Building on the success of its Front Row Initiative launched in 2023, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) South Africa Education Council has opened nominations for its 2024 cohort. The Front Row initiative aims to identify and provide a platform for the top 15 ambitious and talented industry youngsters, offering a springboard to launch their careers.
‘The Front Row initiative was conceived to bridge the gap between education and the thriving digital media and marketing industry,’ said Su Little, Lead Chair of the IAB South Africa Education Council. ‘It’s about creating opportunities for young, ambitious minds, giving them an inspiring glimpse into their future and providing a platform to connect with industry leaders and network with their peers.’
The programme provides participants with sponsored access to awards ceremonies, digital media and marketing educational programmes, workshops and courses, and industry-leading events. These activities and platforms further provide knowledge-sharing, networking and mentorship from respected giants in the South African digital media and marketing landscape. The experience aims to inspire and energise the participants for their future careers.
‘We are thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response from the industry over the past year in providing access to South Africa’s top industry events and premier award shows. We want to thank each of our partners and look forward to what the new intake of youngsters will experience in the exciting line-up we have planned for them in 2024,’ commented Deborah Whitlock, Head of Brand and New Business at Joe Public and Front Row Project Lead.
Jason Morgan, a Front Row member in 2023, added: ‘We were blown away by what we learnt at the IMC conference and by the calibre of work we saw at the Pendoring Awards last year. I would encourage the industry to support this project — it opens the eyes of the younger generation to what’s out there.’
The IAB South Africa Education Council is calling for nominations from the IAB South Africa Member network for candidates within the creative, advertising and marketing industry fields who meet one of the following criteria: a student in their final year of study; a graduate intern and a junior with one to two years of industry experience.
Nominees are expected to possess the potential to thrive and become future leaders in the digital world. The closing date for nominations is 30 July 2024.
