Our Thailand adventure: the AWAsia conference and a team trip
In December 2024, a group from UIUX Studio’s Mohali office travelled to Thailand to attend AWAsia, an affiliate marketing conference in Bangkok. The team joined the first-timers meet, two days of keynotes, panels, networking and exhibitions, then spent four days in Pattaya before flying home on 10 December with new contacts and ideas for client work.
Why we went
Early in December 2024, a group from our Mohali office packed their bags for Thailand. The main reason was AWAsia, an affiliate marketing conference held in Bangkok that brings together marketers, platforms, publishers and technology providers from across the region. Many of our clients rely on performance marketing, partnerships and digital campaigns, so hearing directly from the people shaping that industry helps us design better websites, landing pages and products for them.
We also wanted to give the team time together outside the office. After the conference, we stayed on in Pattaya for a few days to relax and enjoy the country. For several team members, it was their first international trip and their first flight. This is our recap of the week. If you are planning to attend events yourself, our guide to UX design conferences lists others worth considering.
The week at a glance
| Date | What we did |
|---|---|
| 2 December | Travelled from Mohali to Amritsar and flew to Bangkok |
| 3 December | Explored Bangkok, collected badges and joined the first-timers meet |
| 4–5 December | Attended the AWAsia conference |
| 6–9 December | Spent time in Pattaya |
| 10 December | Flew home |
Getting there
We left Mohali early on 2 December and reached Amritsar’s international airport in the early afternoon for a late-afternoon flight. For the first-time flyers, everything from check-in to the lounge felt new, and their excitement set the mood for the whole group. The flight to Bangkok took a little over five hours, which gave everyone time to talk about what they hoped to get out of the conference.
Immigration in Bangkok was smooth, and our hotel welcomed us warmly. We spent the first evening walking through nearby streets, taking in the lights, the markets and the smell of food stalls, before a relaxed dinner and an early night.
Settling in and the first-timers meet
The next morning started with a familiar breakfast, including some South Indian dishes that felt like a taste of home. After some sightseeing, we headed to the venue to collect our badges and conference materials. The highlight of the day was the Affiliate First-Timers Meet, a session for people attending AWAsia for the first time. It made it easy to start conversations, compare goals and meet people who were just as curious as we were.
In the evening we explored more of Bangkok: markets, cafes and street stalls, with fresh fruit smoothies quickly becoming a team favourite. A traditional foot massage rounded off a long, happy day.
Two days at AWAsia
The conference itself filled the next two days. Each morning began with keynote talks from leaders in affiliate and performance marketing, covering where the industry is heading, how partnerships are changing and which strategies are working now. Panel discussions added different viewpoints and practical examples.
- Keynotes: Trends and strategy from experienced industry leaders.
- Panels: Practical discussion of challenges and approaches.
- Networking: Conversations with marketers, founders and platform teams from many countries.
- Exhibition: Hands-on demos of tools and platforms used in affiliate marketing.
Networking was just as valuable as the talks. We met people from many parts of the world and exchanged ideas about campaigns, partnerships and the challenges they face. On the exhibition floor, we tried out tools and platforms that many marketing teams now depend on. The evenings were more relaxed, with social events that made it easy to continue conversations in a friendly setting.
What we brought back
- A clearer picture of how affiliate and performance marketers measure success
- Ideas for landing pages and funnels that convert campaign traffic
- New contacts across marketing, technology and partnerships
- Insight into the tools our clients’ marketing teams use
- Renewed energy and confidence across the team
Several of these insights connect directly to our work on landing page design and SaaS funnels, where understanding how campaigns are planned and measured helps us design pages that perform.
Time together in Pattaya
After the conference, we travelled to Pattaya on the coast. The pace slowed down immediately. Mornings were spent on the beach, afternoons exploring the town and trying local food, and evenings enjoying the lively atmosphere. Some of the team tried parasailing, diving and boat trips, while others preferred shopping for souvenirs and practising their bargaining skills in the markets.
These days mattered as much as the conference. Spending time together away from deadlines helped colleagues get to know each other better, which shows in how we collaborate back at work.
Heading home
On 10 December we flew home with bags full of gifts and notebooks full of ideas. The trip combined learning, networking and team bonding, and it reminded us how valuable it is to step outside our usual routines to see how other industries think.
Tips if you are planning a trip to Thailand
- Check current entry and visa rules for your nationality before booking, as they change
- Keep digital and paper copies of your passport and bookings
- Consider travel insurance for medical issues, delays and lost luggage
- Pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen and a light rain layer
- Carry some Thai baht for markets and street vendors
- Agree tuk-tuk fares in advance or use a ride-hailing app
- Dress modestly and remove shoes when visiting temples
- Learn a few greetings, such as sawasdee (hello) and khop khun (thank you)
- Buy a local SIM at the airport for affordable data
- Respect local laws, including those concerning the monarchy
Frequently asked questions
What is AWAsia?
An affiliate marketing conference held in Bangkok that brings together marketers, publishers, platforms and technology providers.
Why did a design studio attend an affiliate marketing event?
Many of our clients depend on performance marketing. Understanding how campaigns work helps us design pages and products that convert.
Who from UIUX Studio attended?
A group from our Mohali office in India.
How long was the trip?
From 2 to 10 December 2024: two conference days in Bangkok and four days in Pattaya.