ELEVATE Summit 2025 Day 1: London Sets the Stage for Industry Transformation

The energy was palpable as performance marketing's brightest minds converged in London yesterday for the opening day of Affiverse's ELEVATE Summit 2025. What unfolded was nothing short of remarkable—a masterclass in industry evolution that left attendees buzzing with insights and anticipation for what's to come.

This snapshot blog represents just the beginning of our comprehensive coverage. Next week and beyond, we'll be sharing actionable takeaways and strategic insights. The conversations, connections, and insights from ELEVATE are just getting started…

Industry Leaders Drive Strategic Discourse

From thought-provoking panel discussions to deep-dive strategy sessions, the carefully curated content struck the perfect balance between tactical expertise and visionary thinking.

Dan Amarquaye captured the sentiment of many attendees when he reflected on LinkedIn: 

“Day 1 of Elevate Summit 2025 did not disappoint! 

“One standout session for me was “Where we are and where we should be heading” with Heather Peebles, Joep van den Boer, Matthew Addai and Oliver Koukoulis-Fribbens. Thanks again for the Moonpull shout out Heather.

“The conversation dug deep into how we can build better relationships between publishers and advertisers—with authenticity at the core. 

“Key takeaway: Stronger, more transparent partnerships will define the next chapter of our industry. It's not just about transactions anymore—it's about trust, collaboration, and long-term value. Grateful for the insights shared and the energy in the room. Bring on Day 2!”

This session exemplified the summit's commitment to addressing the industry's most pressing challenges while providing actionable solutions that attendees can implement immediately.

Partnership Excellence Takes Centre Stage

The collaborative spirit of the affiliate marketing ecosystem was on full display throughout the day. Teddy Ludmer at Tipalti, emphasised this in her LinkedIn post: “Bringing all things partnerhsips to Affiverse Elevate Summit. The content so far has been really insightful and curated extremely well by Lee-Ann and the team. Great to see partners here like Everflow – Partner Marketing Platform and Digi Reach”

Toni Honey, Affiliate Partnerships and Sales Manager reinforced this collaborative learning approach: “Great start to the Affiverse Elevate Summit 2025. One thing that really stands out for me is the common thread that we need to be testing and learning more and actually looking at the data to measure the incrementally. Sometimes we get bogged down in the ROI/ROAS detail but if you aren't testing and trying out new things how are you growing your brand or reaching a new audience? Perhaps I am biased because I have always been a big believer in investment and testing in the channel but it was great to hear more people flying the test and learn flag! I mean, incrementally and data is a whole other discussion but let's not get into that right now….“

The presence of industry-leading partners and the quality of discourse highlighted how ELEVATE continues to serve as the premier platform for meaningful business connections and knowledge exchange.

Networking Excellence and Memorable Moments

Beyond the strategic insights, ELEVATE’s first day showcased the power of genuine industry connections. Dan Alborough, Performance Manger at Optimise captured the networking spirit perfectly: “Heading back to glorious Norwich, the home of Optimise, after a brilliant day at Affiverse Elevate Summit 25 There were impressive and insightful sessions, and enjoyable networking opportunities, rounded off with rooftop dinner and drinks! A fantastic event and a big thank you to Lee-Ann Johnstone and team…and I'm sure I'll be in touch with plenty of contacts after today, and hope to see you all soon. If we didn't get to chat, let's make sure we do in the coming days!“

The day wasn't without its memorable moments either. Red Barrington highlighted one particularly engaging session: “Elevate and the RAV awards – you were epic! Huge congratulations to Lee-Ann Johnstone and the Affiverse team for a fabulous day! Highlight was Jenny Gonzalez – The Tracking Girl telling us not to forget the potential value of retargeting users who frequent p*** sites!”

RAV Awards 2025: Celebrating Industry Excellence

The evening culminated with the highly anticipated RAV Awards 2025, a celebration of the people and programs pushing affiliate and performance marketing forward. With over 150 incredible entries, the competition was fierce, and the recognition well-deserved.

Each category had one winner and one highly commended nominee, and we’re proud to shine a spotlight on both. Because being recognised in this mix? That’s no small thing.

Here’s how the night unfolded…

Affiliate Start-Up
For new affiliates already making waves.
Winner: Digi Reach for Engage & Monetize
Highly Commended: Tyviso | Brand Partnerships

SME Start-Up
For bold ideas turned thriving businesses.
Winner: Marker Video
Highly Commended: Latest Free Stuff

Best Use of Social Media
Campaigns that convert, connect, and inspire.
Winner: Mike Carney
Highly Commended: Parul Mehta Bhargava 

Program Manager of the Year
Exceptional partner management and revenue growth.
Winner: Erika Cosme

Affiliate Program Excellence
Innovation, structure, and measurable impact.
Winner: Growth HQ with HEYDUDE
Highly Commended: TUI

Best SaaS, Network or Tech
Purpose-built platforms powering the industry.
Winner: NucleusLinks
Highly Commended: Inflektion

B2B Partnerships
Collaborations that delivered real growth.
Winner: Performance Partners 
Highly Commended: Marker Video

Innovation: Tech & AI
Smart solutions making a big difference.
Winner: PartnerBoost
Highly Commended: Refinery Affiliate

Rising Star
New voices, real influence, and serious potential.
Winner: Chloe Ellis
Highly Commended: Parul Gupta

Industry Champion (The Unsung Heroes)
For the behind-the-scenes trailblazers.
Winner: Alia Swinnerton-Kean TopCashback UK
Highly Commended: Joep van den Boer Shoparize

To everyone who entered, nominated, or rooted from the sidelines, thank you. These awards were built to spotlight the often-unseen excellence in our community. And this was just the beginning.

Thank you to our AMAZING judges, your insight, time, and passion made this celebration of rising talent truly possible.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community

As we reflect on yesterday's outstanding success, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made Day 1 of ELEVATE Summit 2025 exceptional. Our speakers brought unparalleled expertise and genuine insights that will shape how our industry moves forward. Our sponsors demonstrated their commitment to advancing affiliate marketing through their generous support and active participation. Most importantly, our delegates—the practitioners, innovators, and leaders who make our industry thrive—created the collaborative atmosphere that makes ELEVATE truly special.

The enthusiasm and engagement from every participant reminded us why we do this work: to help the world do affiliate marketing better through shared knowledge, genuine connections, and collective growth.

If yesterday was any indication, Day 2 promises to deliver even more breakthrough insights and actionable strategies that will define the future of affiliate marketing.

Join our community of forward-thinkers who balance the fun with the focus!