The Affiliate Leaders Summit is back—and this year, it’s bigger and better than ever.
With 2,500+ affiliates in attendance, a dedicated expo floor, and a conference agenda tailored specifically for affiliates, the summit creates the perfect environment to form new partnerships, exchange ideas, and stay ahead of industry trends.
And this year brings even more reasons to attend.
The Affiliate Leaders Awards is now a standalone celebration, giving the industry’s top performers the recognition they deserve. Plus, with an extra day added to the agenda, there’s even more time to network, learn, and do business.
On top of that, we’ve made key logistical upgrades to enhance the experience, ensuring a smoother, more seamless event from start to finish.
What is the Affiliate Leaders Summit?
The Affiliate Leaders Summit, hosted during SBC Summit, is the ultimate gathering for affiliates and operators looking to connect, collaborate, and strike new deals. It’s where the industry’s top gambling brands and user acquisition specialists—whether in SEO, PPC, media buying, or other traffic acquisition methods—come together to form new partnerships and optimise existing ones.
For operators, this event is a goldmine for affiliate managers looking to onboard new partners. Whether it’s expanding into a fresh market or boosting performance in an ultra-competitive one, the Affiliate Leaders Summit provides direct access to a global pool of 2,500 affiliates—all in one place.
For affiliates, it’s an unmatched opportunity to connect with a wide range of operators, giving them more choices for brand partnerships and commission negotiations.
Affiliates are hard to reach. Personal contact details are often elusive, making direct communication difficult. The same goes for operator affiliate managers, especially those from major brands. That’s why in-person meetings at this event are so valuable.
Note: Affiliates and operators get full complimentary access to both the Affiliate Leaders Summit and the wider SBC Summit. That means unrestricted entry to:
✅ All conference sessions
✅ The expansive expo floor
✅ The evening networking events
✅ Food and drinks at the event
Why You Can’t Afford to Miss the Affiliate Leaders Summit at SBC Summit Lisbon
A truly global event: Last year, we welcomed attendees from 134 countries, making SBC Summit one of the most internationally diverse events in the industry. Whether you’re looking to expand into Latin America, North America, Europe, Africa, or Asia, the event is packed with market exploration panels covering emerging trends, regulatory updates, and growth opportunities in key regions.
Meet the right people and make deals on the spot: With 40% of attendees being decision-makers, the conversations you have at SBC Summit don’t just lead to follow-up emails—they lead to real deals, signed at the event.
Also:
- A dedicated Affiliate Leaders Summit show floor and three-day conference track focused on affiliate marketing.
- 2,500+ affiliates for operators to mee & thousands of affiliate managers from top operators.
- Big operators, affiliate networks, SEO agencies, and digital marketing experts exhibiting.
- Dedicated Affiliate Leaders Awards Ceremony – A brand-new standalone event recognising the best and brightest in affiliate marketing.
- Free entry for affiliates and operators – No barriers to attending, just pure opportunity.
- Pre-loaded wristbands (€90 value) – Use them for food and drinks at the event.
- Easy navigation, shuttle buses from partner hotels, water stations, and more to ensure a seamless experience.
- Improved 2024 event experience – Based on attendee feedback, we’ve made key upgrades to venue layout, logistics, and networking spaces.
- Not just gambling affiliates – Expand your network with affiliates working in other verticals, from finance to tech to lifestyle.
- Full access to SBC Summit’s legendary networking parties – Including INFINITY Lisbon, featuring world-famous DJs and an unforgettable nightlife experience.
Why September is the Ideal Month for the Affiliate Leaders Summit (Post-Summer, Pre-Q4: The Perfect Business Window)
The Affiliate Leaders Summit isn’t just about bringing the right people together. It’s also about doing it at the right time. This year’s event takes place on 16-18 September, strategically positioned in the industry calendar to maximise impact and opportunity for attendees.
- Mid-September marks the end of the summer slowdown, with industry professionals returning refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the year. It’s the perfect opportunity to reignite conversations, secure new deals, and build momentum heading into Q4.
For affiliates, the final months of the year are critical for revenue growth, with major betting events, casino promotions, and sports leagues in full swing. As one of the busiest and most profitable periods, Q4 presents huge opportunities. Deals made at the Affiliate Leaders Summit in September can be activated immediately, ensuring affiliates and operators are well-positioned to capitalise on peak seasonal traffic.
