In this episode, the Media Buying Podcast hosts Jim Banks and Rob Adler welcome industry leaders Amanda Faris and Sara Malo of LinkUnite to unpack the biggest trends shaping the future of media buying and affiliate marketing events in 2026. The group reflects on Affiliate Summit and Lead Gen World, revealing how increased event costs, overlapping schedules, and a shift toward ROI-driven attendance are reshaping networking and business development.

Key Takeaways Include:

1. Event ROI & Attendance Trends: Discover why companies are sending smaller teams, how event organizers are adjusting, and what it means for the industry's future.
2. Relationship-Driven Networking: Learn how LinkUnite creates intimate, experiential events to foster meaningful connections—moving beyond business card exchanges to real conversations and partnerships.
3. AI in Media Buying: Explore practical AI applications for automating grunt work, prospecting, lead nurturing, and email copywriting. Hear how industry vets are using automation tools to free up time and boost workflow efficiency.
4. Industry Community & Long-Term Value: Find out how deep relationships in affiliate marketing translate to loyalty, trust, and mutual support across decades—benefiting both newcomers and veterans in their daily tasks.
5. Inclusive & Global Expansion: Get the inside track on LinkUnite’s 2026 event series across North America and plans for global outreach, including accessibility for women marketers from India, Israel, and beyond.

Episode Benefits for Media Buyers & Marketers:

1. Maximize the value of event attendance with proven networking strategies.
2. Stay ahead of new AI tools and automation best practices.
3. Build reliable, long-lasting business relationships to support your strategic goals.
4. Understand industry changes to better plan team deployments, event budgets, and partner outreach.