While affiliate marketing often feels like a solitary pursuit, tapping away at a keyboard from a home office, the most significant breakthroughs rarely happen in isolation. The real momentum comes from the handshake deals, the private offers shared over coffee, and the strategic insights gained from a single, unplanned conversation at an industry gathering. I once saw a publisher's entire Q4 strategy transform after a five-minute chat with an affiliate manager at an expo bar, unlocking a private, high-commission campaign that wasn't advertised anywhere online. This is the power of showing up.
This guide is your strategic directory to the best affiliate marketing events UK has to offer in 2025. We've moved beyond simple listings to provide an actionable roundup of the conferences, summits, and award ceremonies that deliver real ROI. Whether you're a new blogger seeking your first partnership or a seasoned advertiser looking to scale your program, this article will help you identify the perfect event for your specific business goals. To truly maximize your attendance, mastering effective techniques for connecting with people will enhance your networking efforts significantly.
Below, you'll find a curated selection of seven essential events, from large-scale expos like PI LIVE to niche gatherings like Affilifest. We'll break down who should attend each one, what you can expect to learn, and how to convert your attendance into measurable business growth.
1. PI LIVE Europe (Hello Partner/PerformanceIN)
As the UK’s flagship conference for performance, partnership, and affiliate marketing, PI LIVE Europe stands as a cornerstone event. This two-day conference, hosted in London, brings together a high concentration of leading brands, publishers, agencies, and tech providers under one roof, making it an unmissable gathering for serious industry professionals. The event is laser-focused on delivering deep, channel-specific insights and fostering meaningful connections.
What sets PI LIVE Europe apart is its structured approach to networking, a crucial element of any successful affiliate marketing event in the UK. The organisers provide a dedicated event app that allows attendees to pre-book 1:1 meetings, ensuring you arrive with a scheduled plan to connect with potential partners, clients, or mentors. This tool transforms networking from a game of chance into a strategic, ROI-driven activity.
How to Maximise Your Experience
To get the most value, dedicate time before the event to using the app. Identify key contacts from the attendee list, personalise your meeting requests with clear objectives, and secure your slots early. On-site, divide your time between the various theatres, which cover content tailored to brands, publishers, and agencies, and your pre-booked meetings on the exhibition floor.
Key Details & Considerations
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Focus | Affiliate, partnership, and performance marketing. |
| Location | London, UK (Old Billingsgate in 2025). |
| Attendees | Brands, publishers, networks, agencies, and tech platforms. |
| Pricing | Mid-to-premium, with passes typically ranging from £795 to £1,295. |
| Pros | Highly-focused agenda, strong UK/EU presence, excellent 1:1 meeting tools. |
| Cons | Premium ticket prices and potentially high accommodation costs in the City of London. |
Pro Tip: Consider the VIP upgrade if your budget allows. The dedicated lounge provides a quieter space for important conversations, and perks like reserved seating and fast-track entry can save valuable time. For those also interested in transatlantic opportunities, its US counterpart offers a similar high-calibre experience; you can explore more about the US version of PI LIVE here.
Website: https://performancein.live/
2. iGB L!VE / iGB Affiliate (London)
As the UK’s largest iGaming affiliate expo, iGB L!VE and its integrated iGB Affiliate hub stage an immense gathering at London's ExCeL. While its core focus is the iGaming vertical (sports betting, casino, poker), its sheer scale makes it one of the most significant affiliate marketing events in the UK. The event is essential for anyone operating in the gaming niche and offers incredible networking density for affiliates seeking high-volume connections with operators, networks, and service providers.
What makes iGB Affiliate stand out is its accessibility and vibrant expo floor. Unlike many premium-priced conferences, it often provides free or heavily discounted passes for qualifying affiliates and operators, removing a major barrier to entry. This model attracts a massive audience, creating a buzzing environment packed with hundreds of exhibitors. The event also hosts facilitated networking programs and the prestigious iGB Affiliate Awards, celebrating excellence within the community.
