"As we wrap up 2020 and look to 2021, the time has never been more perfect to open up the platform for those outside of the council and get together for a conversation on all things 'young people within digital marketing', as well as the broader marketing and advertising industries," says Luzuko Tena, paid social executive at 2U and head of the council.

The council aims to increase the engagement and participation of under 30-year-olds in the digital marketing industry, with three key objectives.

These three pillars of focus is:
  • to provide easier access to relevant information and platforms
  • to provide a platform that facilitates collaboration with the other IAB councils to explore and solve existing challenges, and
  • to provide a 'seat at the table' alongside industry heavyweights.
"Since its inception in June up until now, members of the council have been involved in various stages of projects, councils and committees, as well as events within the IAB South Africa. This was all part of the plan of first making the council work for those within it before we could do so for the broader network and industry," adds Tena.

The inception and incubation of the Youth Action Council is especially timely as the topics of diversity and inclusion move to the forefront of the industry, says the IAB.

Together with his team, which comprises of twelve millennials who are making their mark in the South African advertising and marketing industry, Tena will focus on the themes of accountability, assurance and ownership for this generation's new industry leaders.

The agenda for the town hall is as follows:

Keynote speaker: Abey Mokgwatsane, Vodacom managing executive for digital channels and platforms

Council address: Luzuko Tena, paid social executive at GetSmarter and IAB South Africa Youth Action Council lead

Panel Q&A with panel host:
  • Noxolo Mafu, creative lead at 24.com
  • Luzuko Tena: Getsmarter paid social executive and IAB South Africa Youth Council lead
  • Amy Hurle-Hill: digital portfolio manager at Arena Holdings
  • Nomaswazi Phumo: strategist at M&C Saatchi Abel, and
  • Selae Thobakgale: co-founder of The Strategy Network, chief strategy officer of The Odd Number and ACA board member.
The event closes at midday. 

"It has been an incredible five months since the inception of the IAB South Africa Youth Action Council commenced and we have already seen the impact of the council's influence and insights in many of the current IAB South Africa platforms and programmes," says IAB CEO Paula Hulley.

"We look forward to this next phase and to create further access and opportunities and to continue our discussions to address organisational and industry-wide challenges and solutions and the opportunity to understand how to attract and retain the top talent in our industry," concludes Hulley.

In addition to the town hall, the Youth Action Council members will also be offering 30-minute mentorship sessions to interested young people who are starting out in the industry. The coucil sees this as another important step in building and maintaining relationships with the youth which it represents. These sessions will run throughout the last two weeks of November.

Individuals are encouraged to register for the free town hall webinar here

For more information, visit www.iabsa.net. You can follow IAB South Africa on Facebook or on Twitter