London, May 9, 2012 - (ACN Newswire) - Draftfcb will again sponsor the Roger Hatchuel Academy for the third straight year in partnership with the 59th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, taking place from 17 to 23 June.

Introduced in 2003, the Roger Hatchuel Academy provides a group of international students in advertising, marketing, communications or design an invaluable one week training and education course. Brainchild of the former Festival Chairman and named in his honour, the course is an investment in the future of the industry.

A group of around 40 students from 31 different countries, aged 19-23, are selected for the course by the international Festival Representatives in partnership with a designated School, University or Foundation and with the help of Draftfcb's local market executive creative directors. After selection they are invited to the Festival for seven days where they take part in Festival activities and participate in an intensive tailored programme of tutorials and discussions.

"Draftfcb is committed to growing and investing in young talent from around the globe. Having sponsored the Academy previously, we're looking forward to helping cultivate another robust pool of up-and-coming ad talent," said Luis Silva Dias, Head of Draftfcb's Regional Creative Council and President of Draftfcb in Portugal.

Heading up the Academy and offering guidance as Dean is Rick Boyko, Director and Professor of VCU Brandcenter, and a 2012 inductee into the Advertising Hall of Fame. He will be accompanied by tutor Clive Challis, head of the Advertising Course at Central Saint Martins in London. Challis will provide daily training sessions and steer the students through their busy schedules.

Philip Thomas, CEO of Cannes Lions, said, "We look forward to welcoming this year's group of students. The content rich programme of the Cannes Lions Roger Hatchuel Academy will expand their knowledge about the advertising and communications sectors and provide them with a unique and memorable insight of the industry when they embark on their careers. We are delighted to work with Draftfcb again to deliver this exceptional learning platform."

Festival attendees can follow the students during their week in Cannes as they share their Academy experiences via social media channels including Twitter, using the hashtags #Draftfcb #CannesLions and #RHA; Facebook on the Draftfcb Company page; Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/draftfcb; and YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/rhayoungtalent?feature=mhee.

At the end of the Festival, some students will be selected by Draftfcb to experience the unique opportunity of an internship. The terms and conditions of these internships will be at the local agency's discretion.

About Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity

The 59th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity will be held 17-23 June 2012 in Cannes, France. Also known as Cannes Lions, it is the world's leading celebration of creativity in communications. Founded in 1954, the Festival takes place every June in Cannes, France.

As the most prestigious international annual advertising and communications awards, over 28,800 entries from all over the world are showcased and judged at the Festival. Winning companies receive the highly coveted Lion trophy honouring the most creative Film, Print, Outdoor, Interactive, Radio, Design, Promo & Activation, Film Craft, Mobile, Branded Content & Entertainment and Integrated advertising, as well as the best Media, Direct, PR, Titanium and Creative Effectiveness ideas.

The Festival is also the only truly global meeting place for advertisers, advertising and communication professionals. Close to 9,500 delegates from 95 countries attend seven days of exhibitions, screenings, as well as 57 high-profile seminars, 20 workshops and master classes presented by renowned worldwide industry leaders. As the networking and learning opportunity of the year, Cannes Lions is the must-attend event for anyone involved in brand communication. For further information, please visit www.canneslions.com.

Source: Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity

Contact:

Amanda Benfell, 
PR & Press Manager, 
Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity
Tel: +44-20-7728 4040; E-mail: amandab@canneslions.com 

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Stephen Martincic
Draftfcb 
Tel: +44 20 3048 0253 
Email: stephen.martincic@draftfcb.com 

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