As an annual highlight in the South African marketing calendar, the nineteenth edition of Sunday Times GenNext, in partnership with Yellowwood, will be changing things up with three separate in-person events in September 2023: an Interactive Showcase; an Awards event; and a Youth Marketing Conference.

The Sunday Times GenNext survey is considered the leading barometer of what South Africa’s youth find on-trend and inspirational and delivers insights that are valued by brand management, advertising, and marketing professionals.

Eben Gewers, Head of Advertising Sales at Arena Holdings, which co-ordinates and manages Sunday Times GenNext says the change in format has been necessitated by the growing number of brands and marketing professionals participating. “The call from the industry has been so positive that we’ve had to expand to three separate events to be able to accommodate the increased relevance and demand for each.”

The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) has partnered with the Sunday Times GenNext again this year as it has not only provided useful insights relating to communication and marketing to the youth market but has also been a good opportunity to promote and profile the Gautrain brand to young people, said Dr Barbara Jensen Vorster, GMA Senior Executive Manager, Communication and Marketing.

“As a business that is deeply invested in understanding South African youth, we not only identify the coolest brands, but also engage over 5000 young people to unearth key insights that can be leveraged into impactful growth strategies” says Refilwe Maluleke, Managing Director at Yellowwood who conduct the annual Sunday Times GenNext research.

Here is the 2023 line-up of Sunday Times GenNext events to lock into calendars:

7 September – Sunday Times GenNext Brand Interactive Showcase

Hundreds of young people between the ages of 8 to 24 years gather to enjoy interactive displays, activations, and competitions from their favourite brands. It’s an opportunity for marketers to showcase their products and get direct engagement and feedback from their target market.

20 September – Sunday Times GenNext Awards

The Coolest brands as voted for by South Africa’s youth will be awarded across numerous categories. The Sunday Times GenNext research study reaches youth across South Africa with surveys conducted by Yellowwood in schools amongst tweens and teens, and an online survey completed by young adults in tertiary institutions.

24 September – Publication of the Sunday Times GenNext Supplement

Share how you’re embracing the youth’s point of view to connect them with your brand. Become part of the game by placing your advert in the Sunday Times GenNext annual supplement, where the latest trends and insights from this year’s youth marketing awards ceremony will be revealed.

28 September – Sunday Times GenNext Youth Marketing Conference

Brand leaders and marketing experts are convened to discuss the latest trends and preferences in the youth sector, and share insights for the benefit of marketers and brand owners.

The 2023 Sunday Times GenNext campaign is presented in association with headline partners Gautrain Management Agency and African Bank.

For more information about partnering and sponsorship opportunities, contact Cortney Hoyland | HoylandC@arena.africa. For general enquiries, contact Jade Fleishman | FleishmanJ@arena.africa. For advertising enquiries in the supplement, contact Debbie Montanari | montanarid@arena.africa .

Image source: GenNext Awards 2022