On 18th April, over 70 Influencers and Brands from across the Awin network arrived at creative hub, Carousel London. Hosted by Awin's Influencer Marketing Consultant, Carina Toledo, Awin's Influencer Meet Up is a night dedicated to networking, new opportunities and discussing Influencer Marketing within the affiliate channel.
"I'm very happy to be hosting Awin's Influencer Meetup and to have the opportunity to bring our advertisers and influencers together as well as present what we’ve been working on at Awin. This is an opportunity to make new connections which hopefully will lead to exciting opportunities in the future for both sides." - Carina Toledo
On arrival, guests were handed #AwinInfluencers goodie bags, filled with treats thanks to: Karl Lagerfeld, The White Company, Reiss, TOPSHOP, Topman, boohoo, boohooMAN, MyProtein, IdealFit, House of Fraser, Grow Gorgeous, Gymshark, Glossybox, ESPA and Illamasqua.
Goodie bags being handed out to guests on arrival
With the venue quickly filling up with Influencers across an array of sectors - and who between them have a 3m Instagram following - networking opportunities soon presented themselves with the many brands present in the room.
Later in the evening Awin's in-house Influencer Marketing Consultant and event host, Carina Toledo opened the night's talks.
Guests at Awin's Influencer Meet Up
Beginning with a network welcome, Carina took to the floor explaining where her dedicated role sits within the business as the demand for influencers within affiliate marketing continues to rise, "we’re here to promote these relationships and also provide support" . The rise in ephemeral content was also discussed, touching on how Instagram Stories is less than two years old and is already reaching over 300 million daily users (Statista), before focusing on how Awin tools can help influencers and brands work on the perfect campaign.
Carina Toledo, Awin's Influencer Marketing Consultant
"We have fully managed Influencer campaigns with clear measurements for ROI via the Awin Interface, measurement of influence beyond last click with 'Assists' and strategic planning for Influencer activity that is in-line with other marketing efforts" - Carina Toledo
Gymshark's Head of Partnerships, Elliot Myers and Partnerships Manager, Sophie Walsh followed, telling the story of how Gymshark has become one of the world's fastest growing retail brands. As they project to hit £1bn by 2025, Elliot shared examples of how important interaction is with partners because they are 'not interested in one post payments, but long term relationships'.
"Between 80% - 90% of (Gymshark) partners make a weekly commission because we develop them to be successful" - Elliot Myers
Head of Partnerships at Gymshark, Elliot Myers and Partnerships Manager at Gymshark, Sophie Walsh
As talks came to an end, drinks and canapés re-started the night's networking. Brands, Influencers and Awin representatives were able to discuss new opportunities, create new relationships as well as take their conversations outside into the venue's garden area to make the most of the evening's weather.
Guests networking in the garden of Carousel London
For more information about the event or to contact us about how we can help you boost your affiliate marketing performance with influencer marketing, please contact Carina.
Quotes from attendees and more photos from the night
"It was such a pleasure to attend Awin's Influencer Event where Gymshark did a talk on their new Influencer programme and their success in general. I have been on the platform for over four years now so it was great chatting to other influencers and letting them know my tips and go-tos on the website" - Scent Of Blanc
"The Awin meetup was a fantastic opportunity to socialise with fellow influencers and to introduce myself to brands I would love to work with. I left feeling inspired by the conversations I had and with a few new projects on the horizon. One not to be missed!" - Tinker Tailor Online
"I was able to network with brands which would be beneficial and aligned with my branding. I would like to say thank you!" - Rachel Bada
"It was great to have the chance to chat with brands and other bloggers but it was particularly helpful to see just how much Awin has to offer bloggers. It’s so much more than just a platform. I now have a much clearer idea of the resources that are open to me, not only online but also the skills of the Awin team and even the office space that I can use. The more you tap into the relationship with Awin, the more you will benefit from it. They’re offering a really unique service." - Midlifechic
"The Awin event was such a great way to connect with new brands face to face rather than just over email. I met brands last night that I've been working with for a while and it was so nice to finally put a face to the name." - This Is Teral
"Fantastic evening meeting such inspirational and likeminded creators. A very insightful opportunity to connect directly with brands and gain invaluable insight and advice whilst building long term business connections. Can’t wait for the next meet up!" - Tracy Kiss
“The Awin Influencer Meetup was such a great experience because not only did I get to connect with brands who I admire and love, but I also got a chance to step out of my comfort zone and work on my networking skills!” - The Silk Sneaker
"It was great to hear about Awin’s success and influencer-centric approach to affiliate marketing at the Influencer Meet-up Event. The brands at the event were amazing and it was great to put faces to big brands! A really lovely evening." - Corporate Style Story
For the full photo album, please see our Facebook page.
