Affiliation remains one of the most important pillars of the sports betting and online gaming industry — a key channel for acquiring new customers, building brand presence, and driving long-term player value.
But as markets become more established, rules get stricter, and old SEO-strategies come under threat, it’s never been more important for affiliates and operators to stay current with industry changes.
That’s why SBC Summit 2025 is co-hosting the Affiliate Leaders Summit — a focused event designed to unite top affiliates, operators, tech providers and investors in one place.
With a dedicated expo floor, expert-led content, and networking areas built for deal-making, this is a key event in any affiliate marketer’s calendar.
Who Should Attend?
- Affiliates – Affiliates receive a free VIP Event Pass, giving them full access to both SBC Summit and the Affiliate Leaders Summit. Attending is a chance to connect with operators, learn from expert panels, and stay ahead of the latest trends shaping the industry.
- Operators – Operators also qualify for a complimentary VIP Event Pass, giving them the perfect opportunity to meet new affiliates, explore high-quality traffic sources, and strike valuable partnership deals.
- MarTech Providers – Showcase tools and platforms that help grow affiliate programmes and improve performance.
- Compliance & Legal Experts – Discuss changing advertising rules, data protection laws, and how to manage affiliate partnerships across different countries.
- Investors & Startups – Explore fast-growing affiliate business models, discover new trends, and connect with key players shaping the future of digital marketing.
An Expo Floor Where Business Gets Done
The Affiliate Leaders Summit is designed for deal-making.
With its own dedicated zone, conference stage, and networking areas embedded within the SBC Summit show floor, it stands out as the go-to space for affiliate marketing professionals. That’s why many of the world’s top operators and affiliate programmes choose to exhibit here — they know it’s where partnerships are made.
Here are just a few of the major brands exhibiting this year and looking to connect with new affiliates:
- Pin-Up Partners
- Stake
- Megapari
- VegasLegends
- Kaizen Gaming
- Betssom
- BC.Game
- Betwinner
Larger affiliate partners also choose to exhibit on the Affiliate Leaders Summit show floor, using it as a platform to showcase their traffic quality and connect directly with new operator clients.
Here are just a few of this year’s affiliate exhibitors:
- Clever Advertising
- FairPlay Sports Media
- Flashscore
- North Star Network
- Sofascore
The Affiliate Leaders Summit is where deals get done. With operator attendance up by 205% and affiliate attendance rising by 209% last year, the summit now stands out as a must-attend event for both sides of the industry.
Free VIP Access for Affiliates & Operators
Both affiliates and operators can attend SBC Summit 2025 free of charge.
These complimentary passes include full VIP Event access — a package normally priced at €600.
Here’s what’s included in our affiliate and operator passes:
- Entry to the show floor and all networking areas.
- Entry to all conference sessions, with specific panels aimed at both operators and affiliates.
- Entry to evening networking parties, including the Official Opening Party (featuring Joel Corry and Imanbek) and the INFINITY Lisbon (headlined by Alok and Timmy Trumpet).
- Free food wristband with €30-a-day budget to be redeemed at our Food Festival areas.
- Post-Event access to all panel sessions.
- Access to the Super Stage, featuring keynote addresses from Gary Vaynerchuk and Randi Zuckerberg.
The Affiliate Leaders Summit is built to bring affiliates and operators together to do business, which is why you can attend free of charge, with complimentary food and drinks included throughout the event.
Your pass also gives you full access to the wider SBC Summit, including all side-summits, conference sessions, and evening networking events.
Conference Content That’s Built for Affiliates
Alongside creating a space for you to make deals on the show floor, the Affiliate Leaders Summit features a focused conference programme built around the real challenges affiliates face.
Through our dedicated Affiliate Leaders Stage, you’ll learn from industry leaders across three days. Each day will cover a different topic, including Martech, Audience, and the future of affiliation.
Here are some key panels to keep an eye on:
🔍 The Future of Search – AI, Bots & Trust in Algorithms
📍 Tuesday 16 September, 14:40 – 15:20, Stage 4 – Affiliates – Martech
The rules of affiliate marketing are being rewritten in real time thanks to the increased adoption of AI models such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude. With people increasingly asking ChatGPT, rather than Google, where to find the best bets, affiliates must evolve now.
