Affiliate marketing has shaped the way brands connect with consumers. Yet the industry is facing a growing wave of negative sentiment. It’s time to change the narrative! It’s time for the European Affiliate Awards. This initiative from our CEO Sjef Kerkhofs, together with affiliate specialist Robin Piet, we fully embrace it. That is why Franke Media has decided to support the European Affiliate Awards as a founding partner. Register today via https://affiliatemarketing-awards.com.
Here is the official press release:
European Affiliate Awards: Recognition and Pride for a Billion Dollar Industry
Affiliate marketing is one of the foundations of digital marketing and a key driver of the explosive growth of e-commerce. The European affiliate marketing sector is worth €7 billion in annual turnover and generates 15% of all online sales revenue. Yet this impactful discipline often does not get the recognition it deserves. That is where Robin Piet and Sjef Kerkhofs bring about change with the European Affiliate Awards, a new initiative celebrating its first edition this year.
A sector with impact, but little recognition
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 continuously put themselves on a pedestal. In fact, affiliate marketing is often viewed with suspicion, as was evident last year from an article in the Volkskrant 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.”
A platform for lasting appreciation
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.”
A European stage
In addition to a strong digital footprint, the European Affiliate Awards will host an annual physical event in a European capital. “We want to connect affiliate marketing with Europe’s biggest innovation hubs,” Robin explains. “The first edition will take place in Amsterdam. Then we will travel to cities like Berlin, Paris and Barcelona, so that it will truly be a European stage. Our awards show will be compact, qualitative and inspiring – no hour-long ceremonies, but a powerful celebration of the best achievements in the industry.”
A flying start
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 together with us. This is the moment to put 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://affiliatemarketing-awards.com to stay informed or participate in this unique initiative.