I have been, or can be if you click on a link and make a purchase, compensated via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value for writing this post. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
affiliatesummit.com describes the differences, but maybe this will help you visualize what you’re getting, and what you’re missing out on:
| Silver | Gold | Platinum | Diamond | |
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| Meet Market |  |
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| Exhibit Hall | |
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| Keynotes | |
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| Sunday Sessions | |
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| Recorded Videos | |
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| Powerpoints | |
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| Monday Breakfast / Lunch | |
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| Monday Sessions | |
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| Tuesday Breakfast / Lunch | |
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| Tuesday Sessions | |
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| Newcomer Program | |
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| Company Logo on Badge | |
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| Express Check-in | |
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| DVDs of Session Videos | |
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| Cost | ||||
| Early-bird | $99 | $279 | $879 | $1,879 |
| Regular | $249 | $549 | $1,249 | $2.249 |
| On-site | $449 | $749 | $1,749 | $2,749 |
So, what pass should you get?
If this is your first time, get the Platinum pass, and sign-up for the Newcomer Program. There’s no question in my mind that being paired up with a show veteran will help you get the most out of it.
Plus, as a first-timer, you probably won’t know a lot of people, and will be interested in attending the sessions first-hand. Only the Platinum and Diamond passes allow you to attend the sessions on Monday & Tuesday!
If you’ve been to the show before, and you plan on doing a lot of networking, the Gold pass is often enough. While you can not attend the Monday & Tuesday sessions in-person, you do get access to the online videos a few weeks after the show. If you’re disciplined enough to watch them afterwards, Gold may be enough for you.
However, a Gold pass does NOT get you the meals (breakfast & lunch) on Monday & Tuesday. Some of the best networking I’ve done at Affiliate Summit has been at these meals. Are the meals worth the extra $600-700? Probably not (although it’s always good food). Is the networking worth it? Maybe.
Why would you buy a Silver pass? Maybe if you live in the host city, only dabble in affiliate marketing, and have to return to work on Monday, then consider a Silver pass. You’ll get to hit up the Meet Market on Sunday, and can return to the Exhibit Hall Monday or Tuesday.
What about the Diamond pass? The Diamond pass sounds great if you’re going as a merchant, as you can include your logo on your badge. But the Express Check-in isn’t necessary if you check-in on Saturday, and the online videos are enough (no need for DVDs).
Your best plan is to buy during the early-bird rates (which are already over for ASE11). If you missed that, don’t wait too long (the show’s been selling out lately, and you’ll be forced to find passes on eBay).
Summary
Newcomers & those that want networking during meals, get your Platinum pass today.
If you don’t plan on attending the sessions, and are going to make up alternate meal plans, buy a Gold pass for just $549.