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It's the season of terrific industry events â a lot is happening right now.
This week, we have Rakuten Optimism in California â we'll be sharing insights from that soon.
But last week, we had a brilliant time at Awin ThinkTank in Portugal. From amazing sessions, including a standout by the inimitable Lily Ray, whom I was also lucky enough to interview (see below), to memorable conversations, and fire throwing on the beach.
There'll be much more coming out over the next few days, but the first few insights are ready to read below.
Now, on with the news!
You can expect to walk away with new connections, partnerships and industry insights.
And if you're still not convinced, it's taking place by a beautiful resort in Carlsbad, California â the beach is just a 10-minute drive away.
If you're picking up a last-minute ticket, you're in luck.
We're offering 25% off tickets with the code HELLOPARTNER25.
Register here.
In today's newsletter:
- Pick of the day: Lily Ray talks about a hopeful future for SEO and affiliate
- Trending: Awin launches first-of-its-kind AI platform; Southeast Asia e-commerce giant doubles down on affiliate spend.
- Top Tip of the Week: Does affiliate require a rebrand?
Pick of the day

âAffiliates Will Suddenly Be Getting A Lot Of Calls From Brandsâ, Lily Ray On Future Of Affiliate Marketing and SEO
The SEO mogul shared optimistic insights about the performance of affiliates in large language models (LLMs).
For the past year, the SEO space has been struck by setback after setback that have wiped out industries, stifled affiliate marketers, and buried publishers two pages deep below sponsored results and AI Overviews.
However, for the first time in months, I feel hopeful, even excited, about the future of affiliate marketers using SEO strategies.
Trending
What's hot on Hello Partner right now
Awin Launches First-Of-Its-Kind AI Platform for Affiliate Marketing
Described as a âleap into the futureâ, Awinâs new platform will use proprietary AI technology to present a unique and âradically simplerâ approach to affiliate partnerships. We spoke to with Sam Beattie, Lead Product Manager of AI, to learn more.
Lazada Commits US$100M to Supercharge Affiliate Programme Across SEA
In preparation for major shopping events, the e-commerce giant doubles down on affiliate marketing.
From Pub Meets to Portugal: Rosalyn Berrisford Reflects on Career Journey and Affiliate Marketing
Recorded at ThinkTank 2025, Roz Berrisford shares stories from her journey and spotlights current trends in Europe.
Belgian Court Declares IAB Europe's TCF Illegal Under GDPR: What This Means for Marketers
The ruling raises some pressing questions around performance and affiliate marketing efficacy throughout the UK & Europe in coming years.
Industry-Wide Innovation & Unique Creativity: The Winners of the Performance Marketing Awards 2025
This month, we celebrated the 19th year of the PMAs. Following a monumental 12 months, it was time to acknowledge those players who drove true innovation and brilliance throughout the industry.
Have bold ideas, real-world insights, or a killer case study?
Take the stage at Europeâs leading event for performance marketers. Whether youâre scaling through smart partnerships, diversifying traffic, or rethinking the funnel, we want your story.
This isnât just a speaking slot.
Itâs your chance to lead the conversation and share whatâs really happening in 2025.
Deadline: 18th June
Apply now: https://hubs.la/Q03nvRjv0
Tip of the Week
Stay at the top of your game
Does affiliate marketing need a rebrand?
George Sullivan, Founder of The Sole Supplier, suggests so.
He recently shared his perspective after a discussion with leaders from Amajor brands, one of which said, âFull funnel content partners drive some of the best incrementality out of all marketing channels in our business.â
Sullivan believes one of the biggest myths in marketing is that affiliate marketing doesnât work, or that itâs purely last click. The smartest brands, he says, are working with content-led affiliate partners to drive performance across the entire funnel.
âThey create brilliant return on marketing spend,â he explains. âThey influence users, convert them, and act as an extension of your marketing team.â
His take is that itâs time to stop viewing all affiliates through the same lens. Look at partners individually, and maybe rethink the word âaffiliateâ altogether.
What do you think? Does affiliate need rebranding?
Affiliate Geoguessr
Did you get the last location?
If you guessed it was the office where 'affiliate tracking' was first patented, you would be correct!
Below is this week's location. Clue: There's a link here in one of this week's news stories. See if you can figure it out.
Can you determine its significance?

7-15 Pink Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5DW
Amusing Affiliates

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Location: London, UK
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Until next time,
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Sol Wilkinson Journalist Email me Connect with me on LinkedIn |