Affiliates work to a more concentrated calendar than most parts of the industry, because their success depends on partnerships, traffic and conversion rather than on product launches. The 2027 programme clusters around three moments: January in Barcelona, May in Madrid, and July in London. Each one suits a different kind of planning.
January: Barcelona affiliate week
iGB Affiliate Barcelona is listed for 19 and 20 January 2027, running alongside ICE Barcelona, which is scheduled for 18 to 20 January at the same city. For affiliates, the early-year window is a good time to reconnect with existing partners and agree priorities for the first half of the year, before the spring calendar fills up.
Because the event sits in the same week as ICE, affiliates who plan to attend both can share travel and accommodation costs. Booking early is important, since hotels around Fira Barcelona fill quickly in January.
May: the Madrid conference
The AffPapa Conference is listed for Madrid from 18 to 20 May 2027. It offers a more compact, affiliate-focused stop in the middle of the year. Smaller formats like this often suit teams who want structured meetings with prospective partners rather than a large exhibition floor. The dates come from a single listing, so confirm them with the organiser before booking.
July: iGB L!VE and the awards
iGB L!VE is scheduled for 7 and 8 July 2027 at ExCeL London. Organisers expect more than 15,000 attendees and over 200 exhibitors and sponsors. The affiliate zone is designed for deal-making and curated networking with operators, and the iGB Affiliate Awards gala recognises figures and performers who have shaped the sector.
The programme also includes iGB Introducing, a networking area for visitors meeting new partners, agencies, affiliate programmes and marketing technology suppliers. For affiliates seeking new relationships rather than existing ones, that can be one of the most useful parts of the show.
What affiliates should prioritise in 2027
With a limited budget, the sensible approach is to choose the events that match your current partners and target markets. One possible strategy is to treat January as a planning and reconnection stop, May as a focused partnership meeting, and July as the main opportunity for new deals. This is our interpretation rather than a fixed rule.
Whichever events you choose, arrive with a list of named contacts and a clear goal for each meeting. Planned conversations usually produce more follow-up than unplanned ones.
Turning events into partnerships
An event is only the start of a relationship. Set a short follow-up window, ideally within two weeks, and assign an owner to each lead. Teams that record their conversations and agree next steps before leaving the event tend to convert more of those contacts into signed agreements.
Final thoughts
The 2027 affiliate calendar gives a clear shape to the year. Choose the events that fit your niche, plan your meetings in advance, and build time for follow-up into every trip. A focused plan will do more for your partnerships than attending everything on the list.
