Payments Conference
2025
EPCOR's Paymentspalooza
This isn’t just any conference, it’s Paymentspalooza – the ultimate fusion of payments professionals, industry experts and innovative solution providers! Get ready to dive into a mosh pit of groundbreaking ideas as industry leaders take the stage to share insights on important topics impacting the payments industry. This is the event to engage in back-stage-level networking and jam out with multiple education tracks headlining recent and upcoming advancements in payments.
Earn up to 14.7 AAP/APRP credits and 2.4 NCP credit are available to conference attendees. Gain an additional 3.3 AAP/APRP credits by attending the preconference workshop.
October 6 – 8
Fall 2025
EventSpeakers
EventSessions
Days ofLearning
Can’t make it? Check out Virtual Paymentspalooza
Payments Extravaganza
Connect with industry experts, your peers and fresh ideas - all in Overland Park!
Featured
Experts
Industry leaders take the stage to share insights on payments industry challenges and initiatives.
Peter Davey
PaymentsJedi Advisory
Stephanie Tisch, AAP
ePayResources
Steve Douglass, CTP
The Clearing House
Will K. Grace
DeNovo Treasury
Sharon Lewis
Oklahoma Bankers Association
Paul Long
Fundamism
Reed Luhtanen
U.S. Faster Payments Council
Christine Mayes
Corporate One Federal Credit Union
Nanci McKenzie JM, AAP, APRP
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
John Min
Monex
Kevin Miyamoto
Identifee
Tristan Thompson
Central Bank
Michael Timoney
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
Lance Wagner
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Event Line-up
Jam out with platinum key-notes, information-packed education tracks and back-stage-level networking. Enhance your experience by adding our pre-conference workshop 'opener'.
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9:00 AM
Preconference Workshop A
ACH Reclamations and Garnishments
Shelly Sipple, AAP, APRP, NCP, EPCOR
What are your responsibilities when you learn of an account holder’s death? Are you responsible to actfor acting upon a word-of-mouth notification that the account holder is deceased? Are you required to return post-death payments, or can you wait for a reclamation? Find answers to these questions and compare and contrast your financial institution’s liability under the ACH Rules and 31 CFR Part 210 related to post-death benefit payments. Understand your liability according to what type of payment is the payment type received and how to limit your liabilityit. We’ll also discus discuss the impact of signing a Master Agreement and which payments are exempt from garnishment.
*Separate registration is required and space is limited. Register early as session will likely sell out.
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9:00 AM
Preconference Workshop B
Navigating Reg E
Emily Nelson, AAP, APRP, AFPP, NCP, EPCOR
Understanding Regulation E and how to apply it within the different payment systems can be challenging. Join us to discuss how Regulation E affects ACH and debit card payment systems and evaluate some best practices. Together, we will walk through scenarios to test your knowledge in applying Regulation E to different situations that arise in your day-to-day operations.
*Separate registration is required and space is limited. Register early as session will likely sell out.
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1:00 PM
Opening Comments
Brandie Thacker, AAP CAE, President & CEO, EPCOR; James Carrick, Vice President, Education, EPCOR
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1:15 PM
General Session
Payments Industry Update: A Fireside Chat
Lance Wagner, Federal Reserve Financial Services; Michael Herd, Nacha; Steve Douglass, The Clearing House
We’re kicking off with all the news and information you need to successfully navigate the ever-changing world of payments. Join us for a candid conversation with payments industry experts, as we dive into the many nuances of the payments world and explore everything from fraud and compliance to trends and new developments.
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2:30 PM
Breakout Session
The Latest in Check Fraud Schemes, Responses and Mitigation Strategies
Marcy Cauthon, AAP, APRP, AFPP, NCP, EPCOR
Today, online platforms have better security than years past, and fraudsters have moved back to physical item fraud through altering, forging or counterfeiting checks. Paper checks are being stolen from the mail, used improperly with Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) services and easily replicated with check stock and printers available from retailers. Together, we’ll discuss how financial institutions could respond to different types of fraud and walk through real-time solutions to help reduce the incidence of fraud.