Featuring: Sten Andersen (Chief of Innovation & Future Affairs, ATG), Teimuraz Pataridze (Founder, Slotstats), Vlad Pivnev (CEO, icoda), Johan Styren (CEO & Co-founder, Dilanti Media).
🔮 The Future of Affiliation: Reinvention, Resilience, and Relevance (CEO Panel)
📍 Wednesday 17 September, 12:00 – 12:40, Stage 4 – Affiliates – Audience
As regulation tightens and technology evolves, affiliate marketing is under pressure to adapt. With some operators shutting down their affiliate programmes entirely, this year’s speakers will explore how the affiliate model is shifting, where innovation is emerging, and what the future holds for affiliates.
Featuring: Jonathan Edelshaim (CEO, Natural Intelligence), Andre Machado (CCO, Clever Advertising), John Wright (CEO, Statsdrone).
🦾 AI Agents vs. Affiliates – Adapting to a Changing Landscape
📍 Thursday 18 September, 13:40 – 14:20, Stage 4 – Affiliates – Audience
AI agents are transforming affiliate marketing by automating data analysis, content optimisation, and personalised recommendations. As machine learning replaces manual tasks, the affiliate model faces a key question: Can human-led strategies compete, or will automation take over? This panel will argue that the future belongs to those who combine tech with creativity and trust.
Featuring: Peter Gunni (CEO, Traffic Lab), Deb Lee (Director AI & Data Operations, CILA, Entain), Yonit Shvinkelstain (Co-Founder, Leverage)
Click here to check out the full Affiliate Leaders Summit agenda, which will feature 14 panels across the three days of the Affiliate Leaders Summit, offering hands-on strategies from top affiliates on how to stay ahead in a shifting landscape.
For affiliates looking to go beyond strategy, there’s still a lot more to explore at the summit.
The Global and Emerging Markets stages, for example, offer practical guidance on launching betting and iGaming businesses in new territories — ideal for operators and affiliates eyeing international growth.
Each stage is linked to its own networking lounge, so if a session outside your usual focus sparks an idea, you can connect with speakers and like-minded peers right after the panel.
And that’s just scratching the surface of what SBC Summit offers when it comes to networking.
Create Meaningful Connections with Our Evening Networking Opportunities
Both affiliate and operator passes include access to all evening networking events, giving you the chance to build connections throughout the day and well into the night.
Here’s a look at some of the evening networking events we have on offer:
- September 16, SBC Summit Opening Party
After a busy first day at SBC Summit 2025, head to Urban Beach for our Opening Party — one of Lisbon’s most popular spots and the perfect place to reset.
With complimentary drinks served throughout, you can relax and see where the next casual chat will lead you. No pressure, no sales pitch — just music, drinks, and a room full of people you actually want to meet.
With Joel Corry and Imanbek on the decks, expect a proper party and a solid end to Day One.
- Wednesday 17 September, Affiliate Leaders Awards
Affiliate Leaders Awards is the most prestigious awards ceremony and gala dinner for the Affiliate community. Affiliates, operators, and providers alike will gather to celebrate the successes of the past year and party the night away. It’s the perfect opportunity to toast your achievements and gain recognition in front of your industry peers.
Please note: A separate ticket is required for this event.
- Thursday 18 September, The INFINITY Lisbon Closing Party 2025
The INFINITY is the festival that closes out three days of conference. It’s your chance to let your hair down, enjoy the drinks, and celebrate the connections you’ve made during the week. Headliner DJs Alok and Timmy Trumpet will bring the energy with exclusive sets to end the summit on a high.
Final Thoughts
For affiliates, the Affiliate Leaders Summit is a no-brainer.
With some of the world’s biggest affiliate programmes exhibiting, they’re ready to talk business. You just need to show up.
Between networking sessions, you’ll hear directly from top-performing affiliates on how to grow your traffic, strengthen your partnerships, and stay ahead in the age of AI.
And with free tickets on offer, the decision’s easy.
All that’s left is to sort your flights and hotel, and we’ve got exclusive discounts to help with that too.
We’ll see you in Lisbon.
