AdPR students and alumni shine at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity

AdPR Department Head, Tom Reichert kicking off the week

Our Cannes Lions Advertising Study Abroad program, offers two academic courses centered on the famed Cannes Lions Advertising Festival, which takes place in the south of France each year. This year's program ran from June 13 through July 1, 2016. 

Students and Alumni from the AdPR Department at Grady College made quite an impression among industry professionals.  Two AdPR alums won Gold Lions and one alumni at Leo Burnett participated in the Young Marketer competition. 

Two Public Relations students, Shelby Gordon and Shivani Patel paint a picture of life at the festival in this article published in PR Week.  Shelby is pursuing a degree in public relations with a communication studies minor at the University of Georgia at Athens, Georgia. She will be graduating in fall 2016. Shivani Patel is pursuing a dual degree in public relations and linguistics with a Spanish minor at the University of Georgia at Athens, Georgia. She will be graduating in fall 2016.

Students gather for the Cannes Lions Festival

Additionally, Madison French tells her story here, of the opportunity to participate in the study abroad program: PR Council Blog

Congrats to all the AdPR faculty, staff, students, council members and alumni who participated in making this yet another fabulous year in Cannes Lions!  What a fantastic and immersive learning experience.

Student Perspective: AdPR's Non-Profit Tour in Atlanta

Hannah Bause, junior PR major 

Hannah Bause is a junior public relations major and political science minor from McDonough, Ga. She is the Yarbrough-Grady Graphics Intern for the Spring 2015 semester. Last week, she was one of the AdPR students who participated in the Non-Profit Tour in Atlanta.

What did you learn from going on the Non-Profit Tour?

One of the most striking things I learned from going on the non-profit tour was the power of storytelling. When I went on the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity study abroad program last summer, storytelling emerged as a huge theme, and the organizations we visited on the non-profit tour really reiterated that. These organizations not only explained to us the power of storytelling in a non-profit setting, but they gave us activities and case studies to work with to get more involved.  

What is something new that you discovered about PR while on the tour?

While at goodpr. and HotHouse Media, I learned that PR is the business of making people care. Jon Katinsky of HotHouse Media told us, “Whether you’re selling a breakfast cereal or trying to cure cancer, understand that not everyone is waking up every morning caring about this as much as you do.” This statement really hit home with me and reminded me why it is that I’m passionate about non-profit PR.

What is something new you discovered about yourself while on the tour?

While on the tour, I found that in my future job search, I would like to look for a position where I can incorporate both my writing and traditional PR skills with my creative and graphic design skills. Especially at some of the smaller firms and organizations, the professionals explained to us that they wear many hats and their jobs are often hectic and exciting – something I think I would really enjoy. 

AdPR students + faculty on the Non-Profit Tour in Atlanta

What do you see yourself doing after graduation?

After graduation, I would like to travel for a bit. My experience with study abroad was incredible, and I would like to do more traveling while I can. I would then like to move out of Georgia for a bit and get some experience working in an agency setting. I would love for that agency to do some pro-bono work or work for a non-profit organization that I have a passion for, but I feel that working for an agency first would give me a lot of experience and perspective straight out of college.

What do you do in Athens when you’re not in class?

I love trying new Athens restaurants. We live in such a cool town with tons of independently-owned, local businesses to experience. I actually have a “bucket list” of sorts – a list of all the places I have to try before I graduate. I’m sure my food-stagram skills will be top-notch by then.

What’s your favorite place/experience at UGA?

My favorite place on campus is definitely the North Campus area, specifically Herty Field. It’s such a beautiful place and so rich in history – one of my favorite things about the UGA campus. I love to sit on the benches and study (when it’s warm) and take visitors there when I can. P.S. it’s really close to North Campus’ best kept secret – the bathrooms in New College (full length mirror, ladies!).

What other activities are you involved in?

I am currently working as the Yarbrough-Grady graphics intern this semester, which is really exciting because I’m getting to help with the promotion for Grady’s Centennial Celebration. I feel so privileged to be a part of such an integral part of Grady’s history.

I also do a lot of public relations and graphic design work for non-profits in Athens through PRSSA’s Service and Outreach Committee and Creative Consultants. Going on the non-profit tour was so beneficial for me because I got to see these efforts on a larger scale.

