AffPapa Conference Madrid wraps biggest edition yet
Table of contents
- AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026 drew more than 1,100 affiliates, operators, and B2B providers to Novotel Madrid Center across 18–20 May.
- The three-day programme included panels, workshops, speed-dating sessions, and the 5th annual AffPapa iGaming Awards, held at Real Casino de Madrid under the theme “The Test of Time”.
- AffPapa CEO Levon Nikoghosyan teased an imminent LatAm edition, signalling the conference series is expanding beyond Europe.
The AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026 wrapped its three-day run on 20 May, closing out the largest edition in the event’s history and its first in Spain’s capital after two previous editions in Málaga.
Panels and workshops
The main conference days — 19 and 20 May — featured a packed agenda of panels, workshops, and networking sessions centred on iGaming and affiliate marketing.
Topics ranged from business strategy and operator-affiliate relationships to regulation, market trends, and blockchain, crypto, and NFTs. The Spanish iGaming market also featured as a dedicated discussion topic.
An AI Workshop powered by createIT ran alongside Affiliate Morning Club sessions, offering a more applied look at how artificial intelligence is being adopted across iGaming operations and affiliate programmes.
Exhibitors showcased their brands through fully customisable booth spaces, a new format introduced for the Madrid edition to support deeper engagement and visibility throughout the event.
Speed-dating and side events
The event’s signature speed-dating sessions returned, connecting affiliates and operators in one-minute rotations. The format is designed for rapid introductions and efficient identification of shared interests, with back-to-back meetings maintaining a steady flow of new connections.
Both sides can quickly establish common ground and decide whether to continue discussions beyond the session — making it one of the most active networking formats at the event.
Side events on the opening day included a Running Club powered by Hybrid Interaction and organised with The Walking Spread, a padel tournament powered by Bazoom, and a guided tour of the Santiago Bernabéu and Real Madrid Museum powered by JoinAff.
The day closed with an official networking event at Teatro Magno Club, bringing attendees together for drinks and early connections ahead of the main conference sessions.
Following the second conference day, iGaming Club hosted an exclusive networking party at La Reserva Club, offering a more relaxed setting for attendees to continue discussions and build new relationships.
Awards and closing party
The conference concluded with the 5th annual AffPapa iGaming Awards, staged at the historic Real Casino de Madrid.
The anniversary edition ran under the theme “The Test of Time” — a nod to the longevity of the affiliates, operators, and B2B providers being recognised for continuing to raise standards and drive innovation across the sector.
Four new award categories were introduced to mark the milestone edition: Woman Leader of the Year, CEO of the Year, Affiliate Manager of the Year, and Best Employer of the Year.
International DJ and producer Kryoman headlined the official closing party, marking the end of the most extensive AffPapa Conference edition to date.
Levon Nikoghosyan, CEO of AffPapa and iGaming Club, said:
“The energy in Madrid this year showed exactly what this industry is capable of when it comes together. From the first networking sessions to the Awards night, the engagement, the ideas, and the collaboration were on another level. Expect the same energy in LatAm very soon!”
What’s next
AffPapa has published an official after-movie recapping the event’s main highlights. A full documentary and photo album are also in production.
With Madrid concluded, attention turns to iGaming Club London 2026, scheduled for 30 June and returning for its fourth year. The event is capped at 200 attendees and will feature welcome drinks, a VIP dinner, exclusive networking with affiliates and operators, and insights from leading industry experts.
A Cancún edition has previously been signalled, completing a model that pairs a European flagship in Madrid with a dedicated LatAm event.
The AffPapa directory currently connects more than 2,300 affiliates and 300 operators. For suppliers and operators planning their event calendars, the growing circuit offers targeted, high-conversion formats at both ends of the year.
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