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Hot Topics at Cannes Lions 2019

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So as another Cannes Lions gets underway what are the themes that are going to be the hottest discussions over a glass of rosé ? Here are the key topics we’re interested in hearing about.

Creativity

In a time where across the industry it may not be as fashionable to talk about creativity, as data. But, Creativity is an advertisers greatest, and arguably last, source of competitive advantage. It is a driver of growth unlike any other, often cheaper, faster and more sustainable than investments in tech and data. However, in terms of the wider challenges forcing the industry one of the biggest that we see is how to bring together great understanding of the data available to enrich the power of great, inspiring and engaging creativity.  It is something we think about a lot at Flock and build into the recommendations we build for our clients. Have a read of our blog on the importance of creativity here.

Selected sessions:

The Value of Agency Creativity
Laurent Faracci, Executive Vice President of Global Category Development
RB Health

Kimberley Gardiner, VP & Chief Marketing Officer
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Jay Pattisall, Principal Analyst
Forrester Research

Jeff Robertson, Chief Marketing Officer
Blue Shield of California

Tuesday 18, 10:30 – 11:00 (30min)
Debussy Theatre, Palais I

Full description here


Building an Army of Super Creatives

Bas Korsten, Global Creative Lead – Futures Council
J. Walter Thompson

Tuesday 18, 11:35 – 12:05 (30min)
Health Inspiration Stage, Palais II

Full description here


MEET UP: Five-Step Guide to Integrating Data and Creativity

Mark Phillips, Expert Associate Partner
McKinsey Digital Labs

Wednesday 19, 10:30 – 11:00 (30min)
Meet Ups Space, The Terrace

Full description here


E-Commerce

E-commerce plays. Who has done great work? Who is announcing good initiatives? Wechat’s e-commerce and payments integration will come West and a new era of Creative-Content-Commerce is upon us. I’ll be looking for winners in this new age for our clients  

Selected session:

Dark Data: Creative Insights Amazon Doesn’t Want You To See

Anthony Reeves, Chief Creative Officer
WPP ACE and Wunderman Thompson Seattle

Karima Zmerli, Managing Partner, Head of Analytics & Insights
Wavemaker

Wednesday 19, 12:00 – 12:30 (30min)
Palais II Stage, Palais II

Full description here


Sustainability

Let’s be honest, we’ve wrecked our planet. Marketing has driven colossal over consumption, and waste. Marketing must, and can, play a leading role in fixing our planet. I’m looking for the inspirational leaders who change consumer behaviours, that will change the world, for the better.

Selected session:

“One Planet, One Health”: Danone’s Journey into Activism

Valerie Hernando Presse, Chief Marketing Officer
Danone

Tuesday 18, 12:45 – 13:15 (30min)
Healthcare Insights Stage, Palais II

Full description here


Diversity, Inclusivity and Equality

A topic of such importance cannot be ignored, and is one of the key themes underpinning Cannes Lions this year. One of the best questions that I have seen asked is “The industry is making noise about the importance of inclusivity, but let me ask you, how inclusive is Cannes as a construct?” In an ever changing and more diverse world, inclusivity in culture, religion, gender, sexuality, age and experience are all critical. We’re excited to hear how brands are working to overcome stereotypes and unconscious bias and the effect this has on creative output.  

Selected sessions:

Awaken the Lioness: The Battle Front of Asian Women
Pully Chau, Group CEO
Cheil Greater China

Atika Malik, Chief Operation Officer
Cheil India

Kate Hyewon Oh, Chief Creative Officer
Cheil Worldwide HQ

Tuesday 18, 12:45 – 13:15 (30min)
Debussy Theatre, Palais I

Full description here


MEET UP: Young Lions – You CAN sit here
Emily Hinks, Founder and CEO
Mischief Makers

Dayoung Yun, Creative Director
R/GA London

Wednesday 19, 13:00 – 13:30 (30min)
Meet Ups Space, The Terrace

Full description here


Getting Intersectionality in Advertising Right
Berta de Pablos-Barbier, Global Chief Category Officer
Mars Wrigley

Evin Shutt, Partner & COO
72andSunny

Xanthe Wells, Executive Creative Director, Google Hardware
Google

Madeline Di Nonno, CEO
Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media

Tuesday 18, 12:45 – 13:15 (30min)
Audi A, Palais I

Full description here


Two of the greatest strengths of Cannes are:

1. The celebration of creativity
2. The bringing together of talented and passionate people to discuss the issues that matter most

We’re excited to see how the week unfolds. We are there for a couple of days so if you want to chat about these or any other issues that you have on your mind we’d love to hear from you. We might even do it over a glass of rosé !