Lastly, I am a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma, a national service sorority. Each semester, we complete 20 service hours for various organizations in the Athens-Clarke County community. I have gotten involved with a number of organizations through Gamma Sig, including Relay For Life, UGA Miracle and Shop with a Bulldawg.

Share something interesting about yourself.

I once got invited to a fancy USA Today party in Cannes for trash-talking Florida football. On the Cannes Lions study abroad program, I was wearing my UGA nametag and another attendee approached me asking about our trip. He told me he went to UF and, with Bulldawg blood running deep in my veins, you know I had to talk about football and our most recent wins (this being prior to the unfortunate incident of November 1, 2014). We spoke about football for a bit and then moved on to other topics. At the end of our conversation, he told me he was the VP of Ad Sales for USA Today and invited me to their closing party! I ended up meeting so many influential people at the party, including Joanna Coles, the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine. It was an incredible experience, and I’m lucky my dad taught me enough about Georgia football to hold up that conversation.

Anything else you’d like to add?

To all the other Grady and pre-Grady students, take advantage of all the opportunities you’re provided. Grady offers so many outside opportunities like the non-profit tour and to not participate is missing out on an integral part of your college experience. Our professors, staff and advisors are incredible and want us to experience all that we can – so just do it!

AdPR students visit set of Nickelodeon commercial

This summer, I participated in the 2014 Cannes Lions Advertising Festival Study Abroad Program. During the festival, I attended a workshop focused on promoting brands through online blogging sites such as Tumblr. This workshop differed from the larger seminars held at the festival and took place in a more intimate setting where we could ask questions with professionals in the creative field. 

I happened to sit down at the same table as Hafeez Saheed, Vice President of Production for Nickelodeon Creative Advertising.

AdPR students Felisha Ellison, Madeline Hawkins
 and Chelsea Jade Gray with Nickelodeon's Hafeez Saheed

We chatted about the uses of Tumblr and how online blogging has largely affected the advertising industry.  During our brief conversation, he provided intriguing insight into the advertising field, and I knew immediately that I wanted to keep in touch.

After connecting with him on LinkedIn after the festival, I invited him to UGA to speak to students about his personal experience within advertising and his expertise in production. My Cannes Lions experience was key in helping me understand the public relations/advertising industry better, so I thought, Why not try to bring a little of that experience back to students here at UGA?

Hafeez Saheed discusses advertising production with students

Hafeez Saheed visited Grady College on Wednesday, October 22, and gave his talk on Production in Motion: The Advertising Production Process. After Hafeez Saheed spoke, AdPR students Felisha Ellison, Chelsea Jade Gray and I had coffee with him at Jittery Joe's in the Miller Learning Center. We learned more about his creative work at Nickelodeon and his previous experience with Saatchi & Saatchi. During our conversation, he invited us to visit the set of a digital commercial Nickelodeon was shooting in Atlanta the next day!

Hafeez Saheed answers students' questions following his lecture

Being on the Nickelodeon set that Thursday was a captivating, yet slightly surreal, experience. We met the account manager, art director, producer, copywriter, wardrobe manager and actors. As we watched the commercial being shot, Adrienne, the producer, explained to us all the details of what was happening. Everyone was so welcoming and eager to answer any questions we had. In fact, Clancy, the copywriter, was a fellow Grady graduate!

My favorite part of the day was talking with the project manager, Rachel, who was acting as the eyes and ears of the client. Her attention to detail was impeccable, and she gave valuable insight into working on the marketing and sales side of Nickelodeon Creative Advertising. Overall, it was incredibly enlightening seeing what we learn in class, firsthand.

I could not be more thankful to Hafeez Saheed for his kindness and willingness to speak at UGA and to invite us to the set at Nickelodeon. I’ve learned so much from this experience and hope that the students who heard him speak were equally as motivated to pursue their passions within the advertising and production field.

Written by Madeline Hawkins

Public Relations, Grady College of Journalism

The University of Georgia '16

50 @ 5: Grady program takes 50 students to Cannes Lions in year five

In summer 2014, 50 UGA students spent three weeks in southern France attending the Cannes Lions Festival as part of a unique study abroad program. It is the fifth consecutive year students attended Cannes Lions as part of the UGA program. The study abroad has expanded rapidly since the first group of 14 students attended in 2010.

