Interviews
Alex Bukin: Building the Connective Future of Affiliate Marketing
2 minutos de lectura
(Madrid, SoloAzar Exclusive).- Moments before the AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026 officially kicks off, SoloAzar spoke exclusively with Alex Bukin, Chief Executive Officer of ReferOn, one of the event’s key sponsors through its support of the Networking Zone. Bukin shares insights into the company’s remarkable growth, its expansion plans across Europe and Latin America, and how innovation, transparency, and a more connective affiliate ecosystem are shaping ReferOn’s vision for the future.
What motivated ReferOn to become a sponsor of the Networking Zone at the AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026?
Growth in this industry is driven by trust, and trust is built through connection. Networking resonates with our “people-first” DNA, which was the primary motivator for this sponsorship. With Madrid serving as the industry's epicenter this week, we wanted to facilitate a space where operators and affiliates can have strategic conversations that move the needle.
Considering that the event is focused on creating strategic connections, what value do you see in this type of space for your business?
We spend our days communicating digitally, but the most impactful business still happens with a handshake. To us, this space mirrors the core value of the ReferOn platform: clarity. We want to help people eliminate distractions and have the kind of grounded, human conversations that lead to long-term, successful partnerships.
ReferOn is a relatively young platform but has experienced strong growth within the affiliate ecosystem. How does this sponsorship fit into your global positioning strategy?
Our growth has been explosive, from winning “Best Affiliate Software” at SiGMA Rome 2025, then SiGMA South America in 2026, to being named Affiliate System of the Year at AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026. This sponsorship signals our transition from a disruptive newcomer to an established global standard. By anchoring ourselves in the Networking Zone, we position ReferOn as the connective tissue of the affiliate ecosystem. Our mission is to create a more connective environment where operators, affiliates, and technology providers can collaborate more efficiently and build sustainable partnerships.
What opportunities does ReferOn identify in key markets such as Europe and Latin America within the iGaming and affiliate marketing sectors?
The opportunity is massive. In Europe, stricter regulations mean operators need a partner they can trust, and our transparent reporting provides that peace of mind.
As for Latin America, especially Brazil, we’ve built ReferOn to be “regulation-ready.” We already offer the integrated compliance modules that Brazilian operators are looking for, and we are deepening our relationships with numerous partners there right now. Our focus on this region is a key pillar of our growth strategy.
How do you plan to capitalize on the networking generated in Madrid to expand your presence in these regions?
Capitalizing on Madrid’s networking means moving from handshake to a signed agreement. We’re using this event to showcase our latest technical milestones through short demos that highlight our speed and compliance accuracy. Our goal is to leave every conversation with a clear next step, be it a demo account or a migration after agreement. This ensures that the energy generated in the Networking Zone translates directly into market share in our key regions.
Creating a More Connective Affiliate Ecosystem
According to Bukin, the future of affiliate marketing depends on building a more connective industry where transparency, technology, and human relationships work together. ReferOn aims to serve as the connective layer between operators and affiliates, helping both sides streamline processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen long-term cooperation.
From your perspective, what differentiates ReferOn from other affiliate management platforms in an increasingly competitive market?
I like how our CPO, Vlad Bondarenko, puts it: Lazy Intelligence. In short, we focus on designing a platform so efficient that it eliminates manual tasks, reduces human error, and allows our partners to focus 100% on building relationships and driving growth. Most day-to-day actions in ReferOn can be completed in just a few clicks.
Particularly in terms of innovation, transparency, and the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Transparency isn't just a buzzword for us; it’s baked into our S2S (Server-to-Server) tracking and postback logic. Regarding new technologies, we are moving beyond simple automation and stepping into predictive analytics. We are currently developing machine learning-powered capabilities designed to proactively identify potential fraud risks before they impact the bottom line, while also helping partners optimize commission structures based on historical performance data. These innovations support our vision of creating a more connected and intelligent affiliate ecosystem.
What are your specific expectations for the AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026 in terms of partnerships, lead generation, or industry insights?
We expect to leave the conference with concrete agreements and collaborations, connecting with new operators and affiliates while deepening our knowledge and gathering feedback from industry professionals.
What kind of conversations or outcomes would you consider a success following the event?
The best outcome is to meet our targets mentioned earlier, but also to raise the awareness of ReferOn as an industry standard and affiliate platform of choice. We want industry professionals to recognize ReferOn as the most connective platform for managing affiliate relationships and driving business growth.
After AffPapa Madrid, where can industry professionals connect with ReferOn next?
Our event calendar is always driven by where meaningful industry conversations are happening. The next major opportunity to meet the ReferOn team will be at iGB L!VE London 2026, where we’ll continue discussing the future of affiliate management, automation, transparency, and sustainable growth.
Whether you’re exploring new affiliate strategies, planning a migration, or simply looking to exchange ideas, we’d be happy to connect.
Book a meeting with our team here: https://www.referon.com/events/igb-l-ve-2026
Categories: Events
Tags: AffPapa,
Region: Europa
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