Young Lions

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World-class training for future stars

The Young Lions Academies help rising young talent fast-track their careers and become the next generation of industry leaders. They combine inspiring classroom sessions with world-class speakers, hands-on learning and coaching from industry legends.Mark Tutssel, Global Chief Creative Officer of Leo Burnett Worldwide, described the experience as "five years learning in five days". Prepare to be inspired. Prepare to change your life.

The Cannes Lions School is powered by

A purpose-built campus at the heart of the Festival, the School is home to the Young Lions Academies, Competitions and Young Lions Week. Our competitions and career acceleration programmes offer opportunities for professionals to grow their potential and learn from industry leaders.

Previous Academy Speakers

Bessie Lee

Founder and CEO
Withinlink

Ben Jones

Creative Director
Google

Elena Hale

Managing Director, Chief Marketing Officer
Emerson Collective

Kwame Alexander

Author and Founding Editor
Versify/HMH

Mary Lee Copeland

Chief Executive Storyteller
ACNE

Rory Sutherland

Vice Chairman
Ogilvy

Nelson Kunkel

Chief Design Officer
Deloitte Digital

Susan Vobejda

Chief Marketing Officer
The TradeDesk

Pick your Academy

Roger Hatchuel Student Academy

Creative Academy

Brand Marketers Academy

Media Academy

"Simply too incredible to put into words. I gained invaluable tips, skills and advice directly from industry leaders. I left a better person and an improved creative.”

Emma Kasarsky, Junior Art Director, Badger & Winters, USA

Grow your personal network

Connect with like-minded peers, speakers, classroom mentors, award-winning creatives and festival delegates. After a course, they'll be life-long friends, trusted advisors and business partners.

Realise your creative potential

Expand your creativity by developing a practical Creative Toolkit. Uncover new ways of solving creative challenges. Learn where to look for inspiration. Build creative bravery and develop higher creative standards.

Gain visibility and credibility at work

Shine at work. Future-proof your career with insights about the latest trends, themes, challenges and opportunities.

Only the best need apply

This year, Academy places are by application only. Tutors want a class of hungry, talented individuals who want to be there. Your company is investing in you, so you must be serious about your career.

How to join the course

  1. Pick the course that's perfect for you
  2. Check you match the elibility criteria
  3. Submit you application giving some details about you, your skills, experiences and current challenges
  4. Applications are reviewed by Cannes Lions and course leaders
  5. Successful applicants will be invited to purchase their pass