Inside Look: Lee-Ann Johnstone on ELEVATE Summit 2025 and Affiliate Marketing Education

‘If you build it, they will come ‘– that’s one for any Field of Dreams movie fans out there!

Lee-Ann Johnstone, founder and CEO of Affiverse, is proving that when you build something genuinely different, the right people do indeed show up. That’s why she has built ELEVATE – the event of her dreams.

Recently, Lee-Ann sat down with Dustin Howes on Affiliate Nerd Out to discuss the vision behind ELEVATE, set to return to London on July 15/16.

Catch-up here…

Tactical Education as Competitive Advantage

Put simply, Dustin Howes is an affiliate nerd, interviewing experts from affiliate marketing and producing content that helps affiliate managers level up. 

“I love Lee-Ann Johnstone and anything she puts together. I know if she is behind an event, good content is the main objective.”

Their conversation reveals how this two-day event breaks away from typical affiliate marketing conferences by creating a relaxed and more intimate summertime atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor spaces, specifically designed for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who need practical, hands-on learning rather than high-level case studies.

ELEVATE’s positioning as a ‘two-day consultancy session for the price of a delegate ticket’ highlights a critical gap in the current market. Lee-Ann’s research with small advertisers and TikTok practitioners revealed a hunger for implementable strategies rather than theoretical frameworks.

Tickets are still available – Come for the content and make key connections!

Key Talks – Not To Be Missed

Marketing in 2025: Where We Are and Where We Should Be Heading
Panel: Lee-Ann Johnstone, Joep van den Boer, Daniel Baptiste-Pilkington, Matthew Addai

The affiliate marketing landscape is shifting fast, with AI, privacy, and platform shakeups redefining performance norms. In this expert panel, you’ll explore where the market is today, where it’s headed, and how SMEs can stay ahead.

You’ll learn:

• Key affiliate trends to watch for the second half of 2025
• How SMEs can harness affiliate programs for sustainable growth
• Practical advice on tech, compliance, and partnership strategy

Mastering PR on Performance: Elevate Your Program Through Media Partnerships
Speaker: Hayley Goff

PR is broken unless it drives outcomes. This session shows how to integrate PR into your performance strategy, turning content and media into lead drivers, not vanity metrics.

You’ll learn:

• How to rewire your PR to deliver measurable ROI
• A modern PR framework: content, creative, media, and social
• What performance-led PR looks like in action and how to implement it

Collaborating with Influencers & Content Creators to Grow Your Audience Reach
Panel: Lee-Ann Johnstone, Adam Fung, Greta Dunne, Liliane Bambara

Influencer partnerships aren’t just brand plays — they’re performance powerhouses. Learn how to work with creators who move the needle, not just the needle on likes.

You’ll learn:

• Outreach tactics that get responses
• How to brief, contract, and set KPIs for content creators
• Platform-specific trends and how to align campaigns with Gen Z habits

Building Content that Sells Your Business or Affiliate Program in 90 Seconds
Speaker: Marty Englander

Attention is shrinking — your content needs to sell fast. Discover the psychology, structure, and secrets behind high-converting short-form video content.

You’ll learn:

• How to pitch and build trust in under 90 seconds
• Behavioural insights that make your video more persuasive
• Tools and techniques for fast, scalable video content creation

NEW! Enter the Affiverse RAV AWARDS

Debuting at ELEVATE Summit 2025, the Affiverse RAV Awards shine a spotlight on the rising stars, forward-thinkers, and unsung heroes driving affiliate and performance marketing forward.These awards celebrate the achievements of SMEs, solo entrepreneurs, publishers, managers, and behind-the-scenes talent shaping the future of our industry. From program innovation to partnership excellence, the RAV Awards recognise those making a real impact, often without the recognition they deserve.

All submissions must be completed and submitted by Monday, 30 June 2025. Only completed entries will proceed to the judging stage.

Join us at for a night of inspiration, celebration, and industry connection as we honour the voices powering the next chapter of affiliate marketing.

Date: 15 July 2025
Time: 18:00 – 22:00

Submit Your Entry