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AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026 Opens Its Biggest Edition Yet

AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026 Opens Its Biggest Edition Yet

AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026 has officially opened its doors, welcoming affiliates, operators, B2B providers, and iGaming professionals from around the world for what is shaping up to be the largest edition of the event so far. The three-day gathering combines business networking, educational panels, workshops, entertainment, and exclusive side events, reinforcing Madrid’s growing importance as a major hub for the global iGaming industry.

The conference officially kicked off on May 18 with a full day of networking-focused activities spread across the Spanish capital. Instead of immediately heading into business sessions, attendees had the chance to connect in a more relaxed and social atmosphere before the main conference agenda began.

One of the opening day highlights was the Running Club event, organized together with The Walking Spread and powered by Hybrid Interaction. Led by Shahar Attias, participants started the morning at Novotel Madrid Center before making their way through the streets of Madrid to Religion Coffee Shop. The activity offered attendees an energetic and informal way to network while exploring the city.

Another standout event from the pre-conference schedule was the padel tournament powered by Bazoom. Padel continues to gain popularity across the iGaming sector, making it a fitting addition to the conference’s networking experience. The tournament attracted participants from different parts of the industry, combining friendly competition with business conversations in a more casual environment.

The opening day also featured one of the most talked-about side experiences — a guided tour of the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and the Real Madrid Museum, powered by JoinAff.

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The tour gave attendees exclusive behind-the-scenes access to several iconic areas inside the stadium, including:

  • VIP lounges and panoramic stadium viewpoints
  • Player and staff-only sections
  • Locker rooms and the famous players’ tunnel
  • Pitchside access
  • The Real Madrid Museum experience

As the evening approached, attendees gathered at Teatro Magno Club for the official Opening Networking Event. The venue quickly filled with affiliates, operators, tech providers, and media representatives preparing for the busy conference days ahead. The event created an ideal atmosphere for building new partnerships, reconnecting with existing clients, and discussing emerging trends within affiliate marketing and online gaming.

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The main conference agenda on May 19 and 20 features an extensive lineup of discussions, workshops, and networking formats designed to address the latest developments shaping the iGaming and affiliate sectors. Topics include operator-affiliate relationships, regulatory changes, market expansion strategies, blockchain integration, cryptocurrency adoption, NFTs, and the future of the Spanish iGaming market.

This year’s edition also places additional focus on innovation and operational efficiency. One of the most anticipated educational sessions is the AI Workshop powered by createIT, scheduled for May 20. The workshop explores how automation and artificial intelligence are transforming affiliate management, customer engagement, marketing optimization, and internal business operations within iGaming companies.

Beyond the panels and workshops, the event continues to prioritize direct business connections through speed-dating sessions. These quick one-minute rotations are specifically designed to help affiliates, operators, and service providers maximize networking opportunities and generate new partnerships in a short amount of time.

The exhibition floor has also expanded significantly compared to previous years. Exhibitors are showcasing their brands through fully customizable booths alongside AffPapa’s standard exhibition solutions, creating a more dynamic and visually engaging conference experience.

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Networking activities continue well beyond the official conference sessions. During the second conference day, attendees also gathered at La Reserva Club for iGaming Club’s exclusive networking party, offering another opportunity for relaxed conversations and high-level industry meetings outside the exhibition floor.

One of the biggest highlights still to come is the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026 ceremony. This year’s awards carry the special theme “The Test of Time” and introduce four new exclusive categories designed to recognize long-term excellence, innovation, and contribution to the iGaming industry.

To close the conference in style, AffPapa will host its official closing party featuring internationally known EDM DJ and producer Kryoman. The final celebration is expected to bring together hundreds of industry professionals for one last evening of networking and entertainment, concluding what is already being described as AffPapa’s most successful Madrid edition to date.

With a strong combination of business opportunities, educational content, entertainment, and community-driven networking, AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026 once again demonstrates why it continues to grow as one of the leading events in the global affiliate marketing and iGaming calendar.

Source: AffPapa News

Published: 19. May 2026

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Amber Collins

Written by Amber Collins

Amber Collins is an iGaming expert with over 20 years of experience, known for reviewing casinos, analyzing bonuses, and helping players navigate online gambling responsibly. She has also contributed as a conference speaker, video host, and collaborator with major affiliate brands, always championing transparency, education, and a player-first approach.