How to Maximise Your Experience
The key to success at a large-scale expo like iGB is pre-event planning. The show floor can be overwhelming, so identify the operators and networks you want to meet beforehand and schedule meetings in advance. Use the event’s meeting tools to secure slots, as exhibitor calendars fill up quickly. For those new to the vertical, attending the affiliate-focused content sessions can provide invaluable market insights and help you join relevant communities to learn affiliate marketing from industry veterans.
Key Details & Considerations
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Focus | Primarily iGaming affiliate marketing (sports, casino, etc.). |
| Location | London, UK (ExCeL London). |
| Attendees | iGaming operators, affiliate networks, and thousands of affiliates. |
| Pricing | Often free or discounted for qualifying affiliates and operators. |
| Pros | Massive networking potential, free access for affiliates, huge exhibitor floor. |
| Cons | Heavily skewed towards the iGaming niche, can be very crowded and noisy. |
Pro Tip: Look beyond the big operator stands. Some of the most valuable connections can be made with smaller, emerging brands or specialised tech providers in the less crowded aisles. Arrive with business cards and a clear elevator pitch explaining your traffic sources and target audience.
Website: https://www.igblive.com/
3. Affilifest (Margate + Affilifest North, Manchester)
Breaking away from the traditional conference format, Affilifest offers a UK-born, festival-style affiliate event with editions in both Margate and Manchester. This unique approach prioritises efficient, UK-market deal-making in a more relaxed and informal setting. The event strips back the conference feel to focus purely on meetings, roundtables, and high-value networking between brands, retailers, and publishers in distinctive venues like Dreamland in Margate.
What truly sets Affilifest apart is its laser focus on scheduled meetups and its accessible pricing model. The event is heavily geared towards fostering direct conversations and partnerships, making it an incredibly productive day for attendees. Its regional editions in both the South (Margate) and North (Manchester) also make it one of the more accessible affiliate marketing events in the UK, allowing businesses to connect with key players in their specific regions without the expense of travelling to London.
How to Maximise Your Experience
Success at Affilifest comes from preparation. The event is meeting-heavy, so book your roundtable sessions and 1:1 meetings well in advance using the event's platform. Arrive with a clear list of target partners and specific objectives for each conversation. The festival atmosphere encourages more open networking, so don't be afraid to strike up conversations during the social activities; this is where some of the best, most authentic connections are made.
Key Details & Considerations
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Focus | Efficient UK-market deal-making, meetings, and informal networking. |
| Location | Margate (Dreamland) and Manchester, UK. |
| Attendees | Primarily UK-focused brands, retailers, and publishers. |
| Pricing | Free entry for eligible brands and publishers (subject to approval). Paid passes vary. |
| Pros | Strong meeting focus, free for approved attendees, informal atmosphere. |
| Cons | Smaller scale than global events, less international reach, eligibility criteria for free passes. |
Pro Tip: If you're a publisher or content creator, this event is a goldmine for direct deals. Prepare a one-page media kit highlighting your audience and performance metrics to make a strong impression in your scheduled meetings. This approach is especially effective for those who leverage their content creation for affiliate marketing.
Website: https://www.affilifest.com/
4. Affiverse Elevate Summit (London)
Affiverse Elevate Summit has carved out a unique space within the UK's affiliate marketing events calendar by focusing on practical, hands-on learning. This two-day summit, held in London, is designed for practitioners who want to move beyond high-level theory and dive into tactical masterclasses and workshops. It smartly blends content across affiliate, lead generation, paid media, and the creator economy, making it ideal for in-house teams managing multiple performance channels.
What distinguishes this summit is its manageable size and practitioner-led ethos. Unlike larger expos, its more intimate setting fosters genuine connections, making it far easier to approach speakers after their sessions or strike up meaningful conversations with peers. The integration of the Affiverse RAV Awards into the programme also adds a celebratory element, recognising excellence and innovation within the industry.
How to Maximise Your Experience
To get the most out of the summit, review the agenda in advance and pinpoint the masterclasses that address your specific challenges. Since the event is smaller, make it a priority to engage directly with speakers and panellists. Prepare a few thoughtful questions for the Q&A sessions or to ask them during networking breaks; this direct access to experts is a key benefit.
