When visionary companies want to "leap forward," not inch forward, in adopting AI for financial services, seamless event execution and innovative attendee engagement are essential. For its inaugural Leap Forward event, USAM Group partnered with MAP Digital to design a frictionless, content-rich experience — despite the event’s high stakes, cutting-edge technology topics, and demanding audience.

Sizing Up the Situation — Challenge & Context

USAM Group Inc., a leader in fintech, set out to produce an event where industry experts, founders, and tech innovators would share real-world strategies for embedding AI into finance — from data prep to secure deployment. With the rapid evolution of AI, the event needed to deliver more than just panels; it had to foster knowledge-sharing and actionable outcomes, all while delighting seasoned Wall Street professionals.

MAP Digital was tapped for the challenge, leveraging over 20 years of hybrid and digital event experience. Their mission:

  • Integrate best-in-class event technology

  • Remove friction at every attendee touchpoint

  • Capture and share AI insights for ongoing community engagement

The Pivot — How MAP Digital Delivered

Fast Pass Badging & Frictionless Entry:
MAP Digital deployed its Fast Pass Badging, enabling attendees to download event credentials directly to their digital wallets. This innovation dramatically reduced registration lines, enabling secure, touchless, instant access and setting a benchmark for fintech conference experiences13.

Flawless Production, Real-Time Engagement:
Using the MetaMeetings platform, all sessions were delivered seamlessly, blending in-person energy with robust virtual features. MAP Digital provided:

  • Real-time technical support and speaker management

  • Secure virtual conference rooms as needed

  • Broadcast-quality video throughout

AI-Powered Content and Post-Event Value:
To ensure the discussion didn’t end with the closing keynote, MAP Digital’s platform generated AI-powered video content snippets, amplifying expert insights for ongoing marketing and knowledge-sharing. This extended the conversation and delivered continuous value to both attendees and those unable to be present live1.

Interactivity & Strategic Outcomes

Agenda & Interactivity:
Select highlights included:

  • Actionable sessions on AI strategy in finance, risk, and data integration

  • Interactive Q&A, facilitated by MetaMeetings’ "Ask a Question" feature

  • Thought leadership from voices like Dan Schleifer (interop.io), Pete Goddard (Deephaven Data Labs), and Chris van Es (Instil), covering digital transformation, cloud for Wall Street, and best practices in AI team building1

Results & Strategic Outcomes:

  • Instantaneous Registration: Fast Pass Badging delivered seamless entry, maximizing participant time for core business activities3.

  • Real-World Impact: Attendees left with frameworks and solutions for true digital transformation, ready to orchestrate AI in ways that harmonize people, data, and systems124.

  • Content Long-Tail: AI-driven snippets ensured knowledge lived beyond the event, supporting content marketing and future community building1.

  • Platform Reliability: MetaMeetings’ all-in-one SaaS platform managed webcast, session content, and attendee analytics from a single dashboard — “flawless execution,” per attendee reviews and client quotes.

Testimonials

“At USAM, we really try to work with companies that are doing something different that’s going to help you leap forward. You want to go with some newer, younger, more nimble companies. And that is literally what this event is about.”
—Feargal O’Sullivan, CEO of USAM Group 1

“Fast Pass Badging is a game changer. Our clients were conducting business in record time. Everyone was surprised and delighted. All I saw were smiles. Thank you.”
—Fintech Event Attendee 3

MAP Digital: MetaMeetings — Enterprise-Grade Event Platform

MetaMeetings proved once again to be the platform of choice for ambitious events. With API workflow integration, content curation, live/virtual hybrid capability, robust compliance, and analytics — all managed by a single dashboard — MAP Digital delivers events that accelerate business, not just celebrate it.

Key Features Delivered:

  • Fast Pass Badging and wallet integration for instant, secure check-in

  • Seamless production for live and virtual participation

  • AI-powered post-event content generation

  • Proven reliability for mission-critical, KPI-driven conferences13

MAP Digital and USAM Group’s collaboration at Leap Forward Conference set a new standard for digital transformation events in finance — combining flawless execution with a forward-looking content and community strategy.

For additional information about the Leap Forward Conference and MetaMeetings, contact MAP Digital.