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2:30 PM
Breakout Session
Pay by Bank: Opportunities for Open Banking and ACH Payments
Michael Herd, Nacha
Pay by Bank has become a common term over the last several years. But what does it really mean? From checks and debit cards to ACH debits, a number of diverse payment methods enable payments to be made from a bank account. But is that what industry participants really mean when promoting Pay by Bank? In this session, Nacha representative Michael Herd will cover the ongoing work of its Pay by Bank project team, whose mission is to generate consensus among industry participants on the meaning of Pay by Bank, articulate Pay by Bank use cases and identify any novel risks. Herd will also present the results of qualitative and quantitative research on how Pay by Bank is being used and described in the marketplace, and whether it is recognized and understood by consumers.
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2:30 PM
Breakout Session
Remote Authentication Fraud
Michael Timoney, CFE, CTP, Federal Reserve Financial Services
There has been a radical shift in mobile and digital payments, and fraudsters have adjusted their attack vectors accordingly. The increase in remote payments, with authentication practices struggling to keep pace, leads to significant fraud losses. Join us to examine the dynamic remote authentication fraud landscape and how we must band together to demonstrate agility in our response. We will also cover the inconsistencies of current authentication methods, which add to the continued rise in fraud.
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2:30 PM
Breakout Session
See Instant Payments in Action with QR Codes
Sarah Hoisington, Matera; Keith Riddle, Payfinia; Peter Tapling, APRP, PTap Advisory, LLC
In this live demo, we’ll show how scanning a QR Code with a mobile app can instantly move money from one bank account to another in seconds. You’ll see a real payment happen in real time, using the new U.S. QR code standard developed by X9. We’ll explain how it works behind the scenes, how it connects across financial institutions and payment networks and why it could make instant payments easier for everyone, especially consumers and small businesses.
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3:45 PM
General Session
The Payments Beer Nerds Happy Hour
Peter Tapling, APRP, PTap Advisory, LLC, Peter Davey, PaymentsJedi Advisory, Brandie Thacker, AAP, CAE, EPCOR, Stephanie Tisch Davey, ePayResources and Reed Luhtanen, U.S. Faster Payments Council
There are lots of people who know a thing or two about payments. There are lots of people who know a thing or two about beer. But how many people know things or twos about payments and beers? The payments beer nerds will discuss the latest trends affecting payments while sipping on frosty beverages.
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4:45 PM
Gala Reception
Join us for selfies, caricatures, fun and refreshments!
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8:00 AM
General Session
What's Next with the Economy and the Effect on Your Financial Institution
John Min, Monex
Join one of the industry’s leading economists to gain insight into the latest economic trends and what’s ahead. Learn about how recent developments may affect financial institutions’ operations and gain additional understanding of the latest consumer payments trends. We’ll examine emerging trends, regulatory developments and the role of technology in driving speed, transparency and cost-efficiency across global transactions. Discover how financial institutions and Fintechs are responding to consumer demands, adapting to new standards like ISO 20022 and navigating the challenges of interoperability and compliance. Whether you're in strategy, operations or technology, this session will equip you with practical knowledge to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market.
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9:15 AM
Breakout Session
ACH Rules Update and Initiatives
Shelly Sipple, AAP, APRP, NCP, EPCOR
Ensure your organization is current on new ACH Rules amendments and recent Nacha initiatives. We’ll review the 2026 rules aimed at mitigating credit-push fraud through strengthening ACH origination controls and improving the recovery of funds. We’ll discuss the latest initiatives within the ACH Network.
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9:15 AM
Breakout Session
Authentication and Authority in Online Payments
Scott Jones, Adams and Reese LLC
What is authentication? Is it different than authority? These concepts are the foundation of enforcing payments and transactions, especially in an increasingly digital world. Fully understanding these concepts and ensuring your institution has solid policies and procedures in place to obtain them is critical. There is no single "right" way to authenticate an account holder and to ensure they are authorized. However, this session will look at the law and best practices and will consider changes in technology and industry trends.
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9:15 AM
Breakout Session
What’s New at Nacha in 2025
Michael Herd, Nacha
As the backbone of the payments system, the ACH Network has experienced unprecedented growth and evolution in recent years, driven by innovation and industry demand. With record-breaking payments volume and value last year, the ACH Network continues to work and grow. Same Day ACH is stronger than ever, as the $1 million per-payment limit makes it an even more attractive option. Join us to learn about the most common and fastest-growing ACH use cases. We’ll also look at Nacha’s new Risk Management Framework and what your institution can do to reduce the incidence of successful fraud and improve the recovery of funds within the ACH Network.
