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<\/a><\/a>\nThe Forum responds to a growing need for closer alignment between what is taught in classrooms and the skills required in today\u2019s rapidly changing, AI-enabled economy. As creativity, problem-solving, collaboration and adaptability become increasingly critical across every profession, educators and industry leaders have an opportunity to work together to ensure students are equipped to thrive.<\/p>
\nThe LIONS Educators Forum will focus on two core areas: developing future-ready curricula and strengthening pathways between education and employment. Through curated discussions, shared insights and ongoing collaboration, the Forum aims to equip educators with the tools, knowledge and industry access needed to better prepare students for creative careers.<\/p>
\nEducators from around the world are invited to join a growing global network built on collaboration, where best practice is shared openly, ideas are challenged and the collective goal is to better prepare the next generation for success.<\/p>
\nThe Forum will be chaired by Vann Graves, Executive Director of VCU Brandcenter, and guided by a leadership team from Cannes Lions.<\/p>
\nThe programme will consist of three core components:<\/p>
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- \nGlobal Roundtables: Two virtual roundtables each year, one in Spring and one in Autumn, bringing together educators and industry leaders to explore key challenges and opportunities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
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- \nCannes Lions In-Person Forum: A dedicated programme during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity from 22 to 26 June 2026, hosted at the PMI Cabana and offering educators direct access to industry insights and global best practice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
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- \nYear-Round Network: An ongoing global community where educators and industry professionals can connect, share resources and collaborate throughout the year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
\nSteve Latham, Global Head of Strategic Learning Initiatives at Cannes Lions, said:<\/p>
\n\"Creativity is now one of the most important skills in the global economy, yet the connection between education and industry has never been more critical. The LIONS Educators Forum is designed to close that gap by creating a space where educators and industry leaders can collaborate, share insights and shape the future together.\"<\/i><\/p>
\nAs Founding Partner, PMI will help shape the Forum\u2019s agenda by bringing a critical perspective on the skills students will need to succeed in an AI-enabled workplace. As technology accelerates change across every profession, project management has become an essential capability for turning ideas into outcomes, helping people navigate uncertainty, build resilience, collaborate across disciplines and lead complex systems of work.<\/p>
\nMenaka Gopinath, Chief Marketing Officer at PMI, said:<\/p>
\n\"The future of work will reward people who can do more than generate ideas. We need to equip students and the educators who guide them with the skills to bring people together, make sense of complexity and turn creative ambition into real-world impact. Through the LIONS Educators Forum, PMI is proud to help prepare the next generation with the capabilities to not only imagine what is possible, but to make it happen.\"<\/i><\/p>
\nPMI works with thousands of academic institutions worldwide, equipping educators and students with industry-aligned tools that help turn ideas into outcomes, an essential capability in today\u2019s creative economy.<\/p>
\nThe LIONS Educators Forum is part of Cannes Lions\u2019 broader commitment to supporting lifelong learning and creative excellence across the global marketing and communications industry.<\/p>
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\nAbout Informa\n
\nWe champion specialists. Through hundreds of market-leading brands, we connect people with knowledge so they can learn more, know more and do more.<\/p>
\nWe operate in over 30 countries and serve businesses and professionals working in over a dozen specialist markets.<\/p>
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- \nYear-Round Network: An ongoing global community where educators and industry professionals can connect, share resources and collaborate throughout the year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
- \nCannes Lions In-Person Forum: A dedicated programme during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity from 22 to 26 June 2026, hosted at the PMI Cabana and offering educators direct access to industry insights and global best practice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>