The new survey inclusions are Coolest Yoghurt, Coolest Mode Of Transport, Coolest Ice Cream, Coolest Stationery Brand, Coolest Stationery Store, Coolest Spread Or Sauce, and Coolest Footwear Store.

Since 2004, Times Media has commissioned HDI Youth Marketeers to conduct the Sunday Times Generation Next Survey which polls youths across more than 70 categories, to quantify their perception of brands, products, and celebrity. 

Catherine Bothma, managing director of HDI Youth Marketeers, explains the rationale for the new additions, “We've been inundated with requests from brands and corporates to expand the survey categories in 2017, which really bears testimony to the value marketers place on the data that is delivered. We've also revised categories to ensure more of a like-for-like evaluation, which is why we've separated universities and colleges into categories of their own in this year's survey."

The Sunday Times Generation Next Youth Marketing Conference and Interactive Showcase also celebrates its third year many anticipated additions to the awards event, where the results of the survey are announced. In 2016, the conference drew 320 top-level delegates from the marketing and advertising sector. 

The Interactive Showcase - where brands allow the youth to experience their products in creative and captivating displays - saw exhibitor numbers increase to more than 20, and included brands like Dark & Lovely, MNet Movies, Converse, Super C, Boston College, Bakers, Lucky Star, SABC1, VW, Lumi, Pringles, Eucerin, You Decide, Proudly SA, Sunday Times, Disney, Deal Hound, and BOUNCE. Adidas, BOUNCE, and Maybelline have already confirmed their partnerships for 2017.

“The Sunday Times Generation Next survey delivers exceptional research on the brand preferences of today’s youth, and tomorrow’s consumers. It represents an ideal opportunity for marketers to gauge their brand initiatives, and action changes to keep their competitors on their toes,” says Taryn Westoby, head of Times Media Events. “Times Media remains committed to answering the need for solid market intelligence, in order to support the brand ambitions of advertisers.”

“The opportunity for brands to benefit through association with the Sunday Times Generation Next movement is great,” says Westoby. In 2016, Sunday Times Generation Next generated in excess of R3.5-million in media coverage across print, broadcast and digital platforms.

The Sunday Times Generation Next Youth Marketing Conference, Interactive Showcase, and awards ceremony will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre on Thursday, 11 May.

For more information, visit sundaytimesgennext.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.