The International Advertising Association in Lebanon (IAA Lebanon) will host the Portfolio Night event in Beirut on 23 October 2026. The program brings together 60 students and graduates alongside 20 creative directors for professional guidance. This initiative is organized by the International Advertising Association in Lebanon (IAA Lebanon) to facilitate direct engagement between the next generation of creative talent and established industry figures. The Portfolio Night event will take place on October 23, 2026, in Beirut.
Naji Boulos, president of the International Advertising Association in Lebanon, stated: "We felt the necessity to bring Portfolio Night back to Lebanon, because the new generation of students and graduates has the right to connect with professional leaders. After two years of wars, disturbances, and remote education, and with the entry of artificial intelligence, students have become in need of guidance and mentorship."
Event Logistics and Venue
Annahar News Café in downtown Beirut serves as the venue for this gathering, which begins at 3:00 PM on 23 October 2026. The event will be held at the Annahar News Café in downtown Beirut starting at 3:00 PM. The program operates under the sponsorship of mnkybzns. Media coverage for the proceedings is provided by Annahar and ArabAd, which are both serving as media sponsors. The event is sponsored by mnkybzns, with Annahar and ArabAd serving as media sponsors. These organizations manage the logistical support for the participants and the creative directors attending the sessions. The involvement of these sponsors and media partners ensures that the logistical requirements for the event are fully supported throughout the day.
Professional Mentorship and Structure
Participants at the event engage in a structured series of individual sessions to receive direct feedback on their work. Each student and graduate meets with three different creative directors during the program. Each participant will have 15-minute individual meetings with three different creative directors. These sessions are scheduled to last 15 minutes each, ensuring that attendees receive specific professional commentary from multiple industry leaders. The event will feature 60 students and graduates and 20 creative directors. By coordinating these individual meetings, the International Advertising Association in Lebanon (IAA Lebanon) aims to create a focused environment for professional development.
Admission to the program is provided at no cost for qualified individuals. Participation is free for final-year university students and recent graduates who specialize in graphic design, art direction, and copywriting. By removing financial barriers, the International Advertising Association in Lebanon intends to provide access to professional mentorship for those entering the creative workforce. This structured approach allows participants to refine their portfolios based on the direct input of experienced directors, providing them with a clearer understanding of industry expectations and standards. The organization of the event reflects a commitment to supporting the career growth of attendees as they transition from their academic studies into the professional creative sector.
