The ESTA Conference and Exhibition on Digital Payments
Cash and Central Banks’ digital currencies are often seen as rivals, but a key question for the future will depend on how both forms of money will be able to coexist or compete. Industry leaders, policymakers, banks, and academics will meet at this years’ ESTA Conference to explore why the cash industry remains essential in an increasingly digital payments landscape.
ESTA is the European cash management companies’ association. It is the recognized voice of the industry, ensuring that cash is safe, available, and an efficient means of payment. ESTA is a non-profit association that was established in Brussels in 1975, represents the interests of the sector throughout Europe, and counts 90% of the European cash management companies as members.
ESTA contributes as an interested party in the shaping of the EU decision-making process. The association does that by providing inputs at an early stage, by promoting and protecting the industry and liaising with the relevant EU Institutions.
The 41st conference of the European Cash Management Companies Association ESTA at the Hilton Hotel in Berlin from 7 to 9 June 2026. At a time of rapid digitization of payments, the conference and exhibition take place under the motto "Why the cash industry is so crucial to digital payments".
A discussion panel will address 'The coexistence of cash and the digital euro' on Monday 8 June from 09.45 – 11:00. It will be led by Prof. Dr. Harald Olschok, and includes
- Burkhard Balz, Member of the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank, Cash and bank payment transactions, MEP 7/2009 – 8/2018,
- Prof. Dr. Barbara Brandl, Professor of Sociology with a Focus on Organization and Economy, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt,
- Prof. Dr. Domagoj Sajter, Full professor at Faculty of Economics in Osijek, Croatia
Also a member of the panel is Prof. Jay L. Zagorsky, who wrote a very interesting and inspiring book last year entitled "The power of Cash", which has been published by Wiley
https://www.wiley-vch.de/de?option=com_eshop&view=product&isbn=978-1-394-29991-1
Delegate badges can already be collected on Sunday, 7 June at the ESTA welcome desk located in the reception area of the Hilton Berlin, open from 3pm until 7pm. For all registered delegates and partners there will then be a welcome cocktail and dinner at the Erdinger opposite the conference venue. A full program of presentations, discussions as well as the opportunity to view the associated exhibition starts on Monday morning, and will keep delegates busy and well-informed.
Registration information can be found on the organization's website at:
https://www.esta-cash.eu