- With Q4 still ahead, companies have a crucial window to hit annual targets and make strategic moves before year-end. September provides the perfect runway to scale traffic, optimize campaigns, and onboard new brands—ensuring partnerships formed at the event have immediate impact.
It’s also a key time for financial planning. Many brands are evaluating their remaining budgets, making it an ideal moment to discuss new deals, investments, and collaborations. At the same time, Q4 marks the start of 2026 planning, and discussions at the Affiliate Leaders Summit can directly influence next-year strategies, giving attendees a valuable competitive edge heading into the new year.
So, long story short:
- Fresh energy post-summer – Attendees return to work recharged and ready for business.
- Deals before year-end – Secure partnerships with enough time to STILL see results WITHIN 2025
- No competing events – No distractions, allowing for quality meetings and real deal-making.
- Q4 planning window – Aligns perfectly with end-of-year goals and 2026 strategies.
- Pre-holiday ramp-up – Maximise revenue potential before holiday season traffic spikes.
What’s Happening on the Show Floor?
On the Affiliate Leaders Summit show floor, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the biggest names in affiliate marketing, iGaming, and performance marketing. This is where business happens, where deals are made, and where the latest innovations in traffic generation, conversion optimisation, and brand expansion come to life.
Expect to see a diverse mix of exhibitors, from top-tier affiliate networks and media agencies to sports betting operators, casino brands, and cutting-edge tech providers. Whether you’re looking for high-performing affiliate programs, data-driven marketing solutions, or the latest strategies in SEO and player acquisition, it’s all happening here.
The Key Players on the Floor:
- Operator Affiliate Programmes – Showcasing lucrative commission models and high-converting brands, these programmes will be there to help affiliates maximise earnings. Operators exhibiting at the Affiliate Leaders Summit are actively looking for new affiliate partners to expand their market reach.
- Affiliates with a Presence – This year, affiliates are taking center stage, setting up booths and making bold statements about their traffic generation capabilities. If you’re looking to connect with top-tier affiliates and understand what sets their traffic apart, this is the place to do it.
- Tech & Data-Driven Solutions – Performance tracking, campaign optimisation, and player engagement are critical in today’s competitive landscape. Exhibitors in this space offer state-of-the-art tools designed to give affiliates and operators a competitive edge.
- SEO & Media Agencies – The affiliate space is more content-driven than ever, and digital outreach is key. Expect to see leading SEO and media agencies on the floor, helping brands fine-tune their content strategies, rank higher, and drive more organic traffic.
And that’s just a glimpse of what’s in store. Here’s a look at some of the brands you’ll find exhibiting at the Affiliate Leaders Summit:
- 2rbo Affiliates
- 50 Partners
- BC.Game
- Betsson Group Affiliates
- Big Betty Partners
- Blaze
- Boomerang Partners
- Buffalo Partners
- Campaigner
- Campeon Affiliates
- Catena Media
- Casumo
- Clever Advertising
- Evo.io
- Game Lounge
- GG.BET Affiliates
- Hell Partners
- iBet
- Kaizen Gaming
- KeyAffiliates
- LEOlytics
- LGaming
- Linebet
- Medier Agency
- Melbet
- N1 Partners
- North Star Network
- Novibet
- Odds Scanner
- Pin-Up
- Pinnacle
- PlayAmo (22Bet)
- Raketech
- Rev Sharks
- Royal Partners
- Safe Affiliate Programs
- SofaScore
- Stake
- Top One Partners
- TrafficJunky
- YesPlay
- Yesly
- Yolo Entertainment
For the full list of exhibitors, check out this floor plan.
Affiliate Leaders Summit Conference Agenda and Learning Opportunities
Affiliate marketing in iGaming is evolving—but is it evolving fast enough? At Affiliate Leaders Summit, we’ll be tackling the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the space, questioning whether the industry is truly innovating or still stuck in outdated deal structures.
One of the biggest focal points? Adaptation and innovation. With AI-driven automation, algorithm shifts, and the rise of AI-powered search engines, affiliates are facing a fundamental transformation in how traffic is generated, ranked, and monetised. Is the era of Google-dependent affiliation coming to an end? And if so, what’s next? The summit will explore ways to diversify beyond Google, leverage AI without losing authenticity, and future-proof affiliate businesses in a rapidly changing digital world.
