The second iteration of ColombiaCon proved once again why intimate masterminds remain a cornerstone for media buyers seeking fresh perspectives and strong professional connections.
Organized by Samar and David, this year’s event welcomed a new wave of talent to MedellÃn, creating ample opportunities for networking and learning from an even more diverse group of affiliate marketers.
Read about Version 1 of ColombiaCon here >
A Hillside Mansion in MedellÃn
Samar and David’s choice of venue could not have been more fitting. Situated high on the hills of Las Palmas, overlooking MedellÃn, the sprawling mansion offered sweeping views of the city, a pristine pool, a private chef, and an unforgettable fire-breathing bartender. The space itself felt designed to spark creativity—a critical component for media buyers who thrive on pushing boundaries and innovating strategies.
Despite being the second time around for some of us, the novelty was far from lost. New faces brought fresh conversations, leading to an environment where everyone felt encouraged to share their insights and explore new collaborations.
The cozy, exclusive setting fostered the perfect balance of comfort and productivity that large-scale conferences often struggle to achieve.
AI, Automation, and the Power of Strategy
One of the standout moments was Samar’s deep dive into AI-driven creative automation. While I’ve dabbled in automation and AI for streamlining campaign management, Samar’s session revealed an entirely different level of sophistication.
It’s not every day you see someone effectively generate 4.5 million creatives. His approach to AI—using data to quickly iterate, test, and scale—underscored the fact that campaign success hinges as much on operational excellence as it does on creative spark.
Other participants also shared their insights into campaign strategy and creative development. From exploring innovative angles on paid traffic to investing your affiliate profits, there was no shortage of practical knowledge or real-life case studies. These sessions consistently reminded everyone that affiliate marketing thrives in an atmosphere of collaboration rather than competition.
Juggling Work and Exploration
Even in a mastermind setting, the demands of running campaigns never truly pause. During the first half of the event, I encountered a snag in one of my campaigns.
In true media buyer fashion, I had to step away briefly, fetch my laptop, and ensure all was well before returning to the event. Fortunately, Samar understood the urgency—such is the nature of performance marketing, where issues can arise at a moment’s notice.
Still, it was worth the hassle. After resolving my campaign concerns, I could fully immerse myself in everything ColombiaCon had to offer.
Value of Peer-to-Peer Events
Reflecting on past experiences—like my early days at affiliate summits—I can confidently say that peer-to-peer masterminds offer a special kind of value. Unlike large conferences, which can sometimes feel formal or overwhelming, these smaller gatherings allow you to engage directly and meaningfully with other professionals.
It goes beyond exchanging business cards; you get a genuine sense of each other’s strategies, pain points, and creative processes.
Such face-to-face interaction can be infinitely more illuminating than a string of Skype or Slack messages. You can pick up on nuances, gauge interest in new ideas, and build rapport that often leads to valuable long-term partnerships. For those looking to build or scale in the affiliate marketing industry, intimate masterminds can serve as a springboard to success.
High-Quality Ads and Hard Work
One of the most striking revelations from ColombiaCon 2.0 was the caliber of campaigns many affiliates are running. While it’s easy to assume everyone follows the same playbook—especially if your experience has been confined to one type of ad platform—events like these showcase just how varied strategies can be. Some affiliates excel on Facebook, some run high-volume native ad campaigns, and others expand across multiple platforms with staggering efficiency.
To add a local touch to our learning experience, Samar organized a coffee-picking excursion on the second day. Witnessing firsthand the hard labor that goes into Colombia’s world-renowned coffee not only added to the cultural immersion but also offered a fresh metaphor for the affiliate marketing hustle. Just as coffee can be brewed in countless ways—each yielding a distinct flavor—there are infinite angles to approach a campaign.
The farmer’s dedication and attention to detail reflected the same diligence required to refine creatives, optimize funnels, and experiment with new strategies until something truly exceptional emerges.
Coffee Bean Lifestyle is Affiliate Life
Leaving the coffee farm, I was reminded of my early days, working multiple jobs just to stay afloat. The contrast between that life and the often fast-paced, high-reward environment of affiliate marketing was not lost on me. It serves as a testament to the power of diligence, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning—qualities that every attendee at ColombiaCon 2.0 seemed to embody.
In closing, massive kudos go to Samar and David for orchestrating such a worthwhile event. ColombiaCon 2.0 was an undeniable success—a blend of networking, cutting-edge discussions, cultural exploration, and the kind of camaraderie that pushes media buyers to greater heights. If you ever have the chance to attend a mastermind like this, seize it.
The insights gained and connections forged will inevitably pay dividends in your affiliate marketing journey. ColombiaCon 3.0?!
Now don’t be asking me where the females are; we are in Colombia….
