Read Time: Approx. 2 Minutes 20 Seconds 
Author: Suzanne Cook 
It was the 4th Rakuten Advertising European Golden Link Awards. It had been announced that there had been over 50 entrees this year and the competition was tough! 

What are they? 

The European Golden Link Awards, also known as the GLA’s, ‘celebrate and showcase advertisers, publishers and agencies who are out-delivering on their objectives to drive next-level performance’. The ceremony always follows the affiliate networking event, Rakuten Advertising Dealmaker. It enables everyone to relax with a drink and celebrate each others achievements in affiliate marketing

Why we entered the awards ... 

We entered the European GLA’s as we are extremely proud of the results we have achieved via the affiliate channel for our partners, Threadbare, Decree and Face The Future. We have learnt that potential partners enjoy being able to read about our achievements and it helps verify our business and reputation. Plus it is always good fun to push ourselves and write the award submissions! 
 
We were shortlisted for: 
 
Best Managed Affiliate Programme: Exchange & Advisory – with Threadbare & Decree 
The Outthink & Outperform Award – with Decree, Dealmoon and Face The Future 
Affiliate Manager or Team of the Year: Advertiser – Suzanne Cook at Customer First Digital 
 
To have been shortlisted was already a great cause to celebrate but to also find out that one of our team members, Suzanne had been shortlisted for the Affiliate Manager of the Year was even more exciting. Suzanne didn’t know about this nomination, so she was really shocked and wanted to know who was the culprit for submitting her for this category! (unlucky Dave!) 

About The Day 

After a busy day at the Rakuten Advertising Dealmaker Europe, we stayed in the centre of London, at The Brewery to join everyone for the European Golden Link Awards. 
 
We arrived at the Porter Tun room, greeted with a complimentary glass of wine. We caught up with a few of the Dealmaker attendees and then settled down for the ceremony. The awards were hosted by comedian, Sikisa Bostwick Barnes and there were 11 categories to celebrate! 
 
The Best Managed Affiliate Programme: Exchange & Advisory award was our first category to be announced where Threadbare was announced as the winner. Unfortunately, Natalie was unable to attend, but we were proud to be able to go up on stage and collect the award. The programme has seen amazing growth and we can’t wait to see how this year end performs. 
 
The second highlight was receiving highly commended for The Outthink & Outperform Award with Face The Future in partnership with Dealmoon and finally Suzanne was relieved to dodge a speech, as she received highly commended for the Affiliate Manager or Team of the Year: Advertiser award. 
 
We left the venue on a real high and were ready to dance/sing the night away at the afterparty at Mrs. Fogg's Dockside Drinkery & Distillery @ Liverpool Street, hosted by Stylink (thanks for the branded metal straws!). The venue had a great atmosphere and the downstairs karaoke room was certainly popular! Who knew so many of the Rakuten Advertising team were such great singers and dancers! 

What we thought … 

Congratulations to all nominees and well done to all GLA winners 
 
If you are interested in hearing more about our award-winning partnerships, please do not hesitate to get in touch or visit our awards page 
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