Beyond the tech revolution, we’ll also dig into the changing dynamics between operators and affiliates. Is it time for a complete reset of deal structures to ensure fairness, transparency, and sustainability? With rising regulatory pressures in heavily controlled markets, affiliates are facing a tough choice—adapt or seek new opportunities elsewhere.
And as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) values become more prominent, we’ll debate whether players actually care and how these principles might impact affiliate marketing strategies.
And, of course, there’s the money talk—where are the smartest affiliate investments in the next 12 months? Should affiliates take a risk on emerging regulated markets, or is there still big value in unregulated territories?
Here are just some of the powerhouse topics up for discussion at Affiliate Leaders Summit:
- Debate: Can Innovation Truly Redefine the Affiliate Landscape?
- Diversifying Affiliate Strategies – Thriving Beyond Google
- The Future of Search – AI, Bots & Trust in Algorithms
- AI Agents vs. Affiliates – Adapting to a Changing Landscape
- Should the Industry Reset Operator and Affiliate Deals?
- HACK: How to Implement AI in Your Business to Get More Bang for Your Buck!
- Debate: ESG & Affiliation – Do Players Really Care?
- The Next 12 Months: Where’s the Smart Money for Affiliates?
- Over-Regulated Markets: Time to Move or Time to Adapt?
- Product-Led SEO for iGaming Affiliates: Growth Through Value-Driven Content
- Affiliate Networks: Growth Hack or Costly Gamble?
- Beyond iGaming: Affiliate Trends & Tech Across Industries
- Can AI Content Rank on Google?
- When Social Disappears Overnight: TikTok Bans & the Future of Influencer Marketing
Take a look at the conference agenda here.
Some of the names already confirmed as speakers include industry heavyweights from companies such as Casino Guru, Clever Advertising, FairPlay Sports Media, FTD Digital, Game Lounge, Google, PureROI, Rocahead, Slotsjudge & SEOBROTHERS, TAG Media and Traffic Lab.
But apart from dedicated content, there’s more…
One of the most exciting parts of our Lisbon show?
The Super Stage at MEO Arena.
This is where the biggest conversations happen—featuring world-class keynote speakers who bring fresh perspectives, bold predictions, and game-changing insights from both inside and outside the gaming world.
Last year, we brought in icons like Tony Hawk and Sir Tim Berners-Lee, setting the bar high for thought leadership and inspiration. And in 2025 we’re raising it even higher. Gary Vee is already locked in, and we’ve got even more huge names coming your way.
If you’re looking for big ideas, big personalities, and the kind of insights that can reshape your business, the Super Stage at MEO Arena is where you need to be.
The Role of SBC’s Dedicated Affiliate Relationship Managers
We know that affiliates thrive on meaningful connections—which is why having dedicated Affiliate Relationship Managers is more than just a nice-to-have; it’s a game-changer.
These managers serve as strategic facilitators, ensuring that affiliates don’t just attend the event, but maximise every opportunity it offers. From navigating the vast network of operators, suppliers, and service providers to pinpointing the right connections, they help affiliates cut through the noise and focus on high-value, business-driven partnerships.
By understanding each affiliate’s business model, target markets, and growth goals, these managers provide tailored introductions, making sure every conversation is relevant and results-oriented. Beyond matchmaking, they also guide affiliates toward key conference sessions, must-attend networking events, and exclusive opportunities, ensuring they get the most out of their SBC experience.
Want to speak to our Affiliate relationship manager?
- Contact Wendy Debattista at [email protected]
Another thing that sets SBC Summit and Affiliate Leaders Summit apart is our commitment to curating the right mix of affiliates and operators.
That’s why, beyond our Affiliate Relationship Managers, we also have a dedicated team focused on bringing in the industry’s top operator affiliate managers. We’re making sure that every conversation at the event has real business potential.
But here’s the best part: affiliates and operators can also take control of their networking experience. If there’s a specific affiliate or operator affiliate manager you’d like to meet, you can invite them directly by asking them to submit a request through the website form. Once approved, they’ll receive a confirmation email—making it easier than ever to ensure the right people are there.
Affiliates can apply for a free ticket here.
Operators can submit their form here.
And since attendance is completely free for both operators and affiliates, all you need to do is convince your business prospects that this is an event worth attending. Hopefully, this blog post makes that job a little easier.
VIP Treatment for Affiliates: Seamless, Hassle-Free, and Cost-Effective
At SBC Summit and Affiliate Leaders Summit, affiliates are treated like VIPs, with the only major expenses being flights and accommodation. Even those costs can be minimised by booking early and taking advantage of exclusive SBC partner hotel rates.
