Registration for this briefing at ASW27 will launch later this year - check back then, or sign up here for the latest announcements direct to your inbox.!

The M&A Mastermind is a closed-door, application-only session uniting the operators, investors, advisors, and founders shaping consolidation across affiliate, creator, and performance marketing.

This is the only place where deal-makers compare real valuation movements, deal structures, exit strategies, and integration lessons—alongside facilitated networking designed to spark genuine buyer–seller–investor conversations. Nowhere else in the industry will you find this level of access, candour, and actionable intelligence in one room. briefing fills that gap.  

Who It’s For

  • Founders, CEOs, and C-suite leaders 
  • Strategic buyers & acquisitors (networks, agencies, holding companies) 
  • Private equity & investment firms 
  • Legal and financial advisors 
  • Creator economy operators exploring exits or acquisitions  

What You’ll Learn  

  • Latest M&A trends across affiliate, creator, and media 
  • How valuations are shifting — and what drives premium multiples 
  • Deal structures, integration best practices, and exit roadmaps 
  • Real-world lessons from recent deals 
  • Where capital is flowing in 2026 
  • How affiliate and creator models are converging 

Sample Agenda from ASW26 (9:00–11:30 AM) 

09.00 - Coffee & Networking
09.30 - Opening Remarks - JonesSpross
09.35 - Insight Sessions

Affiliate Marketing M&A Outlook – Consolidation and Opportunities – Liquidity Studios: 

  • State of the market overview, highlighting consolidation among affiliate networks, agencies and martech providers.
  • Attendees to get an insight into what’s driving these deals and key trends to watch

Creator Economy Gold Rush – M&A in Influencer Marketing - Pharus

  • Deep dive into the M&A activity and trends in the Creator and influencer marketing sector
  • Attendees come away with deal drivers (AI, Community Commerce and Global Expansion), and a blueprint for thriving in a consolidating Influencer Market

 

From Profitable to investable - Factua

  • What investors actually look for in performance-led businesses (beyond revenue)
  • Clean financials, predictable cash flow, and growth narratives
    How to move from running a good business to building one that investors want.

 

Navigating M&A Pitfalls – JonesSpross

  • Legal, strategic, and integration issues A practical guide to the legal and strategic challenges
  • Takeaways – ‘know before you go topics such as publisher agreements, influencer contracts and data/privacy compliance.
  • Ensures actionable advice to avoid common pitfalls, whether you're a founder prepping for an exit or buying integrating a new acquisition


10.35 - Panel & Q&A - All Speakers
Open Q&A with all speakers, including 2026 predictions

11.00 - Post-Session Networking