Fortune Set to Make a Grand Return to Cannes Lions Festival 2026

Fortune Returns to Cannes Lions 2026 as Official Media Partner

Fortune is making a significant return to the vibrant landscape of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2026, fulfilling its role as the official media partner for the much-anticipated event. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of La Croisette, this year's festival will gather an array of influential figures in business and creativity, creating a platform for groundbreaking discussions and innovative content creation. With the festival running from June 19 to June 23, Fortune promises to deliver insightful coverage and engaging conversations that will highlight how the intersection of creativity, technology, and business is evolving.

Central to Fortune's presence at Cannes Lions is a pivotal event called “Fuel Up with Fortune,” scheduled for June 23. This exclusive gathering will facilitate conversations among the highest-ranking industry leaders, including CMOs and CEOs, focusing on the future of marketing, brand influence, and the various challenges posed by an increasingly digitized and AI-driven landscape.

The slate of speakers assembled for this flagship event reflects a diverse array of perspectives from notable organizations. For instance, key figures such as Emily Ketchen, CMO of Lenovo; Laura Jones from Instacart; Lucinda Barlow of Uber; and Natalia Ball from Mars Pet Nutrition will share their insights and strategies. Moreover, the participation of Toby Craig from Manchester United FC and Todd Kaplan from Kraft Heinz further underscores the caliber of thought leadership expected at the event.

Throughout the festival, participants can expect dynamic programming which will delve into the importance of trust in branding amid the rise of artificial intelligence. Fortune aims to spark discussions around how brands can navigate emerging challenges while fostering authentic relationships with their audiences. One of the engaging subtopics will be the blending of entertainment and marketing, highlighting how businesses can tap into consumer fandom to drive brand loyalty.

In addition to powerful panel discussions, Fortune will also co-host a vibrant closing DJ set alongside Breakaway, Human Ventures, and OpenAP on June 25, adding an element of celebration to the gathering.

To support its editorial presence, Fortune’s team will provide live coverage from various points at Cannes, including interviews with executives and social media-driven video content that captures the essence of the festival. This initiative will be showcased through a dedicated editorial hub that allows a broader audience to engage with the happenings at Cannes in real time.

Kamal Ahmed, Executive Editorial Director at Fortune, has expressed the significance of the Cannes Lions festival as a convergence point for creativity and business transformation. “Cannes Lions is the most important global event bringing together creativity, leadership, technology, and business transformation at this crucial time,” Ahmed remarked. The objective is to enhance the dialogue around how brands communicate and establish trust in an age dramatically influenced by AI.

Furthermore, Fortune will also partake in the Cannes Lions CEO Forum, moderated by Ahmed, where CEOs will discuss strategies for nurturing creativity and innovation within their organizations in the context of AI advancements.

Ruth Umoh, Fortune’s Leadership C-Suite Editor, will take the opportunity to film new episodes for her vodcast series “Next to Lead” directly from Cannes. This series will showcase live conversations with leaders from companies like Zoom, TD Bank, Tapestry, and Tinder, further contributing to the rich narrative surrounding leadership in today’s business climate.

To further enrich its Cannes efforts, Fortune Brand Studio will actively engage with festival-goers, capturing branded content interviews and discussions around future opportunities in the creative landscape. Industry experts from leading firms like DEPT, Jasper AI, and Perion will collaborate with Fortune to explore innovative solutions to current challenges.

This program at Cannes Lions 2026 represents Fortune's commitment to fostering meaningful dialogues between corporate leaders and creative innovators, enhancing its ongoing role in shaping critical conversations within the broader business ecosystem. As part of its long-standing legacy of insightful journalism, Fortune continues to highlight the vital dynamics that connect business growth with creative evolution. To learn more about the festival and specific event details, readers can visit Fortune's official website.