Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity: Cannes, France 2026

Overview

Cannes Lions is the world’s premier International Festival of Creativity, gathering over 15,000 advertising, marketing, and communications professionals to celebrate groundbreaking work through prestigious awards, inspiring talks, and unparalleled networking. Held annually since 1954, the five-day event sets global benchmarks for creative excellence across categories like Film, Titanium, Luxury, and Innovation, with live judging, exhibitions, and daily awards shows that honor ideas driving cultural and business impact. The 2026 edition continues this legacy, emphasizing forward-thinking themes such as AI, sustainability, and diversity, while fostering collaborations among 4,500+ companies from every corner of the globe.

Beyond the Palais des Festivals, the festival extends into Cannes with partner activations, beachside experiences, and city-wide events, creating an immersive environment where attendees—from CMOs to emerging talents—engage with industry legends and future-shapers. With initiatives like the Equity, Representation and Accessibility (ERA) Programme distributing up to €2M in complimentary passes for underrepresented communities, and academies for students and young professionals, Cannes Lions champions inclusivity and innovation. Official site: https://www.canneslions.com for registrations and updates.

Event Highlights

• Bullet or short paragraph of the main attractions: The festival’s heartbeat is the Awards ceremonies and keynotes, where 15,000+ creatives witness Lions bestowed on transformative campaigns, hear from icons like Reese Witherspoon and Neal Mohan, and network in a sun-soaked Riviera setting that sparks lifelong partnerships.
• Main activities or performances:
  • Live jury sessions and winners’ spotlights showcasing global entries in categories like Creative Effectiveness and Brand Experience.
  • Stage programs across five streams: Creativity Toolbox, Insights & Trends, Talent & Culture, Creative Impact, and Innovation Unwrapped, featuring debates and masterclasses.
  • Young Lions competitions and academies for emerging talent, including the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy and LIONS Scholarship programs.
  • Closing Party and side events with celebrity performances, yacht activations, and tours of shortlisted work.
• Special traditions or features:
  • The iconic Lion trophy presentations, with Grands Prix awarded daily, culminating in a final ceremony honoring categories like Film and Titanium.
  • Inclusivity measures like ASL interpreters, CART captioning, and quiet spaces, plus a Declaration of Commitment against discrimination.
  • Sustainability efforts, including vegan/vegetarian food options and accessible transport via Palm Bus.
  • ERA Pass initiative providing funded access to diverse voices, ensuring broad representation in judging and programming.
• Unique attractions for visitors:
  • Exclusive partner spaces around Cannes, from beach activations to the B2B Summit at the Carlton Hotel, blending luxury with creative discourse.
  • Behind-the-scenes “Inside The Jury Room” sessions and winners’ interviews revealing the making of award-winning ideas.
  • Global diversity with entries from 90+ countries, plus networking zones like the Multi-Faith Room and Nursing Room for all attendees.
  • Complimentary childcare via Nipperbout and color-coded walkways for visual impairment support, enhancing accessibility.

Why Attend

Cannes Lions is the ultimate catalyst for creative careers, immersing you in a week of boundary-pushing ideas, where rubbing shoulders with 15,000 peers and legends like Serena Williams ignites collaborations that redefine brands and industries. From award-winning campaigns that blend AI with human insight to masterclasses on sustainable storytelling, the festival equips marketers, creatives, and leaders with tools to navigate trends like retail media and cultural impact—delivering ROI through fresh strategies and global connections in an inspiring French Riviera backdrop.

What sets it apart is the transformative energy: past attendees have turned casual chats into multimillion-dollar partnerships, while programs like See It Be It empower women and non-binary leaders. With accessible features, funded scholarships, and a commitment to equity, it’s a space where every voice contributes to progress—leaving you not just inspired, but equipped to lead the next wave of creativity that shapes the world.

Date & Duration

• Dates: June 22 – 26, 2026
• Duration: 5 days

Venue / Location

• City and main venue: Cannes, Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.
• Notable areas: Main stages (Lumière, Debussy, Terrace, Rotonde) for keynotes and awards; expo halls for exhibitions; basement for quiet spaces and childcare.
• Additional venues: Partner activations along the Croisette, beachside spots, and the Carlton Hotel for B2B Summit.
• Google Maps address: Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France.

Ticket Information

• How tickets are sold: Online via the official Pass Picker shop; delegate passes link to accommodation bookings; early registration recommended as they sell out.
• Whether admission is free or paid: Paid for delegates; complimentary via ERA Programme, scholarships, or Young Lions for select groups.
• Ticket pricing in USD only: Delegate passes start at approximately $3,000 USD for standard access.
• Minimum and maximum tickets pricing: $3,000 USD minimum (standard delegate); up to $5,000+ USD maximum for Platinum/VIP tiers with premium networking.
• Any special seating or VIP options: Reserved seating and line skips for accessibility needs; VIP lounges and priority access via Platinum passes.
• Booking details: Registrations open early 2026; non-transferable badges collected at Gare Maritime; includes app for personalized agendas.
• Additional info: Students/young professionals get reduced rates via Young Lions; press and jury separate; official site: https://www.canneslions.com/pass-picker.

Booking with Euro Travelo

Looking to attend this event hassle-free? Euro Travelo can help you secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a business conference, trade show, or cultural festival, our team makes it easy for international visitors to join events across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to book your tickets and travel arrangements.

Contact Information

• Email: delegates@canneslions.com (general inquiries); accessibility@canneslions.com (support needs).
• Phone: +44 20 3033 4000 (main line, English available).
• Website: https://www.canneslions.com (official site for passes and news).
• Social Media: @Cannes_Lions (Instagram, X/Twitter, Facebook).
• Key Staff: Not specified; contact the Awards team for entries, bnetwork for accommodation.
• Press/Volunteers: Press via representatives page; volunteer info TBD via site.
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. Multilingual support; follows inclusivity guidelines.

Getting There

• Nearest airports: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE, 20 miles/30 min drive); Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (6 miles/15 min).
• Public transport: Palm Bus network with low-floor vehicles and on-demand ramps (€1.80/trip, book via Eros.Ferrier@informa.com); TER trains from NCE to Cannes station (40 min).
• Parking: Limited on-site at Palais; nearby lots along Croisette (€20–30/day); pedestrian zones encouraged.
• Other access: Taxis/Uber (~€50 from NCE); accessible tours via app; Vieux Port for yacht arrivals.

Accommodation Options

• Budget options: Hôtel de Provence ($150–$250/night, 0.5 miles from venue).
• Mid-range: Hotel America ($200–$300/night, central Croisette location).
• Luxury: Hotel Carlton Cannes ($500–$800/night, beachfront with B2B access).
• University housing: N/A; nearby apartments via bnetwork ($250–$400/night).
• Other: Airbnb in La Croix des Gardes ($180–$350/night); book early via canneslions@bnetwork.com for discounts.

Reviews

• “Cannes Lions 2025 was electric—AI insights and celeb keynotes like Reese Witherspoon sparked ideas that reshaped our campaigns.”
• “Unmatched networking amid rosé and yachts; the awards and diversity programs made it a career highlight.”
• “From live judging to beach activations, 2025’s vibe proved creativity thrives on human connections, not just tech.”