SiGMA South America 2026 in São Paulo wasn’t just another date on the calendar for us. It was a front-row seat to the massive shift happening in the iGaming and affiliate world. For Affnook, this trip was all about getting to know the local market better, meeting the right people, and finding real ways to grow together.
Representing us on the ground was Gregory Especiani, our Sales Manager for LATAM. Gregory was busy building bridges and having the kind of deep conversations you just can’t have over an email. His insights helped us truly “get” the rhythm of the South American market.
A Market on the Move
If there’s one thing we learned, it’s this: South America (and Brazil in particular) isn’t just “up and coming” anymore—it’s the main event.
Everyone—from the big tech platforms to individual affiliates—is looking at LATAM as the next big engine for growth. The focus has shifted from “how do we get in?” to “how do we grow here the right way?” This is where Gregory and the team stepped in, looking for ways to help our partners scale sustainably.
Real Talk, Real Connections
The best part of SiGMA wasn’t the fancy booths; it was the quality of the networking. We weren’t just swapping business cards; we were having genuine chats about:
- Affiliates who want to break into the LATAM scene.
- Operators looking for growth that actually lasts.
- Pros looking for fresh ways to collaborate.
These face-to-face moments allowed us to move past small talk and focus on how we can actually help each other succeed.
The New Face of Affiliate Marketing
We noticed a big change in how people are working. Affiliates are getting smarter—they’re more data-driven and focused on quality over quantity.
The takeaway: It’s no longer just about getting clicks; it’s about finding the right users and keeping them around.
This fits perfectly with how we do things at Affnook. As Gregory mentioned in his meetings, there are no shortcuts. Success comes from being transparent and building partnerships that actually mean something.
Tech is Great, but People are Better
We heard a lot of buzz about AI and automation. While those tools are amazing, the event proved that they aren’t everything.
At the end of the day, you still need human expertise. You need people who understand the local culture, who can build trust, and who know how to navigate a complex market. Tools help us work faster, but people drive the results.
Why Everyone is Watching Brazil
Brazil was the star of the show. With new regulations making things clearer and a huge, excited audience, it’s the place to be.
But Gregory’s conversations also came with a reality check: you can’t just “show up” in Brazil. To win there, you need:
- A real understanding of local culture.
- A serious commitment to following the rules (compliance).
- Strong local partners.
What’s Next?
For Affnook, SiGMA South America wasn’t a one-off trip. It was the start of something bigger. Meeting our partners in person builds a level of trust that a Zoom call just can’t touch.
With Gregory leading the way in the region, we’re more excited than ever about the future of LATAM. We’re not just watching the market grow—we’re growing right along with it.
