From transforming hiring to mental health, we are proud to be taking part in conversations about some of the most important topics at Cannes Lions this year. Read below to learn more on where you’ll find us. We hope to see you there!
Monday, June 19
Visit Our Paper Ceiling Installation, On View June 19-23
Be sure to check out the art installation created by artist Samuelle Green for our Transforming Hiring & Diversifying Talent campaign, which will be on display at The Female Quotient’s Equality Lounge. This immersive piece serves as the physical manifestation of the “paper ceiling,” a barrier to advancement that comes at every turn for workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes, rather than a bachelor’s degree – or, as we call them, STARs. The installation serves as a reminder of the importance of creating more opportunities for STARs to shine in the workplace.
The Creator Economy and the Importance of DEIB: The Power of Authenticity
Who: Ad Council Chief Equity Officer Elise James-DeCruise, Influential Head of Ethical Media Latarria Coy, Creator Eric Bigger
When: 4pm-4:30pm
Where: La Plage Du Festival (52 Bd de la Croisette)
Join executives from Influential and the Ad Council as they discuss the intersection of the creator economy and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. This panel will explore how to ensure that diverse creators are not only represented but also empowered to be autonomous in their content creation. Learn how to create a more inclusive and equitable creator ecosystem that empowers diverse creators to thrive and bring their authentic selves to their work.
Tearing Down the “Paper Ceiling”: How to Let Skilled Workers Shine!
Who: Ad Council President and CEO Lisa Sherman, GroupM CEO Kirk McDonald, Ogilvy COO Carina De Blois, NBCU Executive Vice President of Client Partnerships Karen Kovacs, CBS Chairman of Paramount Jo Ann Ross
When: 5pm-5:30pm
Where: The Female Quotient’s Equality Lounge (Hôtel Martinez, 73 Bd de la Croisette)
50% of all workers in the U.S. face a “paper ceiling”–the invisible barrier that comes at every turn for workers without a bachelor's degree. Join our C-suite panelists as they share how their organizations are evolving their hiring practices to remove biases, create a more inclusive workforce, and tap the talents of workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs). Get ready to take your hiring practices to the next level!
Tuesday, June 20
Be Well Breakfast with Reddit & Ad Council: The Tech-Enabled Mind - RSVP HERE
Who: Reddit Industry Director for Automotive Carrie Steele, Ad Council Chief Campaign Development Officer Heidi Arthur, Reddit Brand Ambassador Will Cady, Publicis Health Media President Andrea Palmer, Initiative Chief Partnerships Officer Maureen Bosetti, Ulta Beauty CMO Michelle Crossan-Matos
When: 9am-10:30am
Where: Reddit Beach (across from Carlton Hotel 58 Bd de la Croisette). Located at the Intersection of Prom. Robert Favre le Bret & Rue Buttura. Entry at Checkpoint 3
Technology is so ingrained in our daily lives that its permeation feels innate - was there ever really a time we didn’t have smartphones? Whether it’s calling family back home, sending an email to a coworker, or scrolling through your social media feed, technology is everywhere and the ability to stay connected has never been easier. By staying connected, feelings of isolation and loneliness are abated and mental health can thrive. So what is our role as marketers and personal ambassadors for wellness in this tech-forward landscape to protect mental health and wellness?
During this session, our panelists will share their own successful experiences leveraging technology for positive change, while also delving into potential risks and how to mitigate them. Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation about how technology can enhance our well-being.
Creative for Social Change: Building Actionable Campaigns to Drive Connection
Who: Ad Council Chief Campaign Development Officer Heidi Arthur, Amazon Ads Brand Innovation Lab Principal Creative Director Dustin Duke
When: 12pm-12:30pm CET
Where: Amazon Port (Promenade de la Pantiero, Port de Cannes)
How did the Ad Council, Amazon Ads Brand Innovation Lab, Amazon Music, and Alexa build a campaign that inspired connection and conversation on mental health? Hear directly from the team on how to harness audience insights, technology, and unique touchpoints to make an actionable campaign.
How the Creator Economy Is Igniting Good
Who: Adweek CEO Juliette Morris, Ad Council Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Paula Veale, Whalar Chief Growth Officer Jamie Gutfreund, Creator Rod Thill
When: 3:15pm-3:45pm
Where: Whalar House (on Cabana Row, right above Meta Beach)
Enter the realm of the New Creator Economy, where game-changing collaborations between marketers and creators are forging a path toward unprecedented social impact. Join the Ad Council, Adweek, and Whalar to discuss their inaugural Creators for Good Ambassadors Program, including the stories, insights, and strategies that are transforming the landscape of social good, setting new standards for meaningful change.
Wednesday, June 21
How Should Media Buyers Think About DOOH?
Who: Ad Council Senior Vice President of Media Ashley Menschner, Omnicom Media Group Chief Activation Officer Megan Paglicua, VistarMedia CEO Michael Provenzano, OUTFRONT Media Chief Commercial Officer Andy Sriubas
When: 1pm-1:45pm
Where: T-Mobile Beach Cabana
Digital out-of-home continues to advance, with new activations in vehicles, retail shops and more. In this session, we will assess the channel's progress as buyers and sellers work to make it more addressable, effective and measurable. Our panelists will discuss emerging creative opportunities, liquidity of supply, availability of audience data, and where digital signage fits in the broader media mix.
Thursday, June 22
Platform + Creative: Creating Safe, Inclusive & Nurturing Digital Environments
Who: The Ad Council Chief Campaign Development Officer Heidi Arthur, the UN Foundation Vice President of Girls and Women Strategy Michelle Milford Morse, Pinterest Chief Communication and Marketing Officer Andrea Mallard, be/co CMO Advisor & Inclusive Marketing Strategist Lola Bakare
When: 3pm-4:30pm
Where: Pinterest Manifestival at Carlton Beach Club (58 Boulevard de la Croisette)
Pinterest is excited to bring together a timely discussion on the harmful effects of overused tropes and stereotypes of women that are often deployed in advertising and often lead to negative mental health effects. The discussion will focus on how these images reinforce gender norms and how media deeply affects our conscious and unconscious thoughts and biases.
Hosted as a roundtable, hear from experts from various advertising platforms, advertisers, and storytellers who will share their insights, experiences, and strategies on how to create more inclusive and diverse representations of women in advertising before opening to a broader discussion. Examine the symbiotic relationship between advertisers and media in shaping public opinion, and how they can work together to challenge gender norms and create more empowering and authentic representations of women. We hope to address the impact of gender stereotypes on women's mental and physical health, career opportunities, and overall well-being.
Leveraging Cultural Fluency & Data-driven Strategies for Effective Campaign Execution & Results (More info HERE)
Who: The Ad Council Chief Campaign Development Officer Heidi Arthur, AIMM Co-President and CEO Lisette Arsuaga, President and CEO of Lopez Negrete Communications Alex Lopez Negrete
When: 5:30pm-6pm
Where: Verve Suites (FIRST CROISETTE, 4TH FLOOR)
Discover how to navigate diverse cultural landscapes with precision, leveraging cutting-edge data analytics and insights to maximize the impact of your marketing efforts. Gain invaluable knowledge and practical tips from industry leaders, empowering you to drive meaningful connections, engage diverse audiences, and achieve exceptional campaign results.