How to Turn Event Conversations Into Long-Term Affiliate Deals

Practical strategies for making every meeting at the Affiliate Leaders Summit (part of SBC Summit) actually count.

Why Some Conversations at Events Lead Nowhere

You arrive at a major industry event, badge around your neck, and a packed schedule in hand. You talk to dozens of affiliate managers. You exchange business cards, add people on LinkedIn, maybe even share a laugh or a handshake agreement.

Then what happens?

The inbox stays quiet. The promised follow-ups fade. That “great meeting” turns into another name on a spreadsheet.

The issue isn’t a lack of opportunity. It’s a lack of a system.

At SBC Summit, you’ll have access to 8,000+ operators, and with the right Affiliate Leaders Summit networking tips, you can turn that access into real deals.

This guide breaks down exactly how to turn those quick event chats into real, revenue-generating affiliate deals.

But before we get started…If you don’t already have your ticket, apply for a complimentary affiliate pass.

Step 1: Identify Who’s Actually Worth Your Time

Don’t chase volume. Chase relevance.

Before you even arrive in Lisbon, build a short list of operators who actually align with your traffic, vertical, and goals. Use the attendee list (the 2024 version will soon be refreshed), the SBC Connect app (will be available a month ahead of the event), or the exhibitor directory to:

• Spot your niche: Are they focused on sports betting? Casino? Crypto?
• Check geo focus: Does your traffic convert in the regions they’re expanding into?
• Research their affiliate history: Have they worked with affiliates before? Are they open to rev-share, hybrid, or CPA models?

A smart list of 10 highly relevant targets is far more effective than handing out 50 business cards at random.

Prioritise depth over reach. And if possible, segment them:

• Tier 1: Must-meet brands with high alignment
• Tier 2: Brands with potential if they offer flexible models
• Tier 3: Wildcards worth a quick intro chat

Step 2: Prepare a Pitch That Opens Doors

You have 30 seconds. Make it count.

Most event meetings are short. You need to instantly establish value. Prepare a short, punchy pitch that includes:

• What you do (“We run a mobile-first casino content platform targeting Tier 1 markets”)
• Your key value prop (“Average player value of $170 across 3 EU markets”)
• Proof or example (“Recently ran a campaign with [brand] that hit 22% conversion on hybrid”)

Keep it lean. Let your pitch create interest, not overwhelm.

Practice your pitch out loud. Rehearse answering tough questions like:

• “What makes your traffic different from the 20 others I spoke to?”
• “Can you guarantee volume?”
• “What are your terms?”

Step 3: Affiliate Leaders Summit Networking Tips. Book Structured Time, Not Random Encounters

Meetings are where real deals begin.

SBC Summit gives you the tools. Use them:

• Pre-event meeting scheduler: Set appointments with your top targets via the SBC Connect App.
• Affiliate conference sessions: Join curated sessions and roundtables.
• Dedicated lounges: Use these as quiet spaces to have meaningful discussions. Check the SBC Summit floor plan (purple area).
• Evening networking events: Don’t underestimate these. Often, the most open and honest conversations happen outside of the expo floor.

Also, schedule breaks. Don’t stack meetings back-to-back. Leave time to take notes, reset, and prepare.

Map your schedule with clear objectives for each meeting:

• Align on geo and traffic
• Establish a point of contact
• Determine interest in trial campaign
• Set next-step action item

Step 4: Take Notes. Always.

Memory is unreliable. Notes are deal-saving.

After every conversation, jot down:

• Who you spoke to
• What was discussed (offer type, interest level)
• Any specific requests (media kits, traffic data)
• Clear next steps

This sets you up for a follow-up that feels specific, timely, and professional.

If you’re using a CRM or Google Sheet, batch your notes there each evening. This turns scattered encounters into a follow-up machine.

Even quick notes like “Wants LATAM – prefers hybrid – interested in esports angle – asked for deck” are gold.

Pro tip: If you’re walking the floor with a team, designate one person as the note-taker for each key meeting.

Create a daily recap document for internal review. Highlight:

• Priority follow-ups
• Hot prospects
• Unclear leads that need additional nurturing

Step 5: Follow Up With Purpose, Not Platitudes

The “great to meet you” email isn’t enough.

Craft follow-ups that show you listened, that you’re prepared, and that you’re moving the relationship forward.

Checklist for a great follow-up email:

• Subject line: Clear and specific (“Follow-Up from SBC Summit: [Your Name] x [Brand Name]”)
• Reference something discussed: (“You mentioned you’re looking for LATAM traffic — here’s our breakdown”)
• Attach something useful: Media kit, traffic deck, sample campaign results
• Suggest a next step: Call, trial campaign, revenue projection review

Timeliness matters. Send your follow-up within 72 hours of the event.

​​Create email templates your team can personalise and track open/click rates using a CRM or mail tracking tool.

Step 6: Build the Relationship, Not Just the Deal

Think beyond the first conversion.

The affiliates who get the most out of events aren’t just good networkers. They’re reliable partners. Here’s how to nurture those connections post-event:

• Provide value regularly: Share campaign performance, market insights, or even relevant news articles that align with your partner’s goals
• Communicate proactively: Update them even if you don’t have huge wins. Regular touchpoints build trust.
• Offer flexibility: If performance dips, suggest alternative approaches rather than go silent.
• Be transparent: Be upfront about what you need to make a campaign successful. Good partners respect honesty over ambiguity.

Most deals fall apart not from lack of performance, but from lack of communication. Position yourself as a long-term growth partner.

Send monthly check-in emails or host quarterly catch-ups to review what’s working and where to optimize. Use these conversations to:

• Pitch new traffic sources or content formats
• Propose limited-time offers or co-branded campaigns
• Share testimonials or feedback from other successful collaborations

Bonus: Your Ultimate Affiliate Leaders Summit Networking Tips Checklist

✅ Finalise your operator shortlist
✅ Prepare 2–3 variations of your value-based pitch
✅ Schedule structured meetings through the event platform
✅ Capture notes during and after every discussion
✅ Send personalised, value-first follow-ups within 48 hours
✅ Continue communication after Lisbon with monthly updates or insights
✅ Track conversions tied to each meeting for long-term ROI analysis
✅ Build a post-event content asset (e.g., “What I Learned at SBC Lisbon”) to stay visible
✅ Review your event KPIs weekly for 3 months post-show
✅ Share key insights internally to inform your next event strategy

AND! Pay attention. Operators will be wearing a YELLOW badge (affiliates will rock a purple one).

Final Word

Affiliate deals don’t close because you attended an event. They close because you showed up with a plan, delivered value, and followed through.

SBC Summit gives you the platform. What you do with it is up to you. Plan smarter. Pitch sharper. Follow up like a pro. These Affiliate Leaders Summit networking tips can turn your next event chat into your most profitable partnership of the year.

Apply for your complimentary affiliate ticket here (this gives you access to everything the Affiliate Leaders Summit and the wider SBC Summit has to offer).