New affiliate networking event announced for EIG Barcelona 2008

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Affiliates and affiliate programme managers have an exceptional opportunity to conduct more face-to-face business in 2008. EiG, the world's largest igaming event taking place 23rd - 25th September 2008, has added a new feature called the Affiliate Zone to cater for affiliate marketing.

As affiliate marketing becomes a more prevalent method of acquiring and retaining customers in igaming, EiG organiser, Clarion Gaming, recognised the needs of the affiliate industry could no longer be ignored.

Having conducted extensive research with affiliate programmes and the Gambling Portal Webmasters Association (GPWA), Clarion Gaming has developed a series of exciting elements to incorporate into the already impressive 1200 plus attendee congress, including a networking lounge and seminar theatre.

On hearing about the Zone, Calvin Ayre, CEO of Bodog, said, "The Affiliate Zone concept is an excellent idea for EiG. Affiliates are becoming increasingly important and I am pleased that Clarion Gaming is working on this."

The Affiliate Zone networking lounge

Understanding the importance of providing a place for meetings, relaxing and gaining new contacts in comfortable surroundings, the organisers have created the affiliate sector's first dedicated networking lounge. The lounge will be kitted out with contemporary furniture (such as large sofas, armchairs and coffee tables), will be wireless enabled and will have easy access to the expo bar. It is anticipated this large space will enhance the networking experience for all attendees ensuring that affiliate business needs are catered for under one roof.

The Affiliate Zone seminar theatre

Housed in the Affiliate Zone, the seminar theatre will hold a dedicated two-day conference covering topics essential for successful affiliate marketing. The full conference programme will be announced in 2008 following extensive research to ensure the most relevant topics and most sought after speakers are chosen. In the meantime, the GPWA has confirmed it will be involved in the programme as a speaker and will provide guidance with conference topics as a representative of affiliates.

Speaking on this new addition to the igaming affiliate calendar, John Ryott, Head of Affiliates at Affiliate Club commented: "It's great to see a new affiliate event on the calendar, especially when it's associated with the leading igaming industry conference, EiG. The first thing I like about Clarion Gaming's approach is the immense amount of research they have conducted in understanding what is that affiliates and affiliate programmes need from an event. The second impressive aspect of the Affiliate Zone is the focus on networking and providing a comfortable environment to have meetings. I'm looking forward to hearing more and of course attending the event with key affiliates in September."