Cannes Lions launches creator network, learning programme

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has launched a creator learning and networking program that is set to take place at this year’s event.

The Lions Creators program will include roundtable discussions about creator marketing challenges and opportunities featuring social media platform executives, marketers, agency leads and the creators themselves. It will run from June 18 to June 20 and incorporate the Social and Influencer Lions awards on June 19.

Cannes Lions partnered with social agency Viral Nation to create the program and the Creator Pass, which grants creators access to the entire festival and Lions Creators-specific events, such as a rooftop networking space.

Creator marketers have grown their Cannes Lions presence in recent years. This year, influencer agency Influential is nearly doubling its footprint by taking over Stagwell's former Sport Beach space to provide in-person programming, interactive stations and photo and media locations. In 2023, it took over the former Twitter Beach space.

Cannes Lions has long struggled to attract creators while VidCon simultaneously takes place in Anaheim, California. However, this year, VidCon will take place June 26-29, giving influencers time to attend both events.

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is scheduled for June 17-21 in Cannes, France. It includes the Lions awards series, which recognize campaigns in categories including PR, Digital Craft, Health & Wellness and Pharma. 

Kat Thomas, founder and chief creative officer of One Green Bean, is PR Lions jury president for 2024.