We've always said, if you want to know what’s next, spend at least an hour a month with your 20-something employees. The rise of instant communication technologies (i.e. texting) and new social networking websites (i.e. YouTube, facebook, MySpace) has helped shape this generation's peer-oriented perspective and social shopping orientation. They want instant gratification and demand control, but few marketers know these powerful consumers as they should.

That’s about to change. That’s because the PMN is different than any other association and is not going to waste your time by connecting you to a host of vendors trying to sell you something – no way, no how. Instead the PMN will be the first industry association dedicated to helping you connect to and understand the folks that will participate with your brand through our innovative Generation Y research initiative.

Done in partnership with Pace University’s Lubin School of Business' Interactive and Direct Marketing (IDM) Lab, the PMN is pleased to announce the formation of the industry's first Gen Y association panel for ongoing research initiatives. Members will have the opportunity to develop quantitative and qualitative research to better understand and market to this powerful consumer segment. The PMN will also release ongoing whitepapers and seminars in conjunction with Pace University about how this unique segment wants to engage and communicate with brands they have relationships with.

It is an initiative unlike any other association can offer and we are excited about the incredible insight it will provide our members. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months, and click here to see the results from our past studies.