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9:15 AM
Breakout Session
Immediate Payments: Elevating Your Financial Institution with Send
Christine Mayes, Corporate One Federal Credit Union
Expand beyond Receive-Only capabilities on the RTP® Network and the FedNow® Service to unlock the full potential of immediate payments with Send. This session will guide you through the transformation from Receive-Only to Send, demonstrating how adopting this profile can enhance your financial institution’s competitiveness, streamline operations and boost member satisfaction. We’ll cover the key benefits, trending use cases, strategic implementation insights and actionable steps to seamlessly integrate this advanced payment option into your financial institution’s operations. Additionally, we will also look ahead to Request for Payment and what this capability might mean for the industry. Join us and learn how to take your payment services to the next level.
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10:25 AM
Breakout Session
Outlook On Payments: How the Landscape Is Evolving Since the Launch of FedNow®
Lance Wagner, Federal Reserve Financial Services
The FedNow® Service enables financial institutions to offer innovative instant payments solutions that support a broad range of transaction types and use cases for your clients. Join a Federal Reserve executive to learn about FedNow® functionality, current use case opportunities, current adoption trends and the latest developments affecting the future of the service. And for those of you who were early instant payments adopters receiving instant payments, we will discuss how to enter the world of sending instant payments. Expect to learn how, with a little advance planning, you can work to productize and monetize instant payments.
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10:25 AM
Breakout Session
Debit Card Error Resolution: What Does Reg E Say, or Not Say, About Investigations?
Diana Kern, SHAZAM
Only your organization can make the final call on whether an error occurred. Regulation E is a straightforward concept, yet the language can be complicated and applying the regulation to each situation is often not a black-or-white matter. Add to that the fact that much of the language was written decades ago. Join Diana and your peers to identify the stated requirements, compare investigative techniques and craft some best practices you can implement immediately.
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10:25 AM
Breakout Session
Developing and Executing a Payments Strategy
Tristan Thompson, AFPP, Central Bank; Brian Dao, AAP, EPCOR
As financial institutions face increased competition, regulatory complexity and shifting consumer expectations, developing a robust payments strategy is critical for remaining competitive and ensuring long-term success. This session will provide attendees with tools and insights necessary to build, refine and execute a payments strategy that aligns with both market demands and organizational goals.
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10:25 AM
Breakout Session
Don’t Compete for Fraud Losses – Building a Strong Collaboration Network!
Sharon Lewis, Oklahoma Bankers Association
The industry has seen an Increase in fraud losses over the last five years. And since criminals are collaborating, why aren’t financial institutions? Together, we’ll discuss building your own local network groups and utilizing existing networks to gain information. We’ll also look at collaboration-generated case examples and success stories.
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11:35 AM
Vendor Showcases
Nacha, Finzley and The Clearing House
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12:00 PM
Networking Lunch and Core Provider Roundtable Discussions
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1:10 PM
Breakout Session
RTP® Network and Rules Update with The Clearing House
Did you know that 90% of financial institutions that are on the RTP® Network are community banks and credit unions? Coming off a record year with 343 million transactions valued at $246 billion, the RTP® Network continues to attract more businesses and consumers. To meet the rising demand for real-time payments, many financial institutions are working with Third-Party Service Providers (TPSPs) to integrate instant capabilities into their offerings. Find out how financial institutions are leveraging the network to increase client satisfaction and reclaim payment flows by allowing clients to use instant payments for a variety of use cases, including wallet defunding, payroll, auto lending and title insurance. Learn how the latest rules and changes to the network can transform your operations and client retention strategies when you join the network.
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1:10 PM
Breakout Session
ACH Rules Violation and Arbitration Processes
Emily Nelson, AAP, APRP, AFPP, NCP; EPCOR
You sent an NOC—not once, but ten times! And… no one cares. You called the ODFI, and still nothing. So, what do you do when you can’t get anywhere? Join us to learn about the ACH Rules enforcement process, including the National System of Fines and arbitration. We’ll work through real-life case studies related to both.
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1:10 PM
Breakout Session
The Changing Landscape of Debit Card Fraud and Error Claim Compliance
Diana Kern, SHAZAM
Debit cards are a staple payment method. Their convenience and ease of use make them an attractive option despite an ever-changing payments environment. But, like all payment methods, there are risks and fraud elements to understand. This session covers processes for handling errors, including unauthorized claims, while ensuring compliance with Regulation E and the card networks. We’ll examine requirements for processing cardholder claims, following the global networks’ chargeback rules and managing time frames for merchants and card issuers.
