In a nostalgic reflection, Sean Collins, the co-founder of Affiliate Summit, talked about the history of the Affiliate Summit Conference and how he turned the idea into the current-day celebrated affiliate marketing event. He took us back to the very first Affiliate Summit in 2003. He had a bag from that event, and he shared the amazing story of how a small idea grew into a really important meeting that helped make the affiliate marketing industry what it is today.
The idea for Affiliate Summit started when Sean Collins, and Miss Ward, had a talk in the spring of 2003. They wanted to create an event like "Affiliate Force," which was already happening but the grand plan was to create something better, little did they know it would turn into a global affiliate industry phenomenon. At first, they planned to do something in 2004, like a cruise. But they decided to start earlier and held a smaller event in November 2003 at Brew College in New York City.
In this article, we are sharing with you the history of the Affiliate Summit Conferences as narrated by Sean Collins on his blog, AffiliateTip.com
Affiliate Summit: a Journey from Humble Beginnings to Industry Success
In the fast-paced world of affiliate marketing, few events have left a lasting impact like Affiliate Summit. Founded in 2003 by Sean Collins, and Missy Ward, the event has grown from a small gathering in New York City to a global phenomenon that attracts thousands of attendees. In this article, we'll take a trip down memory lane and explore the fascinating history of Affiliate Summit, from its humble beginnings to its continued success today.
The Birth of Affiliate Summit
The seeds of Affiliate Summit were sown on a cruise ship in Miami in April 2003. Sean Collins, an affiliate marketer then, attended an affiliate marketing event and was disappointed with its direction. He had been instrumental in its success, but the organizer failed to honor their financial commitments. This experience, coupled with a chance meeting with Missy Ward, fueled the idea of creating a competing event that would be bigger and better.
Despite lacking experience and financial resources, Sean and Ward were determined to make it happen. On May 19, 2003, they registered the domain name AffiliateSummit.com. The initial plan was to organize a cruise conference in 2004, but they decided to host a smaller, more affordable event in 2003 to build momentum and get the brand out there.
Sean Collins (2003)
The First Event: Affiliate Summit 2003
Thanks to a fortunate connection with Baruch College, located close to Sean's office, they secured a venue for free, with the only requirement being to reserve ten spots for marketing students. The event was set for November 3, 2003, in New York City. Despite limited resources and a makeshift website, they managed to sell out all the tickets, priced at $75, with the promise of lunch included.
The first Affiliate Summit event was a resounding success, with attendees embracing the concept and the value it brought to the industry. The positive reception fueled the momentum for their next event, the 2004 cruise, and proved that treating people with respect and fulfilling obligations was the key to sustainable growth.
“We decided to set a low price ($75 for the whole day, including lunch) and then called in favors to get friends to staff it, and our industry friends stepped up as sponsors and speakers.
Our little venture was immediately profitable, and people liked what we did. We were sold out a month before the conference.” Sean Collins.
Rapid Growth and Industry Recognition
Affiliate Summit gained significant traction over the years, becoming the go-to event for affiliate marketers and industry professionals. Attendees appreciated the quality of speakers, networking opportunities, and insights shared by experts. The event's focus on performance-based revenue and the dedication of its organizers played a massive role in its rapid growth.
While the first event had around 200 attendees, the following years saw a drastic increase. By the time their run came to an end, Affiliate Summit had reached 8 000 attendees in Las Vegas. This growth was in stark contrast to the demise of the original event “Affiliate Force”, which they had aimed to compete with, which was eventually canceled due to financial difficulties.
The Legacy of Affiliate Summit
Affiliate Summit's journey serves as a valuable lesson in entrepreneurship and perseverance. Starting with little investment and limited resources, the co-founders built a global brand that has shaped the affiliate marketing industry. Their commitment to delivering value, treating people with respect, and honoring their obligations earned them widespread recognition and loyalty from attendees, sponsors, and speakers alike.
Looking Ahead
As Affiliate Summit continues to thrive, Sean Collins and his team have expanded the event's reach beyond the United States, with conferences planned in Singapore, Las Vegas, and Amsterdam. The commitment to excellence and innovation that started in 2003 still drives the organization, making each subsequent event more exciting than the last.
In conclusion, Affiliate Summit's remarkable journey from its inception to its current status as a leading global event in affiliate marketing is a testament to the vision and determination of its co-founders. The history of Affiliate Summit reminds us that success is possible, even when starting with humble beginnings, as long as we maintain a commitment to quality, integrity, and the people we serve.
Acknowledgment
We thank Sean Collins, co-founder of Affiliate Summit, for sharing this insightful history lesson and taking us on a captivating journey through the origins of Affiliate Summit.