Key Details & Considerations
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Focus | Practical, cross-channel growth sessions (affiliate, lead-gen, paid media). |
| Location | London, UK. |
| Attendees | In-house affiliate managers, agency teams, and growing program owners. |
| Pricing | Mid-range, with tickets often available at competitive early-bird rates. |
| Pros | Tactically focused content, practitioner-led workshops, and easier access to speakers. |
| Cons | Smaller expo footprint than major events and session depth can vary year-to-year. |
Pro Tip: Focus on building relationships over just collecting business cards. Use the coffee and lunch breaks to discuss the session takeaways with fellow attendees. The insights gained from peer conversations at a tactical event like this can be just as valuable as the presentations themselves.
Website: https://www.affiversemedia.com/
5. Performance Marketing Awards (PMAs)
While not a traditional conference, the Performance Marketing Awards (PMAs) is a keystone networking event in the UK affiliate marketing calendar. This prestigious annual awards ceremony celebrates excellence and innovation across the performance and partnership marketing industry. It serves as a major gathering of senior leaders, decision-makers, and top-tier talent, making it a powerful, albeit different, kind of networking opportunity.
What distinguishes the PMAs is its focus on high-calibre, relationship-driven networking in a celebratory setting. Unlike the structured meeting slots of a conference, connections here are forged over dinner tables and drinks receptions. The atmosphere is less about direct sales pitches and more about building rapport with the industry's most influential figures, often making it an essential anchor event that draws professionals to London for a full week of meetings.
How to Maximise Your Experience
The key to leveraging the PMAs is to plan strategically. If attending, book a table and invite key partners or high-value prospects to join you for an evening of hospitality. If not purchasing a full table, coordinate with your network to see who is attending and arrange pre- or post-event meetups. For brands and agencies, sponsoring an award category offers unparalleled brand visibility in front of a captive audience of industry leaders.
Key Details & Considerations
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Focus | Awards ceremony, industry celebration, and senior-level networking. |
| Location | London, UK (Grosvenor House Hotel is a frequent venue). |
| Attendees | Senior leaders from brands, publishers, networks, and agencies. |
| Pricing | Premium, with individual tickets and table packages often ranging from several hundred to several thousand pounds. |
| Pros | Unrivalled access to senior decision-makers, excellent PR and brand-building opportunities, high-signal networking environment. |
| Cons | Limited educational content, premium cost for tables and sponsorship, more focused on celebration than direct lead generation. |
Pro Tip: Review the list of past winners on the PMA website to identify leading agencies, networks, and brands in specific verticals. This provides valuable market intelligence and a great conversation starter when networking, allowing you to congratulate teams on their recognised successes.
Website: https://performancemarketingawards.co.uk/
6. The APMA (Affiliate & Partner Marketing Association) – Events Calendar
Rather than a single event, the APMA events calendar serves as a vital, curated hub for the entire UK industry. As the official trade association for affiliate and partner marketing, the APMA maintains a continuously updated listing of member meetups, webinars, roundtables, and major conferences. It is an essential first stop for anyone looking to get a comprehensive overview of upcoming affiliate marketing events in the UK, from niche online sessions to large-scale gatherings.
What makes the APMA calendar stand out is its authority and breadth. Because it’s maintained by the industry’s trade body, every listed event meets a certain quality standard, filtering out irrelevant or low-value promotions. The platform aggregates opportunities from various organisers, including major players like PI LIVE alongside smaller, exclusive member-only roundtables. This provides a reliable, one-stop-shop for planning your annual event attendance without having to monitor dozens of different websites.
How to Maximise Your Experience
Bookmark the APMA events page and check it monthly to stay ahead of new listings and registration deadlines. Pay close attention to events marked as "APMA Member Exclusive" or those offering member discounts. If you are not yet a member, weigh the potential savings and access to private roundtables against the cost of membership; it can often provide a significant ROI for those committed to networking within the UK affiliate space.
Key Details & Considerations
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Focus | A curated calendar of all major and niche UK affiliate/partner marketing events. |
| Location | Varies by event (both online and in-person across the UK). |
| Attendees | Broad spectrum, covering all roles within the affiliate marketing ecosystem. |
| Pricing | Free to browse; event prices vary from free webinars to premium conferences. |
| Pros | UK-focused central hub, quality-vetted listings, includes exclusive member events. |
| Cons | It is an aggregator, not a ticketing platform; some perks are for members only. |
Pro Tip: Use the APMA calendar for strategic planning. At the start of each quarter, review the upcoming events and map out which ones align with your business goals, whether that's lead generation, brand building, or professional development. This prevents last-minute scrambling and ensures you don't miss key opportunities.
