The Performance Marketing Insights: London bursary scheme has been launched in association with the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) UK.

The bursary offers the next generation of performance marketers an opportunity to attend Performance Marketing Insights: London free of charge, allowing them to take advantage of the education and networking opportunities on offer.

Aimed at first-time PMI attendees and those who have recently started working in performance marketing, the bursary offers a chance to learn about the mechanics of the constantly progressing performance marketing landscape, and a chance to meet its top players.

Earlier this year the IAB reported that performance marketing and lead generation was responsible for £16.5 billion in consumer spend, with advertisers in the UK increasing budgets in this area by 8% in 2014.

It is of vital importance that the digital marketers of tomorrow are equipped with knowledge of the integral role that performance has to play as part of their wider marketing mix.

Enhancing our future

As the trade association for online and mobile advertising, the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) promotes growth and best practice across the digital advertising industry, making the bursary an ideal initiative to support.

In a first for the Performance Marketing Insights event series, the Create track will play host to a series of dedicated 101 sessions, providing successful bursary applicants with an introductory overview into a selection of key performance marketing areas.

The 20-minute sessions will hand successful bursary applicants the chance to get to grips with six core performance marketing channels, in bitesize sessions delivered by an expert in each field.

IAB Senior Programmes Manager Clare O’Brien said her organisation was “delighted” to be supporting the PMI bursary scheme for the third time, whilst touching on the benefits at hand.

“The bursary gives people who are just starting out in their careers in performance marketing the opportunity to really immerse themselves in the business through this key event.

“It really demonstrates the industry’s commitment to talent development at a time when demands for digital skills are at an all-time high. I wish everyone the best of luck in their application for a place on this hugely valuable scheme.”

PerformanceIN managing director Sarah Parsonage also spoke of the importance of education for those in the early stages of their performance marketing careers.

“There is a clear skills gap for the next generation of digital marketers,” she stated.  

“As the performance industry continues to evolve at a rapid speed, it is it imperative that the industry looks to close that gap.

“The Performance Marketing Insights bursary is wholly designed to aid those that are new to performance to take full advantage of the two-day conference and the plethora of educational and networking opportunities it houses.”

Applicants will need to complete an application form ahead of the September 16 deadline, after which a panel of industry experts will hand-pick those who will receive one of a limited number of bursary positions. Applications can be made here.