Students meet Richard Edelman

Speaker highlights and sightings included Bono, David Hasselhoff, Rob Lowe, Courtney Love, and Sir Patrick Stewart among many others. Themes included empowering women in the profession—Facebook’s Susan Sandberg was there, content marketing, and research about Millennials. Students visited the Google Sandbox, and attended interactive Tech Talks, Forums, Workshops, and Master Classes. Over 60 seminars featuring the world’s most influential marketers and media executives from Facebook, Twitter, Proctor & Gamble, Heineken, BBDO, and Saatchi and Saatchi, among many others.

Exclusive Guest Speakers
This year’s special guests included an exclusive set of professionals who shared their insights directly with the students. They included:

• Gale Anne Hurd, Executive Producer, Walking Dead
• Armando Iannucci, Series Creator, Veep
• Suzy Deering, CEO, Moxie
• Brian Wong, CEO, Kiip
• Fred Cook and Ellen Ryan Mardiks, Golin

Students in the program mixed and mingled with leaders in the brand, media and agency business. Several students were offered internships or positions while attending the festival.

Highlights
Similar to previous years, highlights included yacht parties, scuba excursions, and day trips to Nice, Antibes, Eze and Monaco. Two students groups won “Canned” lions for their class-centered campaigns for forthcoming Netflix Original Series developed during the program.

Hanging with Pinterest's Ben Silbermann

Health Lions
Special this year, students attended the first ever Health Lions held two days before Cannes Lions. Students met David Nutter, Game of Thrones director. They also heard about the promise new life-saving innovations and practices in healthcare marketing. And they were moved by amazing work employed by India’s Lifebuoy (Unilever) team.

UGA Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies Dr. Jeff Springston participated in this year’s program. He taught a special about health communication and previewed Health Lions for the students.

Cannes Lions Study Abroad Program

Students earn six hours of upper-level academic credit from the University of Georgia. Although most of this year’s 50 students attend UGA, the program is open to students from any accredited university.

"Game of Thrones" director David Nutter

The program is co-directed by Drs. Tom Reichert and Nate Kohn, professors in UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Students interested in next year’s program are encouraged to visit the website for information about deadlines and the application process (or contact Kelly Meyer: kellym22@uga.edu for program details).

AdPR Student Spotlight: Lindsey Gaff

Ad major Lindsey Gaff

Lindsey Gaff is a senior advertising major from Milner, Ga. 

What encouraged you to apply to Grady College?  

When I got into UGA, I knew I wanted to do something creative. To me, getting a degree in advertising was the best way to balance creativity and practicality.  

What activities are you involved in at Grady/UGA/Athens?

The greater part of my time was spent on the executive board for UGA Ad Club. As the VP or Membership, I was responsible for coming up with ways to promote the club and increase membership. Currently I am involved with UGA’s student-run ad agency, Talking Dog. As the copywriter, I work with my team to produce materials for our client, Athens Food Tours. 

I also studied advertising in France this summer with other UGA students at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

What kinds of internships or work have you been involved in, and what were your responsibilities? (If you haven't been involved in internships or work, you can mention activity experience)

My first internship with the Downtown Development Authority in Monroe, Georgia was focused on marketing and social media. I was responsible for getting the word out about downtown events through the website, print and social media platforms and monitoring the effectiveness of those vehicles. 

I also worked at The UGA Ramsey Center for over two years as a facility manager. I was responsible for the staff on shift as well as ensuring a pleasant and safe environment for patrons. 

Since July, I have worked as an intern for The Adsmith, an advertising and design agency in Athens. In the spring, I will continue writing copy, brainstorming campaign and design ideas, and creating content for social media. 

What were the best parts of these experiences? 

Each of these experiences (as well as others) has been extremely gratifying in its own way. I think though, overall, the best part of these experiences was learning to think for myself. In each of these positions I’ve had to challenge myself to think critically and creatively to solve problems. It’s amazing what we are capable of when we’re challenged on a regular basis.

What part of your Grady experience (classes, professors, etc.) has been helpful in your internship or work experiences?

The classes that have been most meaningful to me were Message Strategy with Dr. Roushansamir, Global Advertising with Dr. Kim, and Advertising Management with Mr. McCreery. Message strategy taught me the value of the creative process and working on a strict deadline. Global advertising opened my eyes to the various cultures and consumer perceptions worldwide. Management was extremely beneficial in teaching me the overall process of advertising in the context of marketing. Each of these teachers invested in me as a student and increased my understanding of and passion for the industry significantly.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering pursuing an Ad/PR program? 

