PI LIVE is the most anticipated event of the year for the performance marketing industry. Held in London every October, the event brings together brands, partners, agencies and retailers for two days to connect, build relationships, share information, and make deals.
While this was my first year attending PI LIVE, everyone on our team agreed this was the best one yet. We at Partnerize are extremely proud to be a Premier Sponsor of such a world-class industry event. Attendance for both PI LIVE and the Influencer Marketing Show was up 24% this year, and that was clear over the course of the two days. With so many people flowing in and out of the show floor, as well as the sessions and networking events, the buzz was truly palpable.
From our perspective, the event provided a fabulous opportunity to showcase the newest features launched on the Partnerize Partner Automation Platform to the hundreds of partner marketing, affiliate and eCommerce leaders that stopped by our booth. We got to show off our brand new content management and communication suites, enhanced partner commissioning, and more to these marketers from top brands. We also got to share our simplified partner workflows with publishers and affiliates in attendance.
One of our primary reasons for attending PI LIVE is to engage in conversations with those on the front lines of partner marketing at leading brands. We always say that the partnership industry is propelled by personal relationships. Year after year, PI LIVE enables our team to meet with people from all walks of the industry to share knowledge, challenges and issues. There is no better way to put your finger squarely on the pulse of the industry than to engage in conversations with everyone you cross paths with at PI LIVE.
In addition to the record foot traffic that helped us forge new connections and reinforce existing relationships, the content at this year’s PI Live did not disappoint. One of the most interesting panel discussions we heard included Simon Bird (RevLifter), Emma Bowkett (Convertr Inc) and Mark Smith (Adhoc Media.) As champions for retaining and fostering industry talent, we always enjoy hearing people tell their growth stories. These startup founders were incredibly forthcoming in sharing their stories.
Our team also loved the ongoing discussions on changing consumer behavior as it relates to all areas of partnership, from influencers to vouchers and discount codes, and the importance of using data to drive growth in these areas. Lastly, All Inclusive Marketing founder and CEO Sarah Bundy’s session on the role of affiliates in the customer journey was incredibly insightful and illuminating for all in attendance.
While we were impressed by what transpired on 22 – 23 October, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the International Performance Marketing Awards — the industry’s preeminent awards show, which occurred the night before PI LIVE began. The IPMAs are where everyone brings their A-game and the competition for awards has never been more fierce. It is inspiring to see the quality of entries brands, agencies, and partners. For Partnerize, winning the Best Technology award for the second year in a row (we won Best Performance Marketing Technology in 2018), provided tremendous validation for what we are building. The category was decided by a 60 percent/40 percent split in scoring between the judges and a public vote, telling us we also have the support of the partnerships community.
Cheers to all involved from PerformanceIn for exceeding expectations with this year’s event! We can’t wait to see what PI LIVE 2020 holds in store.
