As far as affiliate marketing conferences go, AW Barcelona is one of the big guns. If you’re a regular reader of the Advidi guides you know the drill by now. We’re going to give some insight on who and what to see inside the conference and where to go outside the conference to make the most of your trip. It’s a jam-packed few days with speakers, workshops, lunches and parties but we’re here to help you work out what you should be doing, eating, drinking and seeing.
Let’s get right into it. Barcelona baby, here we come.
INSIDE THE CONFERENCE
AW Barcelona has created a stellar lineup of speakers for this year’s conference, plus your favorite affiliate marketing network (us, duh), will be attending. First up, an absolute must is visiting the Advidi booth (D08). You’ll see a lot of the Advidi team attending this year, so make sure you drop in, say hello, talk dating offers, grab some merch and find out what one of the best CPA networks can offer you. After hitting up the Advidi booth, there are a few speakers and workshops we think you should check out.
What else do you need to opt-in to whilst visiting the conference? This is our top 3:
- Learn How SEO Experts are Leveraging AI For Task Automations, Workflow Integrations, & QA in 2023 | Wed Jul 12 | 14:40
As with all conferences, AI is a hot topic. If SEO is your bread and butter, then it’s worth attending this workshop. Not only will SEO expert Aleyda Solis show you how to leverage automation in your day-to-day SEO operations to optimize your content, but she’ll also teach you how to combine your SEO toolset data with generative AI to automate “impossible” tasks. Alyden has a few success stories up her sleeve – she’ll be showing real-world websites that cracked the AI code and hit the jackpot. Learn exactly how they pulled it off without compromising on quality. - Unleashing the Power of AI: The Complete Creative Methodology To Native Ads In 2023 | Thur Jul 13 | 12:50
Yes, we know, we’re recommending an AI workshop again. But once you’ve harnessed it, saving time and therefore money, you’ll be thanking us. This panel of experts will deep dive into how to leverage AI for short and long-form native ads. AI is shaking up the way elite marketers create content for native ads. In this eye-opening masterclass, Nadim Kuttab, a Taboola veteran, will reveal the complete creative process used in scaling native ads in 2023. Nadim will break down how his team uses AI to generate dozens of landing pages and hundreds of ad variations daily, supplementing human creativity to bring to life million-dollar native ad campaigns. From lead generation to e-commerce and app-install campaigns, this will be the summer’s ultimate native-ads masterclass. - Powering Up Your Email and SMS Strategy: Scale Your Revenue With 3 Email Automations and Psychology-Backed SMS Tactics | Thur Jul 13 | 16:05Look, we understand, it’s the last session of the last day of the conference but this promised to be an insightful one. If you are looking to get more SMS and email opt-ins for less, Nikita Vakhrushev has the strategy. He’ll be showcasing real-world case studies in the medical, health, and supplement niche and teaching you how to boost your conversion rates via Facebook lead gen and attention-grabbing pop-ups. Not one for secrecy, Nikita will reveal his tactics for standing out in the SMS inbox and how to craft the perfect SMS (hooks, sender profile, subject lines) and implement flows. Lastly, you’ll get 3 proven email automations that pull in revenue and maximize CLTV.
OUTSIDE THE CONFERENCE
Known for its nightlife, incredible food and weather, Barcelona has so much to offer. We’re going to guide you through the city.
Let’s Eat
Hungry? Well, you’re in luck because you’re in one of the top culinary cities in the world. Strap yourself in for some tasty dining:
- Fismuler – Expect contemporary Catalan cuisine with an innovative twist. Close to the Arc de Triomf, on the ground floor of Hotel Rec, Fismuler offers a very contemporary and imaginative culinary journey while respecting the standards of the time. They opt for local and organic products, meaning the menu changes every day according to what the market delivers. The menu is accompanied by live music fit to liven up the atmosphere, and a series of improvised dinners where cooks let loose, yielding to their creativity and ingenuity.
- Grupo Tragaluz – If you’re looking for guaranteed taste and service, then any of the restaurants in the Grupo Tragaluz restaurant group is a safe option. You’ll find dining spots scattered throughout the city, each offering a unique and mouthwatering experience. From traditional Catalan cuisine to innovative fusion dishes. Craving fresh seafood? Tasty tapas? Or maybe a perfectly cooked steak? Grupo Tragaluz has it all. Our picks? Negro Rojo and Pez Velo. With stylish interiors and top-notch service, dining at Grupo Tragaluz guarantees an easy and delicious night out.
- Restaurant La Estrella – Founded nearly 90 years ago, La Estrella is a true gastronomic gem hidden between Barcelona’s Born and La Barceloneta. The restaurant’s menu features elaborate Mediterranean-inspired dishes, always cooked with the best market produce. You know the service is top-notch when the owner personally (and passionately) explains the menu to you. Tradition, respect for the produce and excellent cooking are fused to provide you with an outstanding experience. Opt for the wine pairing, you won’t regret it.
“I need a drink”
You can work up quite the thirst by making deals, meeting people and absorbing knowledge at workshops, so here’s where to quench that thirst:
- Paradiso – Currently voted the #1 bar in the world (and ranked in the top 50 best bars for the last three years running), this hidden speakeasy bar is a must-go when in Barcelona. To enter you go through a back door and then through a “refrigerator” before it opens up to a stylish cocktail bar specializing in unique, delicious cocktail flavors. The full wooden interior and jungle motifs give it a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Note: It can get extremely busy so make sure you reserve a spot via their QR code.
- PATRÓN – The ambiance at Patrón is unparalleled. Begin your evening with drinks and live music, before the lights are dimmed and graceful flamenco dancers begin weaving their way through the restaurant. On a Friday night, the energy intensifies with the vibrant beats of a DJ.
- Via Moana – Situated at the heart of the bustling Bogatell Beach, Vai Moana is the perfect beach-side bar to watch the sunset while sipping on a cocktail. Its warm hospitality and authentic Polynesian atmosphere help create a relaxed ambience. People love Vai Moana due to its diverse menu, blending Mediterranean cuisine and with an international flare.
A Night of Dancing
If you want to take your night up a notch, Barcelona is definitely a city to do that in. Here’s where to go:
- Sala Apolo – There’s always something happening at Sala Apolo. One of the oldest dance halls in Europe, Sala Apolo is considered one of the best culturally iconic clubs in Barcelona. Experience their great programming throughout the entire week with Honey Bunny on Mondays, Maraca Tuesdays and the current go-to party of the week, BRESH. Expect good music and an even better crowd. A guaranteed good night out.
- SUTTON – Sutton can be described as a vibrant nightclub with a luxe feel. According to their website, “Sutton Barcelona is a nightclub frequented by famous people from around the world. We have hosted actors, professional sport players, singers, fashion designers and politicians.” So, if you like a side of networking with your cocktail, Sutton is the place to be.
- La Terrrazza – Feel like dancing late into the night with fresh Spanish air on your skin? Then La Terrrazza is for you. An open-air club nestled on the side of Barcelona’s famous mountain, Montjuic, the venue prides itself on its line-up décor and crowd. Musically speaking, house and techno are the main genres you’ll be grooving to.
So, there you go. Our 2023 guide to Barcelona. If you’re looking for more in-depth guide (hotel recommendations, visa information, and public transport advice ), head to our older Barcelona guide.
Barcelona has so much to offer inside and outside the conference. So, make the most of your time in this beautiful city by indulging in the incredible food and drink options. Whether it’s an unforgettable meal at La Estrella or cocktails at the hidden Paradiso bar, your taste buds and thirst for adventure will be more than satisfied.