Brace yourself, as this Thursday there’s going to be some serious networking drinking going on! If you’re not already on the delegate list then do what ever you must, beg, bribe, blackmail or stamp your feet. What ever you do, don’t miss it!

If I remember correctly, last year the sun was shining, the conversations were flowing and people we’re quite literally spilling onto the streets of London. This year will be no exception so expect more of the same but with even more people (ok, maybe a little less sunshine).

Just a little gathering

It’s amazing when you think about it. This isn’t an annual Affiliate Marketing Event like the A4uExpo, this is simply a few people getting together for a drink after work. I say a few people, this year it’s turned into a group of people 300 strong!

And it’s the little less formal events like these that are my personal favourites. There are no great expectations here. It’s a flippin pub afterall! No need bring the marketing team down to man the stall, no need to bring bags of business cards, just bring yourself, a good sense of humour and you’ll do just fine.

Secondly, as it’s an after work event straight away those people that only “work” during “work hours” don’t feel obliged to turn up, which in my opinion leaves those of us that are in this industry for the love of it to do what we do best, catch up, network and talk a little shop.

Who’s attending?

Speaking of which, the break down of delegates for this Thursday is looking pretty good. There’s a healthy number of merchants, affiliates, networks and agencies so no matter what “hat” you’re wearing you’ll have plenty of people meet.

Merchants attending include More Than, M&S Money, Red Letter Days, Prezzybox, Vodafone, Firebox, H Samuel, Miss Selfridge, Dial a Phone, Boden, Burton, Carphone Warehouse, Carrentals.co.uk and Interflora.

Ten networks will be there as will representatives from agencies including Mediaedge:cia (that’s me), I-Level, Quantum, Vizeum, Equator, Existem, RO Eye, Stream 20, MVi, Total Search Solutions, Arctic Sunrise, The Digital House, Ogilvy, Starcom and Shine – collectively they represent more than 100 brands.

Thanks to all the sponsors

Finally, these events wouldn’t be possible if it were not for the sponsors and the hard work put in by the organisers who source the venue and round up the troupes. If you are lucky enough to attend this Thursday be sure to take a moment to thank them.

See you at Bar 19:20 in Farringdon.

RED NOSE UPDATE: The event organisers are going to be raising money for Comic Relief so it will be £1 entry (feel free to give more if you want!). There’s also some special Comic Relief red cocktails being made up where £1 from each cocktail will be donated to charity.

Thanks