SAN DIEGO— Back in my jewelry-industry-reporting days, one trade show stands out from the pack in my memory. While on a media junket awaiting the unveil of a new line from a fashion label, three ballerinas jumped out on stage, twirling the latest diamond designs amid pirouettes.

Though dancing an announcement, rather than speaking about it, shocked and delighted me at the time, today’s Electronic Transaction Association’s Annual Meeting & Expo possibly gave me an even greater jolt: Pop songs — and bluish lighting — led up to a session on financial reform. And I think it says a lot about the industry. I mean, if Lady Gaga jams are the pregame to a keynote from Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) to an audience of suits at 9 am, one fact is for certain: even payments have gone mainstream. And I like it. If pop music and payments are holding hands, innovation will surely following the dancing duo’s lead. Payments are cool. Well, as cool as they will ever be.

BLUE LIGHTS AND SEN. CHRIS DODD AT ETA