Let your passion shine through in your essay! It’s a part of the application that goes much deeper than your GPA.

What are your career goals and interests? 

I aim to get a job in the creative sector of advertising, preferably as a copywriter or a planner at a small agency. I am pursuing jobs in Atlanta, as well as other cities in the U.S. and am very excited about the possibility of a career outside of Georgia. 

Advertising students selected as winners of national poster contest

Advertising majors Margaret Hancock
and Tommy McConnell

Congratulations to Margaret Hancock and Tommy McConnell for having their poster entry selected for display at the 3 Percent Conference poster contest.

Both advertising majors, the duo first learned about the 3% Conference from Cindy Gallop, a speaker at the Cannes Lions Advertising Festival of Creativity in 2012, which Hancock attended through UGA's Cannes Lions Study Abroad program. The purpose of the conference is to promote female leadership in advertising and this year, there was a scholarship opportunity for students to submit a poster promoting the conference.

"When I first heard about the conference from Cindy Gallop in Cannes, I had no idea how disproportional the ratio of women to men was in Creative Leadership Positions. After more research, I was intrigued and appalled by the numbers. As a senior in college, hearing about this issue gets me fired up to graduate and take on the real world. I get inspired at the thought of having the opportunity to face these challenges head on and make changes for good," states Hancock.

Entries were submitted in teams of two. Hancock served as art director while McConnell took on a copy writing role. Thirty students (15 posters) were selected as winners and awarded the opportunity to attend the 3% Conference for free.

Poster created by Hancock
and McConnell

“It means so much that our entry was selected for the competition,” Hancock continues. “While Tommy and I had worked in the same groups on numerous occasions for in-class projects, we had not worked as a 2-person team before. But between our passion for advertising, and our interest in staying up to date and learning about issues and the ever-changing directions the industry is going, we worked really well together on this project. “

"We are really looking forward to the opportunity to represent Grady College and the University of Georgia at this innovative and exciting conference,” McConnell adds. “Like the conference promotes, it's not just an event, It's a movement. It's awesome that we get the opportunity to attend the 3% Conference as students."

Hancock and McConnell will be traveling to San Francisco, Ca. in October for the conference.

Student Spotlight: Cara Felleman

Cara Felleman

Cara Felleman, a rising Senior majoring in Advertising and Psychology, is from Houston, Texas.

What encouraged you to apply to Grady College?  

My first semester sophomore year, I wanted to take an introductory class to public relations, however the class was already full so I decided to sign up for Introduction to Advertising instead. I truly enjoyed the class and quickly realized advertising would go hand in hand with my psychology degree, so I decided to apply to Grady!

What activities are you involved in at Grady/UGA/Athens?

I am currently the Vice President of Ad Club, Co-Chair for ADPR Connection, a member of Relay for Life and an active member of Sigma Delta Tau sorority.

What kinds of internships or work have you been involved in, and what were your responsibilities?

I started my summer internship in New York City in the beginning of June, 2013. I am interning at an advertising agency called G2, which at the moment is merging with Ogilvy Action to become the largest activation agency in the world. I am interning in the media department, where I will be participating in the media planning and buying for both broadcast and digital media. I love the job and can’t wait to see what the summer has in store for me.

What part of your Grady experience (classes, professors, etc.) has been helpful in your internship or work experiences?

My favorite Grady experience is without a doubt attending the Cannes Lion Festival for Creativity last summer. Grady provided me with the ability to attend the most prestigious advertising event, where only the crème de la crème of the industry are lucky enough to attend as simply a student. This program gave me the opportunity to learn from the top leaders of the industry, network with professionals and most importantly have a ton of fun while doing it!

What advice would you give to someone who is considering pursuing an Ad/PR program?

I would say go for it! The AD/PR program at UGA is an amazing program; they prepare you for the real world while providing you with endless opportunities to get involved with the industry as a student. I am very proud to say I am apart of the Grady family.

What are your career goals and interests?

After I graduate in May, I hope to incorporate my psychology background with my passion for advertising. Ultimately, I would like to work in the strategy and insights department at a mid-sized advertising agency in either New York or Atlanta.