Staying at partner hotels comes with additional perks, including access to a shuttle bus service—helping reduce both taxi costs and wait times. And, to make the experience even smoother, affiliates, operators, and other full-access pass holders will receive pre-loaded wristbands (€90), which can be used to purchase food and drinks at the dedicated food festival areas.
With these perks in place, affiliates can focus on what truly matters—networking, deal-making, and growing their business.
Key Upgrades to Elevate Your Affiliate Leaders Summit Experience
We’ve taken your 2024 feedback seriously and made some major upgrades to improve the flow, navigation, and overall experience of SBC Summit and Affiliate Leaders Summit.
This year, we’re making sure everything feels more connected, accessible, and seamless—so you can focus on what really matters: networking, deal-making, and getting the most out of the event.
One of the biggest improvements? Better integration of the Affiliate Leaders Summit with the rest of the venue. Last year, it felt a little separate, so this time, we’re adding a tent corridor to create a smooth, uninterrupted flow between the Affiliate Leaders area and the main event space. No more feeling like a side event—Affiliate Leaders Summit is now fully part of the action.
We’re also streamlining arrivals. Shuttle buses from partner hotels will now drop attendees directly at Registration 3, taking them straight into the Affiliate Leaders Summit. This means faster entry, reduced congestion at the main doors, and greater foot traffic for Affiliate Leaders exhibitors and attendees.
Navigating Affiliate Leaders Summit (as well as the wider SBC Summit) will also be easier than ever, thanks to bigger, clearer floor stickers with booth numbers for better orientation, digital screens displaying real-time floor plans and key locations, and simplified hanging banners that provide clear, digestible information without unnecessary clutter. Help desks and cloakrooms will also be better marked on the foldable floor plan, ensuring attendees can find what they need without hassle.
Beyond navigation, we’ve made key upgrades to enhance comfort and convenience throughout the venue. Improved air conditioning will keep the indoor climate cool and comfortable, stronger WiFi will ensure seamless connectivity, and upgraded tent structures with reinforced materials and better waterproofing will prevent the issues exhibitors faced last year.
Premium Spaces for Networking, Meetings & Recharge
At Affiliate Leaders Summit, ensuring every attendee’s comfort—whether you’re exhibiting or not—is a top priority. With a packed schedule of meetings, networking, and deal-making, we know that having dedicated spaces to recharge, connect, and conduct business is very important.
That’s why we’ve created exclusive networking areas and lounges designed for every purpose:
- Relax & Recharge – Large-scale events can be overwhelming, and sometimes, you just need a moment to step back, grab a drink, and reset before your next meeting.
- Convenient Meeting Spaces – If you don’t have a reserved meeting room, these lounges provide comfortable, professional environments for discussions—whether planned or impromptu.
- Spontaneous Networking – Not every connection is scheduled. If you’re looking to meet highly relevant leads in a natural setting, these spaces offer the perfect backdrop for organic encounters with key industry professionals.
These spaces will be your go-to networking hotspots throughout the Affiliate Leaders Summit:
- Networking Lounge by PlayAmo
- Affiliate Leaders VIP Lounge by bet365
- Affiliate Bar and Lounge by Vbet
- Smoothie Bar sponsored by AdRoll
- Affiliate Leaders Garden, Food Festival & Networking Lounge (outdoor area)
- Networking Lounge sponsored by Pin-Up Partners (located near the entrance)
- Dedicated Food Festival area
- Eight private meeting rooms
Introducing the Affiliate Leaders Awards, Celebrating Excellence in Affiliate Marketing
Big news for the affiliate marketing community—this year, we’re taking recognition to the next level with the launch of the Affiliate Leaders Awards!
While SBC has always included affiliate-focused categories in its awards lineup, the explosive growth of both SBC Summit and Affiliate Leaders Summit has created the perfect moment to give affiliates the spotlight they truly deserve.
This brand-new dedicated awards ceremony will bring together affiliates, operators, and key industry suppliers to celebrate exceptional achievements in the affiliate space—going far beyond the usual ‘Best Sports’ or ‘Best Casino Affiliate’ titles.
We’re here to highlight the true innovators, the game-changers, and the success stories that are reshaping the affiliate marketing landscape. And we’re not just keeping it within the affiliate circle—we’re making sure operators are part of the celebration, ensuring that the incredible work affiliates do is recognised by those they collaborate with most closely.
