Cannes Lions 2024: What To Expect On Day 1

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity kicks off today with a packed agenda set to tackle the industry's biggest challenges and opportunities.

As the sun rises over the luxurious Palais des Festivals venue, day one is expected to begin with a series of sessions and press conferences unveiling the winners across several key categories and the release of three shortlists.

Categories In The Limelight

The health and wellness sphere takes centre stage first, with the Pharma, Health & Wellness Lions and the Lions Health Grand Prix for Good winners being unveiled. This will put a spotlight on the campaigns that are driving positive change and innovation in public health.
Next up are the Audio & Radio, Print & Publishing and Outdoor Lions press conferences, honouring the most impactful work in traditional media channels. 
The evening awards shows promise to be star-studded affairs. The Health stream, encompassing the Pharma and Health & Wellness Lions will celebrate creative work promoting services, products and awareness campaigns focused on health and wellness. Meanwhile, the Classic stream will honour the crème de la crème of Print & Publishing, Outdoor, and Audio & Radio campaigns.
Special recognitions will be bestowed upon the Healthcare Agency of the Year, Healthcare Network of the Year and the United Nations and Lions Health Grand Prix for Good.

Beyond the Trophies: Insights and Ideas

However, Cannes Lions isn't just about trophies – it's a marketplace of ideas. The seminars today pack a punch, kicking off with 'CMOs in the Spotlight' featuring marketing elite from iconic brands like Mondelez, Canva and Coca-Cola. They'll discuss the evolving role of the Chief Marketing Officer, investment priorities, measuring marketing's value and which skills are becoming essential in the C-suite.
The 'Conversations in Context' session promises to be particularly fascinating, delving into how businesses can leverage internet communities and human conversation alongside AI to drive meaningful growth. With consumers' voices amplified across social media like never before, understanding this landscape is mission-critical.
Other sessions such as 'Advertising That Sparks Emotion', 'When AI Challenges and Champions Human Creativity', 'Creativity Is Not Enough: What's Critical For B2B Marketing Success?' and other panel discussions and keynotes too will take place.

Reema Bhaduri

BW Reporters The author is the Editorial Lead at BW Businessworld. Majorly writes on marketing, advertising, experiential marketing and retail. She closely looks upon the vertical of BW Marketing World and BW Retail World.