The affiliate marketing world recently witnessed a new player on the conference scene: Affiliate Takeover. Held from July 9th to 11th in beautiful Barcelona, this inaugural event promised something different, and it certainly delivered a unique experience.
Like many others, I was curious about this new venture, by Alex Micol, and it seemed a lot of my friends in the industry felt the same, messaging me to see if I was attending.
So I went. This shared curiosity led to a pleasant surprise, as I encountered many familiar faces throughout the event.
Unlike some broader conferences, Affiliate Takeover notably focused on whitehat eCommerce and lead generation strategies, attracting a specific segment of the industry.
Backyard Meetup, Less Grand Exhibition
My first impression upon arriving at Affiliate Takeover was, “Wow, this is small!” With around 1,000 registered attendees, it was by far the most intimate conference I’ve attended in this industry. Compared to the sprawling halls and bustling crowds of other major shows, Affiliate Takeover felt more like a backyard meetup than a large-scale exhibition.
This initial thought of “super small, very different” quickly evolved into a profound appreciation as the days unfolded.
The event’s schedule featured back-to-back sessions, which meant the show floor was never overwhelmingly crowded. While this might seem like a drawback, it actually created a fantastic environment for exhibitors.
Instead of fighting for attention, booths had ample time for meaningful conversations with potential partners, a stark contrast to the often frantic pace of larger conferences.
A Networking Goldmine
What truly set Affiliate Takeover apart was the unparalleled networking opportunity its size afforded. That initial feeling of it being “super small” transformed into the realization that this was its greatest strength.
The intimate setting made it incredibly easy to connect with industry friends and forge stronger relationships. I found myself having deeper, more substantial conversations, which is often difficult in the high-energy, fast-paced environment of bigger events.
Everyone is always trying to get your attention at a busier, larger conference.
It felt like a perfect blend of a meetup and a conference, reminiscent of the old STM meetups where the focus was squarely on sessions and genuine networking, with booths serving as supportive elements rather than the main attraction. Many people I knew were there, driven by the same curiosity that brought me, and it was great to see so many familiar faces.
The Venue and Familiar Echoes
The conference was held at Fira Barcelona, the same location where Affiliate World Europe has taken place in the past.
While Spain is undoubtedly a beautiful backdrop for any event, the Fira Barcelona venue felt quite vast for an event of this scale. I personally felt a more compact setting, perhaps a hotel event space, might have created an even tighter, more cohesive atmosphere given the smaller attendance.
Interestingly, the event also had a distinct “mini Affiliate World” feel, almost like a meticulously crafted, scaled-down replica. From the moment you stepped through the entrance, the layout of the registration area, the design of the banners, and even the standardized booth setups mirrored the larger Affiliate World conferences.
It was almost a carbon copy, shrunk down in scale. It is like they hired the team behind Affiliate World.
This immediate sense of familiarity, combined with the unique intimacy of a smaller crowd, made for an intriguing and somewhat surreal experience. It was like seeing a beloved blockbuster movie adapted into a charming, independent film.
Personal Highlights: Connections and Contributions
For me, the most important aspect was undoubtedly the networking. I had the chance to deepen existing friendships and engage in truly meaningful discussions. A particular highlight was showcasing my “Incomplete Guide to Affiliate Marketing.” I was thrilled that Avanto Media sponsored my book, distributing copies to new affiliates, and it was incredibly rewarding to have people come up and ask me to sign them.
A Promising Start
Affiliate Takeover’s debut was a refreshing change of pace. While small in scale, its focus on quality interactions and a more relaxed environment made it a highly effective networking event. The emphasis on white hat eCommerce and lead generation strategies also carved out a clear niche, attracting attendees and exhibitors genuinely interested in sustainable, ethical growth.
It proved that sometimes, less is indeed more, especially when it comes to fostering genuine connections and focused learning in the affiliate marketing industry. I’m certainly curious to see how this new conference evolves in the years to come and whether its unique approach to traffic and monetization will continue to shape the industry landscape.
Being in this space for so long, I have a very open mind on where this goes.
