FT Live at
CANNES LIONS
22–25 June 2026
Championing creativity through connections
In-Person and Digital | #FTCannesLions
Join the Financial Times at the Nikkei FT Teahouse during Cannes Lions for a series of exclusive events.
Throughout the week, the Financial Times and Nikkei return with a curated programme of conversations, briefings and networking moments against the backdrop of the world’s leading festival for creativity in marketing and communications this June 2026.
Financial Times journalists will be joined by global brand leaders, innovators and cultural voices to explore the forces reshaping the creative economy - from AI and influence to entertainment, media and shifting consumer expectations.
All sessions will be chaired by senior FT journalists and leaders, bringing editorial insight and real-time perspective to discussions throughout the week.
FT Sessions at Cannes Lions
24 June
In-Person & Digital
The new rules of creativity
In a week overflowing with content, this curated session gives you the insights and actionable takeaways you need – in one room, in one afternoon. Join senior marketers, brand leaders and cultural voices for a focused, high-impact session on what this moment demands of creativity and where the biggest opportunities now lie. From women’s sport as a powerful growth engine for brands, to the risks and rewards of activism, to whether AI is amplifying or destroying creative work, we’ll explore how brands can stay relevant, competitive and memorable.
Upcoming Events at the Nikkei FT Teahouse
Tuesday 23 June, 11:00 - 13:00 CEST
Exclusive Brunch Briefing & Networking Reception
FT x Ad Council - Tearing the Paper Ceiling
Before interviews begin, before candidates are assessed, filters are already in place. Degree requirements, automated screening systems and inherited norms determine who even enters the pipeline. At a time when companies are fighting for talent and growth, how many high-performing, skilled candidates are being excluded by default? Join this exclusive brunch as we examine what it means to tear down the paper ceiling and the impact doing so will have on our future workforce.
Tuesday 23 June, 16:00 - 19:00 CEST
Exclusive Briefing & Networking Reception
Financial Times & People Like Us at Cannes Lions
We will host an evening bringing together senior brand leaders, creatives and emerging talent. Through keynote conversations, creative showcases and curated networking, the event will explore how leadership decisions made today are shaping the future of storytelling, culture and growth.
Wednesday 24 June, 11:00 - 13:00 CEST
Exclusive Brunch Briefing & Networking Reception
FT Morning Insights - The Business of Influence
Who do today’s business leaders trust when making their most important decisions? As AI-generated content and misinformation multiply, understanding how influential executives find, filter and act on trusted information has never been more critical. Join the Financial Times at Cannes for an inside look at the sources, signals and voices shaping leadership decision-making today.

Thursday 25 June, 16:00 - 18:00 CEST
Exclusive Drinks & Networking Finale
Driving the Future of Marketing
The Financial Times and The Marketing Academy invite you to an exclusive drinks reception at Cannes Lions, bringing together senior marketing leaders for an evening of conversation and networking. The event will feature a special discussion with Ellie Norman, CMO of Formula E, exploring innovation, leadership and the evolving role of marketing, followed by drinks, music and industry connections.
Why Attend?

Understand
Get the big picture. Go beyond your niche and explore the trends reshaping the global creative economy from AI to brand storytelling and beyond.

Connect
Build meaningful connections with the most influential voices in marketing, media, tech and culture right in the heart of Cannes.

Discover
Walk away with bold ideas, actionable strategies and fresh perspectives to drive growth, spark innovation and stay ahead of the competition.
Why should you partner with FT Live at Cannes Lions?
Partnering with the Financial Times during Cannes Lions offers unparalleled opportunities to position your brand alongside one of the world’s most respected news organisations, renowned for its authoritative journalism and influential global audience. By collaborating with FT Live, your brand gains direct access to top CMOs, agency leaders, and industry innovators, shaping the future of advertising, technology, and creativity on a global scale.
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