Last year’s Young Lions Australia winners to host free ‘Roadmap to Cannes Masterclass’ and live Q&A – Held online, next Thursday, February 27
A team of 2024 Young Lions Australia winners will host a Roadmap to Cannes Masterclass next Thursday 27 February, equipping emerging media, marketing, digital, film, and PR talent with all the insights they need to secure their place at the International Festival of Creativity in June. This group of previous winners includes Match & Wood’s Jodie Allen and VML Australia’s Jordan Ellis.
The free online session will feature special guest Imogen Hewitt, Chief Media Officer at Publicis Groupe and Jury Chair of the Media Competition, who will open the event before participants break into small groups led by Young Lions alumni.
There, attendees will gain practical tips on cracking their chosen brief, impressing jurors, and generating big ideas under pressure—key to triumphing in Australia and earning a coveted ticket to Cannes to compete on the world stage.
The event will wrap up with a live Q&A, giving entrants the chance to have their burning questions about Young Lions and the Cannes Festival answered, with questions able to be submitted in advance.
Speakers include:
● Imogen Hewitt – Chief Media Officer, Publicis Groupe ANZ & Jury Chair of the Media Category
● Jodie Allen – Group Director, Match & Wood (Media)
● Ryan Hancock – National Strategy & Planning Director, Match & Wood (Media)
● Krishma Sood – Senior Marketing Manager, Arnott’s (Marketing)
● Daniel Borghesi – Creative Director, M&C Saatchi (Digital)
● Jordan Ellis – Copywriter, VML (Film)
● Bella Hayes – PR Executive, Special (PR)
Tony Hale, CEO of Advertising Council Australia, says: “Young Lions isn’t just a competition—it’s a defining moment in your career. Only a select few make it to Cannes to compete on the global stage, and this masterclass is your chance to get ahead of the pack. If you’re serious about representing Australia at Cannes this year, don’t miss it.”
Says Hewitt: “Creativity under pressure is crucial in this industry. This session will prepare you for the unexpected, sharpen your thinking, and help you put your best foot forward to earn a place at Cannes. If you want to compete with the sharpest minds in the business, this is the place to start.”
The Young Lions Australia competition is open to teams of two, aged 30 and under, across the media, marketing, digital, film, and PR categories. The winners will represent Australia at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in June.