Website: https://theapma.co.uk/events/
7. Eventbrite UK – Affiliate Marketing Events Category
While not a single event, Eventbrite UK serves as an essential discovery platform for finding a wide spectrum of affiliate marketing events across the UK. It is the go-to resource for discovering smaller-scale workshops, city-specific networking meetups, and specialised training sessions that don't have the marketing budget of larger conferences. Its powerful search and filtering capabilities make it invaluable for filling the gaps between major industry shows.
What makes Eventbrite a unique tool in an affiliate's arsenal is its diversity and accessibility. You can find everything from a free-to-attend evening meetup in Manchester focused on e-commerce affiliates to a paid, intensive one-day workshop in London covering advanced SEO for affiliate sites. The platform's built-in ticketing, calendar integration, and reminder system simplify the logistics, allowing you to easily book and manage your attendance at multiple smaller, high-value gatherings.
How to Maximise Your Experience
To get the most out of Eventbrite, use its filters strategically. Search for keywords like "affiliate marketing," "performance marketing," and "partnership marketing," then filter by location (e.g., London, Manchester, Bristol) and date to find upcoming opportunities. Always read reviews and check the organiser's profile to gauge the quality and relevance of the event before purchasing a ticket. Setting up alerts for new events with your keywords can also give you a first-mover advantage.
Key Details & Considerations
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Focus | Broad range of affiliate and digital marketing events, from niche meetups to training workshops. |
| Location | Nationwide, with strong concentrations in major UK cities. Both in-person and virtual options. |
| Attendees | Varies widely, from beginners and local business owners to experienced marketers and specialists. |
| Pricing | Highly variable, from free networking events to workshops costing hundreds of pounds. |
| Pros | Excellent for discovering niche, local, or last-minute sessions. Many low-cost or free options. |
| Cons | Quality varies significantly by organiser; due diligence is required. Listings can be hit-or-miss. |
Pro Tip: Look for recurring monthly or quarterly meetups hosted by reputable marketing agencies or local business groups. These smaller, consistent events are fantastic for building deeper, long-term relationships within your local affiliate marketing community without the cost of a major conference.
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/
Top 7 UK Affiliate Marketing Events — Comparison
| Event | Format & complexity 🔄 | Resources & cost ⚡ | Expected outcomes 📊⭐ | Ideal use cases 💡 | Key advantages ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PI LIVE Europe (Hello Partner/PerformanceIN) | Two‑day multi‑theatre conference + companion app; medium–high logistical complexity 🔄 | Mid‑to‑premium pass (~£795–£1,295) + travel/hotel; staff time for pre‑booked 1:1s ⚡ | Channel‑specific learning and high ROI potential from structured 1:1 meetings 📊⭐ | Brands, publishers, networks and agencies seeking UK/EU affiliate/partner deals 💡 | Deep channel agenda; structured meeting tooling; high attendee concentration ⭐ |
| iGB L!VE / iGB Affiliate (London) | Large expo + conference; high crowd/booth complexity 🔄 | Variable (often free/discounted for qualifying affiliates); larger team needed for expo coverage ⚡ | High lead volume and networking density within iGaming vertical 📊⭐ | iGaming affiliates, operators and high‑volume networkers seeking market reach 💡 | Biggest UK iGaming affiliate expo; extensive exhibitor floor and awards visibility ⭐ |
| Affilifest (Margate / Manchester) | Festival‑style, meeting‑heavy with roundtables; low–medium complexity 🔄 | Often free for approved brands/publishers; smaller budget for travel/attendance ⚡ | Efficient UK‑market deal‑making and practical partnership outcomes 📊⭐ | UK‑focused brands, retailers and publishers prioritising meetings and regional deals 💡 | Meeting focus, informal festival atmosphere, free entry for eligible attendees ⭐ |
| Affiverse Elevate Summit (London) | Two‑day summit with masterclasses and panels; manageable size 🔄 | Moderate ticket cost; suitable for small in‑house teams; less expo cost ⚡ | Tactical, practitioner‑led takeaways and cross‑channel growth ideas 📊⭐ | In‑house teams and programs scaling affiliate/lead‑gen/paid media workstreams 💡 | Practical masterclasses, easier speaker access, cross‑channel content ⭐ |
