Cannes 2026

There’s Neworking, then there’s Cannes.

Last year we piloted the first UNC Cannes Lions Experience for undergraduate seniors and graduate students. This was the place to see and celebrate the best of the business, including many of our incredible UNC alums. We’re proud to return this year not only to meet the global creative teams on award-winning work, but to cheer on the legacy of one of our most special alums, Susan Credle, who receives the Lion of St. Mark lifetime achievement award for 2026.

MEET THE 2026 UNC CANNES STUDENTS

To provide the best opportunity for one-on-one networking for our students, this year’s cohort is features a representative of our graduate MADC program who is focusing her thesis work on our global 2026 FashionMash client, Levi’s. Meet Savannah Gunter (pictured left). Also joining the team is incoming ad UNC Hussman ad club president and UNC senior, Shae Thomas (right). In addition to preparing for graduation and organizing advertising and public relations outreach for her peers at Hussman, she will lead the creative team at the university-wide 1893 Brand Studio.

Going to CAnnes? These students would love to meet you!

If you have a moment during your time at the Festival, please reach out to program director Dana McMahan, (dmcmahan@email.unc.edu) for a quick coffee and hello!