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1:10 PM
Breakout Session
Quantum-Safe: Protecting Payments in the Quantum Era
Peter Tapling, PTAP Advisory; Nanci Mckenzie, Federal Reserve Financial Services
As the quantum era approaches, leaders in the payments industry must future-proof payment systems and protect financial operations. Hear insights from the technology and financial services sectors that draw from a leading quantum payments project team's whitepaper to explore quantum and guide institutions toward quantum-safe status.
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2:20 PM
Breakout Session
It’s Not Cyber, It’s Social
Michael Burke, SHAZAM
Learn to identify and define social engineering, whether it's client social or staff social. In this session, we’ll provide current statistics and examples to keep you in the know on social engineering red flags.
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2:20 PM
Breakout Session
AI-Powered Treasury: How Community Banks Are Winning with Smart Automation
Will Grace, DeNovo Treasury, Kevin Miyamoto, Identifee
Community financial institutions face mounting pressure to deliver enterprise-level treasury services while managing costs and complexity. This panel brings together treasury experts and AI innovators to explore how smaller institutions are leveraging intelligent automation to compete with larger banks, streamline operations, and enhance client experiences. Through real-world case studies and benchmark insights, panelists will demonstrate practical AI applications that are already transforming treasury management—from payment processing and risk assessment to client onboarding and relationship management. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for identifying automation opportunities and implementing AI solutions that deliver measurable ROI while maintaining the personal touch that defines community banking.
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2:20 PM
Breakout Session
Turning Instant Payments into Business Value: Monetizing RTP® and FedNow®
Chris Banks, Finzly
Instant payments via RTP® and FedNow® are picking up speed, but can financial institutions tap into their full potential? While Europe has made instant payment capabilities mandatory for financial institutions, the U.S. is still lagging behind. How close are we to catching up? Businesses are increasingly looking for solutions that solve real-world problems. Instant payments have the power to address key business pain points, like managing cash flow, improving real-time reconciliation and speeding up cross-border transactions. This is where the real need lies, and the opportunity for financial institutions to add value. This session will explore how financial institutions can turn instant payments from a “nice-to-have” into a “must-have” business solution. What are the trendsetter organizations doing to monetize this shift? How can other financial institutions leverage the right tools and strategies to attract corporate clients and treasurers? Join us to uncover how financial institutions can turn instant payments into new revenue streams.
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2:20 PM
Breakout Session
Receiving Funds: A Review of Recent Cases and Rules Changes
Scott Jones, Adams and Reese LLP
What are the unique rights, responsibilities and risks for financial institutions receiving funds? This session looks at this evolving issue and reviews recent cases and changes in the ACH Rules.
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3:45 PM
General Session
Reframing Resilience: Connecting to the Present, Others and Oneself
Paul Long
Everyone in society has a shared human connection. We all have been through something, are currently going through something or will inevitably go through something. So, how do we leverage that foundation to connect more to the present, others and ourselves? Together we will learn how to use Paul's philosophy, Fundamism, to create brain pattern interrupts to get out of our own heads and into the moment. Paul's message will lead you through a wealth of emotions as you laugh, think, reflect and have FUN while learning tactical tips to create more meaningful interactions with others.
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8:00 AM
General Session
Fraud Trends and Mitigation: A Panel Discussion
Caroline Cypriano, JJ4 Tech; Michael Burke, SHAZAM; Michael Timoney, Federal Reserve Financial Services
Benefit from the firsthand wisdom of our panel of payments industry experts, who share their unique insights surrounding evolving fraud challenges impacting financial institutions, businesses and account holders. We’ll hone in on the effect of scams and fraud on financial institutions and their clients and ways institutions can help. Learn more about mitigation tools and techniques available to financial institutions to bolster your fraud-fighting toolbox. We’ll also delve into the importance of information sharing in the fight against fraud.
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9:30 AM
Breakout Session
Used and Abused Check Adjustments
Marcy Cauthon, AAP, APRP, AFPP, NCP; EPCOR
What should you do when you miss the deadline to return a check? Well, that depends on the issue. Join us for a guided tour of five of the most commonly misused check adjustments as we define who makes the warranty and what must accompany each type of adjustment.