| Performance Marketing Awards (PMAs) | Single‑evening awards gala; low operational complexity but formal setup 🔄 | Table/sponsorship packages can be premium; hospitality costs apply ⚡ | Senior‑level networking, PR/benchmarking from awards recognition 📊⭐ | Senior leaders, agencies and brands seeking visibility and benchmarking 💡 | High‑signal networking with decision‑makers; strong PR opportunity ⭐ |
| The APMA – Events Calendar | Online curated listings and roundtables; minimal complexity 🔄 | Free to view; membership adds discounts/private roundtables (low cost) ⚡ | Broad discovery of UK events and quick access to vetted listings 📊⭐ | Event planners and attendees tracking UK‑centric affiliate opportunities 💡 | Single, association‑curated hub with member benefits and quality baseline ⭐ |
| Eventbrite UK – Affiliate Events Category | Open marketplace of meetups/workshops; low complexity 🔄 | Mostly low‑cost or free events; instant ticketing and calendar integration ⚡ | Quick access to niche trainings and last‑minute sessions; variable quality 📊⭐ | Individuals seeking local training, meetups or inexpensive upskilling options 💡 | Wide catalogue, instant purchase and filters for date/location ⭐ |
Your Next Move: From Event Attendee to Industry Insider
Navigating the landscape of affiliate marketing events in the UK is no longer a matter of simply showing up. As we've explored, the real value lies not just in the sessions you attend, but in the strategic approach you take before, during, and after you walk through the venue doors. Attending an event like PI LIVE Europe or Affiverse Elevate Summit isn't just a day out of the office; it's a calculated investment in your network, knowledge, and future earnings.
The key takeaway is this: success is deliberate. It’s about choosing the right event for your specific niche and goals. A blogger focused on SEO might gain immense value from the practical workshops at Affilifest, while a high-level affiliate manager in the iGaming sector would be better served by the scale and focus of iGB Affiliate London. Your event selection is the first and most critical step in your strategic plan.
From Handshakes to Partnerships: A Three-Step Framework
Transforming event attendance into tangible growth requires a clear system. Don't let the momentum fade once you return home. Instead, channel that energy into a structured follow-up process that turns fleeting conversations into profitable partnerships.
- Categorize Your Connections: Immediately after an event, sort your new contacts. Use a simple system like A, B, C. 'A' contacts are high-priority potential partners, 'B' are valuable network connections, and 'C' are for general follow-up. This prioritizes your outreach efforts.
- Personalize Your Follow-Up: A generic "great to meet you" email gets deleted. Reference a specific conversation point or a shared interest. For instance: "Hi [Name], it was great discussing [specific topic] at the networking drinks. I've attached that resource I mentioned."
- Create Tangible Next Steps: Every follow-up should propose a clear, low-friction next action. Instead of a vague "let's connect," suggest a "15-minute call next Tuesday to explore how my audience could align with your new program."
To maximize the impact of your networking, consider how powerful marketing tools like engaging video content can elevate your affiliate business; explore effective video marketing strategies for small businesses to showcase your unique value proposition in follow-up communications. Sending a quick, personalized video message can make you unforgettable in a crowded inbox.
The ultimate goal is to evolve from a passive attendee into a recognized industry insider. This happens when you apply what you learn, nurture the connections you make, and consistently add value to your network. The events on this list are the catalysts, but your strategy is the engine that drives your growth. Your challenge is clear: pick one event from this list that aligns with your 2025 goals, book your ticket, and use the framework in this guide to make it your most profitable business trip of the year.
Ready to move from theory to action with a proven system? Daniel Proctor offers 1-on-1 mentorship and accountability to help you implement these strategies effectively. Transform your event networking into a predictable revenue stream by applying the same frameworks he uses to build successful affiliate businesses.
