Mark Penn to Highlight Human Creativity's Role at Cannes Lions 2025
The upcoming Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2025 will feature a significant presentation by
Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of
Stagwell, a network reshaping marketing. On June 17, 2025, Penn will take to the main stage to deliver a talk titled "
The Human Touch Creativity Can't Be Automated." This session promises to spotlight the enduring value of human creativity in an era increasingly dominated by automation.
The Importance of Human Creativity
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, many aspects of marketing have been streamlined through technology. However, Penn argues that the essence of impactful messaging relies uniquely on the human touch. Drawing from over 40 years of experience at the nexus of technology and creativity, he contends that although data and analytics are valuable, they cannot replicate the deep emotional connections crafted by human creators.
His discussion will occur as part of the
Innovation Unwrapped track at the festival, alongside notable figures such as
Maggie Schmerin, Chief Advertising Officer from
United Airlines, and
Evin Shutt, Global CEO of
72andSunny. The trio will engage in a dialogue about the art and science of marketing, focusing on effective strategies to blend technology and genuine human creativity.
What Attendees Can Expect
Attendees of the session will gain insights on:
- - Transforming data into compelling narratives.
- - Crafting culturally resonant messages that resonate with diverse audiences.
- - Navigating the challenges posed by a reliance on automation in creative processes.
This presentation will offer marketers actionable tactics to think boldly and creatively, drawing from frameworks that highlight the importance of originality in branding.
Other Notable Events Featuring Mark Penn
Apart from his main-stage talk, Penn will also participate in several notable sessions throughout the festival:
- - Hard Truths, Real Results: Scheduled for June 16, this session will discuss how adhering to credible journalism can unlock advertising returns on investment (ROI). Penn will join industry leaders to share data-driven narratives demonstrating brand success amid challenging news environments.
- - Business of Sport Fireside Chat: On June 16, Penn will join Olympic medalists for an exclusive dinner hosted by Bloomberg Media, discussing the intersection of sports and business insights.
- - Future of News: On June 18, Penn will highlight the significance of including "news junkies" in media strategies, emphasizing this demographic's importance in the evolving media landscape.
Conclusion
Stagwell, presented as a challenger network in the marketing realm, is reaffirming its commitment to harnessing the power of human creativity coupled with innovative technology. With Penn at the helm, the organization aims to inspire brands by creating culturally relevant content that resonates emotionally with audiences. Join Penn and other industry leaders at Cannes Lions 2025 to explore these vital connections further.