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9:30 AM
Breakout Session
The Perfect Storm for Fraudsters
Michael Burke, SHAZAM
The pandemic created the perfect storm for fraudsters and criminal activity affecting financial institutions. From isolated individuals who become victims of fraud to the resurgence of old fraud vectors, institutions are still dealing with lingering issues created during the pandemic. We’ll outline ongoing threats from social engineering, how ATM skimming activity is still evolving and enhanced security procedures that can prevent fraud.
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9:30 AM
Breakout Session
Utilizing AI to Improve Operations and Risk Management
Kevin Miyamoto, Identifee
Join this session to discover the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the banking sector. Discover how credit unions and banks can effectively deploy AI technologies to optimize operations and reduce risk. Explore the latest trends, best practices and real-world applications of AI in financial services.
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9:30 AM
Breakout Session
Embedded Banking & Payments: Meeting Your Client Where They Are
Peter Davey, PaymentsJedi Advisory
The online banking experience is already dead, but we haven't had the funeral yet... Well, maybe not quite yet. However, expectations have changed, and more clients (businesses & consumers alike) are quietly quitting their financial institutions for payment experiences embedded within the applications they use on a daily basis. This session will explore how financial institutions should embrace this change and ensure they meet their clients where they are.
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10:45 AM
General Session
What’s Next in Payments?
Kevin Miyamoto, Identifee; Caroline Cypriano, JJ4 Tech; Peter Davey, PaymentsJedi Advisory
Plenty of topics come up when discussing the future of payments. Technology, digital, data, AI, security, open banking and regulations are common buzzwords throughout the industry. This panel of payments experts will provide their insights and predictions on these topics and more as we explore what’s in store for payments in 2025 and beyond.
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11:45 AM
Prize Drawing/Conference Adjourns
Paymentspalooza Registration
Unleash your learning experience with an extraordinary lineup. Get ready for an extravaganza that will captivate your curiosity.
Sponsors & Exhibitors
Our valued partners and sponsors play a pivotal role in bringing our vision to life. With their support, we orchestrate an unforgettable payments celebration that resonates.
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Exhibitors
Event
Tips
There’s plenty do in Overland Park, Kansas!
Explore Visit Overland Park for area information including dining and entertainment options. You can also visit the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce.
For an even broader experience, visit Travel Kansas.
Here is what to expect during your stay at Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center.
- Reserve your hotel as soon as possible to ensure you receive the negotiated discounted room rates. Make other travel arrangements as appropriate. Visitor bureau and hotel information is available in the links above so that you can plan your stay.
- Plan your Conference experience ahead of time by reviewing the event agenda. Plan to arrive early to your desired sessions to ensure that you get first choice seating.
- Watch your inbox for a reminder email prior to the Conference which will include a link to session handouts. Paper handouts will not be provided at the Conference. If you have not received this email two business days prior to the Conference kick off contact Member Support for assistance.
- Meals and the Reception will take place in the exhibit hall. Refreshment breaks will be served in the exhibit hall or in the hallway directly outside the exhibit hall. If you have dietary restrictions or special requests please notify us prior to your arrival.
- Bring extra business cards. Connect with session speakers and fellow attendees during the sessions. EPCOR Payments Conference offers vast networking opportunities. Make plans to attend the networking reception.
- Business casual attire is appropriate, so please make yourself comfortable. Remember that the room temperatures may be difficult to regulate; we recommend that you bring a sweater or jacket for ideal comfort.
- Arrive with plenty of time on the first day to pick up your Conference badge.
- Familiarize yourself with the hotel and the meeting layout.
- Explore the vibrant exhibit hall before the conference and during breaks. Be sure to stop by the EPCOR booth to say hello and learn more about the benefits of EPCOR membership.
- To stay on top of all the latest Conference news, be sure to follow EPCORPYMNTSNEWS on X and use #EPCORPayments2025 when posting about the Conference.
- Follow up with your new contacts. Send an email or private message via the EPCOR Knowledge Community to those you’ve networked to say "It was nice meeting you."
- Utilize the EPCOR Knowledge Community to keep the discussion going and with to follow up on any questions, ideas or topics that spiked your interest during the Conference.
- Please complete the post-conference survey. Just a few minutes goes a long way in improving EPCOR Payments Conferences for yourself and other future attendees.
- Submit a proposal to speak at the next year’s EPCOR Payments Conference.
- Watch your inbox with a follow up email and print your Certificate of Attendance to keep for your record. Calculate and record your total credits toward AAP/APRP, CTP/CCM or NCP continuing education.
