Project Management Institute and Cannes Lions Launch Global Educator Forum to Help Prepare Students for the Future of Work

PHILADELPHIA – The Project Management Institute (PMI), the leading authority on project success, today announced its partnership with Cannes Lions to launch the LIONS Educators Forum, a global initiative designed to connect academia and the creative industries and better prepare students for the evolving world of work.

The forum responds to the growing need for a closer alignment between what is taught in classrooms and the skills needed in today’s fast-changing, AI-enabled economy. As creativity, problem solving, collaboration and flexibility become more critical in every profession, educators and industry leaders have an opportunity to work together to ensure that students are equipped to thrive.

The LIONS Educators Forum will focus on two key areas: developing a future-proof curriculum and strengthening the links 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.

Educators from around the world are invited to join a growing global network built on collaboration, where best practice is shared freely, ideas are challenged and the collective goal is to better prepare the next generation for success.

The forum will be moderated by Vann Graves, Executive Director of the VCU Brandcenter, and chaired by the Cannes Lions leadership team.

The program will consist of three main components:

• Global Roundtables: Two virtual roundtables each year, one in the Spring and one in the Fall, bring together educators and industry leaders to explore key challenges and opportunities.

• Cannes Lions In-Person Forum: A dedicated program during the Cannes Lions International Arts Festival from 22 to 26 June 2026, hosted at the PMI Cabana and offering educators direct access to industry insights and global best practices.

• Year Round Network: An ongoing global community where educators and industry professionals can connect, share resources and collaborate throughout the year.

Steve Latham, Global Head of Strategic Learning Initiatives at Cannes Lions, said:

As a Founding Partner, PMI will help shape the Forum’s agenda by bringing a critical perspective on the skills students will need to succeed in an AI-enabled workplace. As technology accelerates change in every profession, project management has become an essential skill to turn ideas into results, help people navigate uncertainty, build resilience, collaborate across disciplines and lead complex projects.

Menaka Gopinath, Chief Marketing Officer at PMI, said:

PMI works with thousands of educational institutions around the world, equipping teachers and students with industry-leading tools that help turn ideas into results, a critical skill in today’s creative economy.

The LIONS Educators Forum is part of Cannes Lions’ broader commitment to supporting lifelong learning and creative excellence in the global marketing and communications industry.

PMI is the leading authority on project success. Since 1969, PMI has shined a light on the people and improved practices behind successful projects. Supported by a global community of millions of project professionals and thousands of companies, government agencies and academic institutions, PMI provides the knowledge, resources and certifications to lead projects and changes effectively and responsibly. Join PMI in uplifting our world – one project at a time. Contact us at

on Instagram @pmi_org, and on TikTok @PMInstitute.

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Foreign Relations Strategist