Applications are open for the Jodi Harris Scholarship 2027, run by Cannes Lions (LIONS) with AB InBev. It gives 10 emerging client-side marketing leaders a fully funded trip to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in France, with a curated programme of private sessions with the AB InBev executive marketing team and industry leaders.
The scholarship honours Jodi Harris, AB InBev’s former Global VP of Marketing Culture and Capabilities, who championed diversity and opportunity for marketers from underrepresented backgrounds. It has no nationality restriction: the 2026 cohort included a social media manager from Nedbank in South Africa.
Deadline: applications close at 00:01 GMT on 4 December 2026 (01:01 in Lagos, 02:01 in Johannesburg, 03:01 in Nairobi). In practice, submit by the end of 3 December.
At a Glance
| Organisers | Cannes Lions (LIONS) and AB InBev |
| Places | 10 emerging marketing leaders |
| Funding | Fully funded trip to Cannes Lions: travel, accommodation and an allowance |
| Who can apply | Client-side marketers at manager or senior manager level, born between 25 June 1987 and 25 June 1995 |
| Applications open | 29 October 2026 |
| Deadline | 4 December 2026, 00:01 GMT |
| Results | By 1 February 2027 |
Benefits
- A fully funded trip to Cannes Lions, covering travel, accommodation and an allowance
- A Brand Marketers Festival Pass, with all the advantages of a Gold Pass
- A customised Festival learning programme and private sessions designed for senior marketers
- Exclusive sessions with AB InBev’s executive marketing team and industry thought leaders
- VIP access to Festival content and reserved seating at the Cannes Lions Awards shows
- Daily networking events with fellow scholars and marketing leaders
Past sessions included a “Festival Forecasting” session with AB InBev and “Inside the Jury Room: Creative Brand Lions”.
Eligibility
- You must work in a client-side marketing role, meaning for a brand rather than an agency, at manager or senior manager level.
- You must be born on or before 25 June 1995 and on or after 25 June 1987, roughly ages 31 to 39. Proof of age is required.
- You should aspire to become a senior marketing leader, vice president or CMO.
- There’s no nationality restriction, so marketers in Africa can apply.
Note for African applicants: the official pages don’t mention visa costs. If you’re selected, plan early for a French (Schengen) visa, and confirm with the organisers what’s covered.
How to Apply
- Download the official 2027 Entry Kit and read the FAQs (links below).
- Prepare answers of up to 250 words each to the six mandatory questions:
- Describe your career journey so far.
- Who has inspired you most, and why?
- What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome?
- What’s the biggest challenge the marketing industry faces today?
- What are you most proud of in your career, and why?
- What’s your big dream in life, and how are you making it a reality?
- Submit your application on the Cannes Lions competitions portal before 00:01 GMT on 4 December 2026.
- Shortlisted applicants are invited to a telephone interview with the LIONS Jodi Harris team. Everyone is notified by 1 February 2027.
Official Jodi Harris Scholarship page (Cannes Lions) · Apply on the official portal · FAQs
Questions: [email protected]. LIONS can also help applicants with a mental health condition, visual impairment, dyslexia, autism or cognitive difficulties to complete the form.
Tips
- Tell your own story. Past scholars advise writing what only you can say, not what you think the jury wants to hear.
- Show the five capabilities the jury looks for: creativity, strategic thinking, resilience and adaptability, empowerment, and learning agility.
- Use real examples from campaigns or brands you’ve worked on in your market.
- Check your date of birth against the window before you start.
