Why Conferences Still Matter in a Digital World
Even in an age of AI tools and online communities, face-to-face networking remains irreplaceable in affiliate marketing. Conferences are where business relationships are built, partnerships are formed, and insider strategies are shared before they ever hit the internet.
In 2025, the affiliate industry’s event calendar is packed — from global expos in Dubai and Barcelona to regional meetups across Europe and Asia. Whether you’re a media buyer, network rep, or solo affiliate, these gatherings offer immense value.
Let’s explore the top conferences shaping the affiliate world this year — and why attending at least one could transform your business.
1. Affiliate World Dubai (March 2025)
Location: Dubai, UAE
Focus: Media buying, performance marketing, eCommerce
Affiliate World Dubai has become the flagship event for performance marketers. The 2025 edition will bring together over 7,000+ attendees, including networks, agencies, traffic sources, and top affiliates from around the world.
Expect:
- High-level sessions on AI in ad optimization, data-driven scaling, and creative testing.
- Dozens of networking lounges and private after-parties hosted by major networks like ClickDealer and Zeydoo.
- A global mix of English, Arabic, and Asian markets represented — perfect for expansion-minded affiliates.
Pro Tip: Bring plenty of business cards — Dubai is where partnerships are made on the spot.
2. PI LIVE Europe (October 2025)
Location: London, UK
Focus: Affiliate, influencer, and partnership marketing
PI LIVE continues to be the go-to event for European affiliate professionals. In 2025, the conference will dive deep into cross-channel performance marketing, featuring sessions from Awin, Impact, and Shopify’s partnership teams.
Why attend?
- You’ll get a front-row look at how influencer and affiliate marketing are merging.
- Exclusive talks on first-party data strategies and cookie-less tracking.
- Plenty of brand–affiliate networking opportunities, especially for SaaS and finance verticals.
PI LIVE Europe is ideal for network owners, agencies, and brand partnership managers who want to stay ahead of regulatory and tech changes.
3. Affiliate Summit East (August 2025)
Location: New York City, USA
Focus: Affiliate growth, partnerships, compliance
Affiliate Summit East (ASE) is one of the oldest and most respected events in the industry. Its 2025 edition will emphasize scaling partnerships, fraud prevention, and brand-safe growth — key topics as the U.S. tightens ad regulations.
You’ll meet:
- Top U.S. affiliate networks and SaaS advertisers
- Compliance experts sharing FTC updates
- Brands looking for long-term partnerships
Pro Tip: ASE is ideal if you’re looking to partner directly with major U.S. advertisers or enter regulated verticals like finance, insurance, or health.
4. SiGMA Eurasia (April 2025)
Location: Dubai, UAE
Focus: iGaming, fintech, and emerging tech
While SiGMA started as a gaming conference, it has grown into a massive event that now includes crypto, fintech, AI, and affiliate marketing. The 2025 edition of SiGMA Eurasia promises to feature over 600 exhibitors and 15,000 attendees.
It’s a must for affiliates working in betting, crypto, or casino traffic — verticals that continue to dominate global CPA earnings.
Bonus: The networking events and afterparties at SiGMA are legendary, often leading to long-term deals.
5. i-Con Cyprus (May 2025)
Location: Limassol, Cyprus
Focus: Performance marketing, lead gen, and affiliate innovation
i-Con Cyprus is one of the newer but fastest-growing affiliate marketing conferences. The 2025 edition will focus on AI-driven lead generation, smart automation, and cross-channel optimization.
You’ll find a mix of affiliate veterans, digital agencies, and tech startups — making it an excellent place to spot emerging trends before they go mainstream.
6. Affiliate World Barcelona (July 2025)
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Focus: eCommerce, mobile, and media buying
Affiliate World Europe remains a summer highlight for the industry. Expect 6,000+ attendees, 200+ exhibitors, and dozens of workshops on everything from creative testing to tracking solutions without cookies.
Barcelona’s relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to build relationships — especially at the beachfront networking parties.
Pro Tip: Bring a strategy for meeting key partners before you arrive. The event is huge, and time flies.
Why Affiliates Should Attend These Events
Affiliate conferences aren’t just about free swag and business cards — they’re about growth. Here’s what you gain by showing up:
- Direct access to advertisers and networks — no waiting for email replies.
- Hands-on learning from industry leaders.
- Early access to exclusive offers and partnerships.
- A chance to build your personal brand and credibility.
In short, attending even one of these events can accelerate your affiliate business faster than months of online networking.
Conclusion: The Value of Showing Up in Person
In 2025, affiliate marketing is more global, tech-driven, and competitive than ever. But one thing hasn’t changed — relationships drive results.
Whether you’re a solo affiliate or run a network, attending top conferences like Affiliate World, PI LIVE, or i-Con Cyprus can help you unlock new insights, connect with partners, and stay ahead of industry shifts.
Pack your laptop, bring an open mind, and get ready to network — because in affiliate marketing, sometimes one handshake can change everything.