As the Platinum Sponsor for the 2015 FSTA Summer Conference in New York City, Optimal Payments takes on a highly visible role in the event. Neil Erlick, executive vice president of business development for Optimal Payments discusses why it is important to stay connected at the 2015 Summer Conference:

FSTA: What is the value to your company of an FSTA sponsorship?

Erlick: Optimal Payments is the industry leader in providing our payment solutions to the fantasy sports industry. By sponsoring the event, it continues to give us good exposure, and solidifies our overall commitment to the fantasy sports industry as a whole. We are big believers in giving back and sponsoring the FSTA conferences allows us to do so.

FSTA: As the industry continues to grow, why is attending the FSTA Summer Conference so important?

Erlick: The industry as a whole has evolved so much in the past two years with daily fantasy sports being the catalyst. It is imperative to stay connected and in tune with all the latest developments within the industry. The program at the FSTA Summer Conference provides attendees with the most relevant industry updates and information.

FSTA: What should first-time attendees do to make this a successful conference?

Erlick: Attend every session. The fantasy industry is multi-faceted, and the sessions are incredibly informative. The great part about the show is that even though it continues to grow each year, it’s still very intimate, which allows you to network and meet most of the attendees. The FSTA after party and cocktails are great networking sessions.

FSTA: What are the important topics that you are interested in hearing more about during the conference? Is there a ‘can’t-miss’ session for you?

Erlick: There are so many amazing sessions, such as broadcasting, marketing, etc. The sessions getting the most attention will probably be the compliance and legal updates. They are all fascinating. It’s one thing to operate a great product, but it’s equally important that you do so while remaining compliant. As an industry, we want to collectively work to protect the overall integrity of the industry.

FSTA: When the conference is over, what will you hope to take away from the two days in New York?

Erlick: We hope to learn about all the new developments within the industry, and meet as many new people as we can. We want people to know that Optimal Payments is committed to the growth of the fantasy industry and a great partner for operators around the world.

 The 2015 FSTA Summer Conference is June 22-23 at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Hotel in New York City. Registration for this event is still open. To register, go to www.fstaconference.com.