Cannes Lions Beach & Showcase Stage: Your Guide to Influence, Innovation, and Inspiration

Bonjour, mes amis! Cannes Lions is back, baby, and we’re not just talking about the rosé flowing like water (though, let’s be real, that’s a major perk). This year, the legendary festival is set to be bigger, bolder, and more “on fleek” than ever before.

Get ready for a whirlwind of cutting-edge marketing wisdom, mind-blowing creative showcases, and enough networking opportunities to make even the most introverted introvert say, “Okay, maybe one more glass of champagne.”

To help you navigate the madness (and trust us, it’s gonna be lit), we’ve curated the ultimate guide to the hottest stages in town: the Beach Stage and the Showcase Stage.

Buckle up, buttercup, because things are about to get meta…ly awesome.

Day One: Where the Magic Begins

It’s the first day of Cannes Lions , and you know what that means: The energy is electric, the coffee is strong, and everyone’s buzzing about the same thing: “Did you see that guy in the banana hammock on the beach? Classic Cannes.” (Don’t worry, we won’t subject you to any actual banana hammocks here. You’re welcome.)

But enough about questionable fashion choices – let’s dive into the good stuff: the knowledge bombs about to be dropped on the Beach and Showcase Stages.

BEACH STAGE (Plage la Mandala): Where the Sand Meets the Future of Marketing

Picture this: the warm Mediterranean sun on your face, the sound of waves crashing in the distance, and the most brilliant minds in marketing dropping truth bombs left and right. Yep, that’s the Beach Stage at Cannes Lions , and it’s basically the reason noise-canceling headphones were invented (kidding…sort of).

Morning Session: Rise and Shine, It’s Marketing Time!

Get ready to kickstart your day with a healthy dose of inspiration and caffeine (because let’s face it, you’re gonna need it). The Beach Stage’s morning session is all about diving deep into the ever-evolving world of influencer marketing, the creator economy, and the future of, well, everything.

Human Connection, Technology, and the Future of Creator Marketing

Format: Panel Discussion

Let’s be real, the marketing world is kinda obsessed with the whole “creator” thing right now. But hey, when you’ve got a bunch of passionate peeps building engaged communities online, can you blame ’em?

This panel discussion tackles the big questions: How can brands tap into the power of human connection in an increasingly digital world? What role does technology play in shaping the future of creator marketing? And most importantly, where can we get the best croissants in Cannes? (Okay, maybe not that last one, but a marketer can dream.)

Participants:

• Moritz Bartsch, Head of Creative Operations, Americas, TikTok
• Crystal Malachias, Global Head of Influencer & Head of McCann Content Studios London, IPG
• Emily Trenouth, Head of Influencer Relations, Amazon
• Cheryl Guerin, EVP, Global Brand Strategy & Innovation, Mastercard

Moderator: Tim Sovay, Chief Business Development and Partnerships Officer, CreatorIQ

How L’Oreal is Leading a Marketing Transformation with Creators

Format: Presentation & Case Study

L’Oreal: they’re not just about making you look fabulous, darling, they’re also killing it in the creator marketing game. In this session, get an inside look at how L’Oreal is leveraging the power of creators to drive real business results. Think: innovative campaigns, authentic storytelling, and a whole lotta “yas queen” moments.

Participants:

• Alexandra Bolten, Global Head of Social & Content Marketing, L’Oreal
• Rahul Titus, Global Head of Influencer, Ogilvy

Fireside Chat: Sleep & Comfort in the Digital Age

Format: Fireside Chat

Okay, let’s be real for a sec – between the rosé-fueled networking events and the non-stop influx of marketing brilliance, sleep might be the last thing on your mind at Cannes. But this fireside chat with Zillow and andSunny reminds us that even in the fast-paced digital world, sometimes you just need to chill out, embrace the cozy, and catch some Zzz’s. You know, for optimal marketing performance and all that jazz.

Participants:

• Beverly Jackson, VP Brand & Product Marketing, Zillow
• Marianne Malina, President, North America, andSunny

Moderator: Michael Riley, Head of Partnerships & Sales, Nativo

Women in Collegiate Sports

Format: Panel Discussion

This panel discussion tackles the exciting world of women’s collegiate sports. With the rise of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals, female athletes are finally getting the recognition (and compensation) they deserve! This panel will explore the evolving landscape of collegiate sports, the power of female athletes as brand ambassadors, and the importance of fostering inclusivity and equality in the industry. Get ready to be inspired!

Participants:

• Leonard Armato, CEO, Management Plus Enterprises
• Flau’Jae Johnson, Collegiate Athlete, FSU
• Madisen Skinner, Collegiate Athlete, UT

Moderator: Rahsaan Johnson, Managing Director, International Communications, Delta Air Lines

Brand Deep Dive with -Eleven

Format: Interview & Q&A

We all know and love -Eleven for their, uh, let’s call them “eclectic” snack options and questionable coffee choices. But in this session, we’re going beyond the Slurpees and nacho cheese to uncover the marketing magic behind one of America’s most iconic convenience store chains. Get ready for a brand deep dive that’s sure to be more satisfying than a Big Gulp on a hot summer day.

Participants:

• Marissa Eddings, Head of Advertising & Media, -Eleven

Moderator: Dan Clark, Executive Vice President, Growth Advisory, Media.Monks

Fireside Chat: Launching into the Future

Format: Fireside Chat

The future of marketing is here, and it’s brought to you by Rocket Companies. In this fireside chat, Jonathan Mildenhall, the mastermind behind some of the most innovative marketing campaigns in recent history, will share his insights on the trends shaping the industry, the importance of staying ahead of the curve, and why you should always be ready to launch into the unknown. Because let’s face it, in the world of marketing, the only constant is change (and maybe the endless supply of free pens).

Participants:

• Jonathan Mildenhall, Chief Marketing Officer, Rocket Companies

Moderator: Drew Groner, SVP, Head of Agency & Client Partnerships, DirecTV