The Backpacker Intern

From Intern to Delegate Speaker at Cannes Lions

I’ll be speaking in Cannes this year! Cannes? Yeah! Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. It’s like the Oscar’s of advertising. Well, it’s much more than just advertising. It’s about technology, music, innovation and creativity in general. I’ve been to this annual event for the last 6 years as a Young Lion and Board Member of Dutch Young Creatives. It’s one of the most inspiring weeks of the year where we celebrate the best creative work in the world, learn from amazing speakers at seminars, network, collaborate and party hard with like-minded people from all cultures.

Cannes Lions 2015 Speakers - The Backpacker Intern

Pharrel Williams, Al Gore, The Backpacker Intern, Keith Reinhard, Kim (Break the Internet) Kardashian.

This year they asked me to tell my story. In a year amongst speakers as: Al Gore, Pharrell Williams, Sir John Hegarty (BBH), Kim Kardashian, Marilyn Manson, Jamie Oliver, Keith Reinhard (DDB), Evan Spiegel (Co-founder Snapchat) and many more. Unreal!

Cannes Lions Academies - The Backpacker Intern

I’ll be on stage two times.

The Backpacker Intern at Cannes Lions Academies

Tuesday the 23rd of June

On Tuesday I’ll give a speech to inspire the world’s upcoming legends at the Young Creative Academy. Other confirmed speakers at the academy are Mailine Swildens (Google, Head of the Zoo), Gustavo Martinez (Chairman & CEO JWT) and the Course Dean is the legendary Bob Isherwood (former Worldwide Creative Director Saatchi & Saatchi) who won about 8000 awards.

Cannes Lions Festival Of Creativity Logo - The Backpacker Intern

Saturday the 27th of June

This day I’ll be on stage with another industry legend; Keith Reinhard. Keith is the Chairman Emeritus of DDB Worldwide and he will interview me about my journey. It’s such an honor to meet him and speak at the festival!

Just a few more weeks to go. Can’t wait!

Who of you guys are going to Cannes as well this year? I’ll be there from Monday – Sunday. Would be cool to do a meet-up. Let me know via Twitter @markvdheijden.

2 thoughts on “From Intern to Delegate Speaker at Cannes Lions

  1. Ola

    Hello Mark!
    First of all I would like to congratulate you! All the things you’ve accomplished during your journey are absolutely amazing. And it’s the right place for you to be – that stage among those legends… cause you’re legend yourself! Such an inspiration!
    I’m writing my dissertation now and looking for a job in the same time and I just want to let you know that your words and journeys are so motivating and make the whole process easier.
    I wish you best of luck!

    And
    P.s. if I’ll find a job in PR or marketing as I would like, you can expect an invitation from Poland. 🙂

    1. Mark van der Heijden Post author

      Hey there!
      Thanks for your kind words. It’s great to hear that it helps you to stay motivated.
      Make sure you give all you got for your dissertation. It’s something you will be proud of for the rest of your life.
      After that, save money and travel! Even if it’s in your own country. Meeting new people and pushing yourself to break barriers will make you a stronger and more awesome person.

      Keep on rockin’!

      Mark

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