By Business & Finance 
The Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland (IAPI) last night hosted The Big Grill, a Q&A discussion with a panel made up of key young leaders in Irish advertising.
The IAPI session provided an opportunity for those looking to make it in the industry to ‘grill’ those in the know. The panel, which consisted of advertising leaders from various disciplines, answered questions that were submitted by attendees to IAPI anonymously ahead of the event.
Among the key areas of discussion were issues around managing client relations, finding time for creativity, getting inspired and building a long-term career. Attendees also had questions around the digital age and questioned the panel on what they envisaged to be the core opportunities and challenges in the industry both now and into the future.
The panel discussion was followed by a networking session, which gave attendees the chance to get some one-to-one time with panellists and other industry leaders according to their discipline.
The Big Grill is part of an ongoing IAPI strategy to foster emerging talent by providing frequent platforms for them to engage with key industry figures and feel part of the advertising community. The integrated approach is also supported through the recently developed IAPI Future Heads who organised the event, and through continued training.
According to Aisling Conlon, IAPI business development manager: “The questions put to the panel gave a really fascinating insight into some of the key issues and concerns facing our younger members and those looking to make it in the industry. Some of the questions really resonated with The Big Grill panellists who, were not long ago, overcoming some of the same hurdles when starting off in their career. The IAPI /DIT Advertising & Digital Communications postgraduate course also aims to enable those looking to break into the industry with the skill sets and know-how to do so.”
Michael Clancy, deputy MD at Mediavest said: “The Big Grill panel were delighted to work with IAPI on their continued efforts to engage with up and coming IAPI members in a meaningful way. It is important that both the concerns and opinions of the younger generation are heard. They will soon be shaping our industry so it’s important that those higher up give back and offer expertise and counsel. The work of the IAPI Youth Council is also playing a key role in making this happen.”
