Leipziger Affiliate Stammtisch: Warum der persönliche Austausch wichtiger denn je ist

On June 11, 2026, the 13th edition of the Affiliate Stammtisch took place in Leipzig. For me, this event has been one of the most likable formats in our industry for years. No oversized trade fair, no overcrowded halls, and no purely sales environment. Instead, professional exchange, honest discussions, and personal interaction are at the forefront.

The timing could hardly have been more appropriate. Few topics currently occupy Affiliate and Partner Marketing as much as the impact of Artificial Intelligence. Generative AI is changing the way people search for information, discover products, and make purchasing decisions. At the same time, many companies are asking themselves what role affiliate and partner models will play in a world where more and more customer journeys begin directly in AI systems.

These exact questions were discussed intensively in Leipzig. Both on stage and in the numerous discussions between the presentations, it became clear that the industry's perspective has noticeably changed in the past twelve months.

From risk to design task. Just a year ago, concerns about potential loss of reach, traffic, and measurability dominated in many places. Today the discussion is significantly more nuanced.

Of course, many challenges remain. When users receive their answers directly from AI systems, existing business models change. At the same time, new opportunities are also arising for brands, publishers, and partners to become visible and build trust.

The central question is therefore no longer whether AI changes Affiliate and Partner Marketing. The change is already taking place. What matters more is how we actively shape this development.

Technology alone is not enough. One insight emerged from many conversations that evening: Technological innovations are important, but they do not replace strong partnerships.

Affiliate and Partner Marketing has always been a people business. Successful collaborations do not arise solely from platforms, tracking technologies, or automation. They arise from trust, transparency, and shared goals.

That is exactly why events like the Leipzig Affiliate Stammtisch continue to gain importance. They create a framework in which market participants can openly exchange ideas - even on topics that are often overlooked in official presentations.

The industry thrives on exchange. I was particularly pleased to participate in a round-table discussion where we talked about the future of our industry, the practical use of AI, and the credibility of digital recommendations.

Once again, it became clear how different the perspectives within our ecosystem are. Advertiser, Publisher, agencies and technology providers view many developments from different perspectives. That is exactly why such discussions are valuable. They help to better understand challenges and develop solutions together.

Conclusion: The Leipzig Affiliate Stammtisch has once again shown that our industry thrives on exchange, collaboration, and personal contact.

In a time when algorithms, automation, and AI are taking over more and more processes, direct dialogue between people is not becoming less important - but more.

My thanks go to the organizers, the speakers, sponsors, and all participants who enriched this evening with their experiences, questions, and perspectives.

I am already looking forward to the next edition.