The Affiliate Leaders Awards will soon be open for submissions, featuring categories for affiliates, operators, and select relevant suppliers. Keep an eye out and make sure to apply if your company has excelled in one or more categories. Applying is completely free, so it all comes down to crafting a strong entry and backing up your achievements with solid evidence.
To help you craft a winning entry, our awards team has put together a detailed guide to ensure your application stands out. You can access it here.
If you’d like to attend the awards ceremony, tickets and table prices will be announced soon. However, if you’re looking to secure an individual ticket or a table for your team and partners in advance, feel free to reach out to our sales department at [email protected].
At SBC, We Don’t Just Promote Our Events—We Promote YOU!
Marketing at SBC isn’t just about driving attendance; it’s about amplifying your brand and putting you in front of the right audience. Whether through long-form content, email campaigns, or social media exposure, our affiliates don’t just show up—they get SEEN.
- Featured Mentions Across SBC Platforms: Your company name isn’t just buried in an attendee list—it’s strategically highlighted across blog posts, targeted email campaigns, and high-impact content that reaches thousands of industry professionals.
- Exclusive Media Opportunities: As an affiliate, you could be invited to exclusive interviews, where you’ll get the chance to share insights about your business, expertise, and industry trends. It’s a prime opportunity to boost your visibility and credibility in the iGaming space. Here’s an example interview with Floris Assies, CEO of Better World Casinos.
- Speaking Opportunities—Completely Free of Charge: We value affiliate perspectives, and we make sure those voices are heard. Affiliates are invited to speak at our conferences on a fully complementary basis, giving you a prime stage to position yourself as an industry thought leader—at zero cost. Want to speak? Reach out to our VP of Conference Production, Aidan Brain at [email protected] or apply here.
- High-Value Networking & VIP Experiences: Affiliates often receive VIP invitations to exclusive networking dinners, private events, and high-impact industry gatherings organised by SBC. These invite-only experiences provide an unmatched opportunity to connect with leading operators and key suppliers in an environment designed for meaningful conversations and deal-making. Curious about this? Reach out to your relationship manager to enquire about it.
Helpful Tips from the SBC team
Tip 1: Skip the Queues – Collect Your Badge at the Airport!
Make your arrival hassle-free by picking up your SBC Summit name badge right at the airport! No need to wait in long lines the next morning—just head to the badge collection point as soon as you land.
How to find it: After exiting the Arrivals gate, turn right and follow the event signs—you’ll have your badge in hand before you even leave the airport!
Tip 2: Download the SBC Connect App for a Seamless Event Experience!
Make the most of your time at SBC Summit by downloading SBC Connect—the official event app available on iOS and Android (the app becomes available one month prior to the event).
With SBC Connect, you can view the full agenda & schedule, add sessions, companies, and people to your favourites, send personal messages & request meetings and check out the floor plan to navigate the venue with ease.
Tip 3: Spot the Right People with Badge Colors!
Want to connect with the right attendees quickly and efficiently? Keep an eye on badge colors!
Affiliates will be rocking a purple badge.
Operators will be sporting a yellow badge.
This makes it super easy to identify key contacts, helping you optimise your time.
But also:
- Plan Your Meetings in Advance: With 30,000+ attendees expected, last-minute scheduling can be tricky.
- Book Your Travel & Hotel ASAP: Lisbon is a busy city, and hotel rates will rise as the event gets closer. Use SBC’s partner hotel deals to secure the best locations and take advantage of shuttle services that make getting to the venue seamless.
- Plan for Market Exploration Panels: Since SBC Summit is a global event, there will be dedicated panels on key markets including Latin America, North America, Europe, and more. If expansion is on your radar, these panels are a must-attend.
- Don’t Forget the Affiliate Leaders Awards: For the first time, the Affiliate Leaders Awards is a standalone celebration, recognising the best in affiliate marketing. If you or your company has excelled, submissions are free—so apply!
With a dedicated show floor, insightful conference sessions, exclusive networking events, and the inaugural Affiliate Leaders Awards, this year’s event is bigger, better, and more impactful than ever.
Taking place at the perfect time—just before Q4—the summit provides a strategic window to secure new partnerships and gain a competitive edge heading into 2026.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the most influential affiliate marketing event of the year—Lisbon in September is where the industry comes together, and you need to be there!