From Load-In to Last Session: PSP Exhibitions were proud to support Pay360 2026
Pay360, run by The Payments Association, is one of the UK's leading payments industry conferences. Bringing together thousands of professionals from across financial services, fintech, and retail, the 2026 edition centred on the theme 'Tech Horizons: Payments' Next Quantum Leap.' For PSP Exhibitions, this was a brand new client relationship and a significant production challenge: seven fully branded conference theatres, running simultaneously, each requiring a complete technical solution.
The Brief
The Payments Association needed a technical production partner capable of delivering across a complex, multi-theatre environment to an exceptionally high standard. With seven theatres operating in parallel, a packed programme of keynotes, panels and presentations, and a large exhibiting audience moving between spaces throughout the day, consistency and reliability were non-negotiable.
Critically, inclusivity was a core requirement, not an afterthought. The client was clear from the outset: every attendee, regardless of ability, should be able to fully access and participate in the event. That shaped every technical decision PSP made.
The full scope of delivery included:
• 7 conference theatres with full AV production
• 38 exhibition screens
• 2 Project Managers
• 22 technicians and 14 local crew
• 2 articulated lorries and 1 17-tonne vehicle for logistics
• 12 prep crew
The Delivery
PSP Exhibition’s approach was to treat each theatre as its own production, while maintaining a consistent technical standard across the entire show. Every space was built around a bespoke set design, developed collaboratively with the client and submitted in advance to structural engineers Campbell and Reith for sign-off. From the main stage to the smaller breakout theatres, the build quality and attention to detail was the same throughout.
Inclusivity ran through every element of the technical design. BSL interpreters were present on Day 1, and five of the six conference theatres were configured with dedicated signing areas, each with a dedicated screen and foldback monitor so interpreters could communicate clearly with delegates. Microphone headsets in a range of skin tones were provided across all theatres. Microsoft 365 PowerPoint was configured to deliver live subtitles throughout. Hearing loop systems were installed across the relevant spaces, ensuring delegates using digital hearing aids could access audio without compromise. Ramp access was built into the front of every stage.
This level of inclusive provision was the result of a close working relationship with the client and a genuine commitment to getting the detail right.
On the production side, the d&b audio systems specified for the main theatres delivered clear, consistent sound across every session. The 12-channel Axient Digital wireless microphone systems provided flexibility across the programme, with a mix of DPA headsets and handhelds available per theatre depending on the session format. Twin laptop control systems, video switchers, fibre distribution, confidence monitors and countdown clocks ensured presenters and crew could operate with precision throughout the day.
Lighting across the theatres used a combination of LED uplighters and front-of-house LED rigs, with Astera tubes and moving lights used selectively to bring drama to the larger, more prominent stages. The open-format Global Exchange theatres were configured differently to the black-draped conference rooms, with the set and lighting scheme adapted to suit spaces that remained visible to the wider exhibition floor.
Theatre by Theatre
Big Picture Theatre: The flagship space featured twin 2.6mm Unilumin LED walls at 4.5 x 2.5 metres, integrated into a fully bespoke set. The d&b digital audio system supported eight DPA headsets feeding into the 12-channel Axient Digital wireless rack, alongside four handheld options. A dual-laptop control system ran alongside a two-camera recording setup. FOH LED lighting on large floor-based wind-up stands was complemented by set uplighters and Astera tubes to give the stage its character.
Merchant Transact Conference: A bespoke set incorporating a 1.9mm LED wall at 3 x 2 metres. The d&b audio system again ran through the 12-channel Axient Digital rack, with a twin-laptop control system managing switching, fibre video distribution, countdown clock and slide control. Moving lights built into the set added visual depth alongside the LED uplighters and FOH rig.
Resilience and Transformation Theatre: A bespoke set with an 85-inch screen, twin comfort monitors and an audio system configured for up to eight microphones across headsets and handhelds. LED uplighters and a FOH LED rig completed the setup.
Global Exchange Theatres: Two open-format theatres, each built around a bespoke curved set with a centrally placed screen and a sound system supporting eight microphone channels. One of the Global Exchange spaces was fitted with Portman lights to bring additional visual drama to the stage. Both theatres were designed to work within the open exhibition environment, without the benefit of full blackout draping.
Connections Lounge: These consisted of 6 fully controllable agenda screens in portrait mode and working alongside the on-site stand builder, PSP built two reception walls with stand off signage and fun additional Astera tubes were positioned to give eye catching entrance ways.
The Result
Pay360 2026 ran across seven theatres simultaneously, delivering a packed programme to thousands of delegates without technical interruption. The inclusive provisions, from BSL signing areas and hearing loop systems through to Microsoft 365 live subtitles and skin-tone microphone options, ensured the event was fully accessible to all attendees.
The bespoke set designs, built to structural specification and tailored to each theatre's purpose, gave the event a coherent visual identity while allowing each space to feel distinct. The crew's ability to manage a show of this scale, across multiple simultaneous sessions and a large exhibition floor, was central to the day running as smoothly as it did.
This was a strong first project with The Payments Association and a clear demonstration of what PSP brings to complex, multi-space conference environments.
“Cards on the table…I’d worked with PSP before I started working for TPA a year ago. But new role, fresh start… which meant a full tender process across five suppliers, with a clear brief: reduce costs, and level up the look and feel of the event. To most Ops folk, this brief is enough to evoke an eye roll, so you can imagine my excitement when PSP came out on top! Not just commercially but on design too, which is a pretty rare combo.
We had a lot to deliver on a tight budget including elevating paid conferences from projection to LED, switching up stage graphics across both days, introducing T-Coil hearing loops in addition to the standard, and having speakers + headphones on all conferences.
PSP delivered it all to a high standard, and with care. I can’t fault them! They were responsive throughout, and Trudy was as solid as ever. Even when she briefly stepped away onto another project, her cover Ben was just as strong.
Would I recommend them? Absolutely! And I’d back that with the fact that I’ve just asked for a three-year contract.” - Head of Operations - The Payments Association
When the brief demands consistency at scale,
PSP Exhibtions delivers – proud to be Your Team Behind the Scenes.