Affiliate marketing drives 15% of all online sales in Europe and generates over €7 billion annually — yet remains undervalued. The European Affiliate Awards is changing that.
Affiliate marketing is one of the foundations of digital marketing and a key driver behind the explosive growth of e-commerce. The European affiliate marketing sector generates an annual turnover of no less than €7 billion and generates 15% of all online sales revenue. Yet this impactful discipline often does not receive the appreciation it deserves. Robin Piet and Sjef Kerkhofs want to change that with the European Affiliate Awards, a new initiative that is celebrating its first edition this year.
Sjef Kerkhofs, CEO of Franke Media (owned by Waterland Private Equity) and former director of digital agency Positive, noticed a striking contrast after six months in the affiliate industry: “The passion and expertise within this sector are unparalleled. From networks and software suppliers to brands and publishers, the impact of affiliate marketing on e-commerce is enormous. Yet there is little pride and appreciation within the marketing world, while other disciplines continually put themselves on a pedestal. In fact, affiliate marketing is often viewed with suspicion, as was evident from an article in the Volkskrant last year or the dark light that is currently shining on Honey. With the European Affiliate Awards, we want to break through this negative perception and bring back pride in our industry.”
The initiative is not just about a one-off celebration, but about creating a lasting platform that focuses on appreciation and recognition. “It’s about more than an awards show,” emphasizes co-initiator Robin Piet, affiliate marketing professional and currently business development manager at an agency. “We want to offer the professionals we put in the spotlight a platform with which they can profile themselves all year round. From digital recognition to physical appreciation: the European Affiliate Awards must strengthen the pride and reputation of our sector.”
In addition to a strong digital footprint, the European Affiliate Awards will organize an annual physical event in a European capital. “We want to connect affiliate marketing with the largest innovation hubs in Europe,” Robin explains. “The first edition will take place in Amsterdam. We will then travel to cities such as Berlin, Paris and Barcelona, so that it will truly be a European stage. Our awards show will be compact, qualitative and inspiring – no hours-long ceremonies, but a powerful celebration of the best achievements in the industry.”
The initiative has already received a lot of positive feedback from the industry. “The energy and enthusiasm from our network convinced us to continue with this idea,” says Sjef. “The corporate identity has been developed, the website is live and we are open to partners who want to build this platform with us. This is the moment to shine the spotlight on an industry that more than deserves it.”
Interested parties – from media partners and sponsors to jury members and professionals – can register via https://aHiliatemarketing-awards.com to stay informed or to participate in this unique initiative.
