Publish Date: Jun 01, 2025
The Unstereotype Alliance will be at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity to host and participate in a series of thought-provoking sessions. Join us for in-depth discussions on disability inclusion, futureproofing inclusion through AI, driving gender equality in the industry, advancing the unstereotyping mandate across the world, and more.
Tuesday, June 17 | 10am to 2pm
Black at Cannes CMO Brunch
Martinez Hotel
A panel of Unstereotype Alliance members from around the world will share their experiences of unstereotyping across continents. Hear how our national chapters are tackling local stereotypes on the ground and promoting inclusion across the industry.
Wednesday, June 18 | 1pm CEST
Building an inclusive digital world
Hotel Splendid, hosted by World Women Foundation
Organized by the Unstereotype Alliance, this panel will explore how to authentically represent the disability community and drive inclusion in the digital world. From the media landscape and generative AI to visual storytelling, the discussion will unpack ethical design, community-led initiatives, and the need to balance technology with humanity. Speakers will highlight projects that challenge stereotypes, preserve underrepresented histories, and reimagine how digital systems can reflect the full spectrum of human identity.
Charlie Doolittle, Head of Public Partnerships. Understood
Christina Mallon, Head of Inclusive Design, Microsoft
Cassandra Illidge, Vice President of Global Partnerships, Getty Images
Rachel Lowenstein, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Neu Project
Wednesday, June 18 | 2.30pm – 3.15pm CEST
#ChangeTheStats conversation: Authentic Representation = Brand Power, (Not Just Good Intentions)
Empower Café, L'Avenue 1-5 Sq. Mérimée, 06400 Cannes, France
Hosted by ally of the UK National Chapter, WACL, Elly I’Anson will be joining a panel conversation that explores the representation of women in advertising and how to create inclusive and supportive cultures in the workplace.
Wednesday, June 18 | 4 – 6pm CEST
Unstereotype Alliance Annual All Members Event
IPG Mediabrands Villa, 61 Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes France
The Unstereotype Alliance will mark its 8th anniversary with insightful presentations, interactive discussions and networking. This will be a crucial moment for us to reflect on our collective progress and how we will forge ahead together.
This event is exclusively for our Members and Allies who have been sent a link to RSVP via email.
What are Unstereotype Members and Allies doing at Cannes?
Monday, June 16 through Friday, June 20 | 9am - 5pm daily
Neu Project's Calm on the Croisette
The Givsly Hub, 7 Bd de la Croisette, Floor 8
Calm on the Croisette is a sensory resilience space arranged by the Neu Project to offer respite to anyone who is struggling with overwhelm from the week’s events.
Monday, June 16 | 4:00 – 6:00pm CEST
WFA Welcome Drinks
Google Beach
Join WFA for an exclusive 'Welcome to Cannes' reception co-hosted with Google to reconnect with fellow industry leaders and celebrate another year of progress. RSVP at membership@wfanet.org
Tuesday, June 17 | 08.30 – 10:00am CEST
WFA x IARD: The Power of Purpose
Deloitte Digital Apartment (7 Bd de la Croisette, 4th Floor)
Join Unstereotype Alliance Ally WFA for a focused discussion on how responsible marketing drives growth in today’s complex landscape. The session will cover:
How it builds consumer trust, strengthens brands, and boosts business results.
How brands are applying responsible practices across new channels like influencer marketing, social commerce, and emerging platforms.
How the impact is being measured to show value to consumers and business stakeholders.
To register your interest, contact Gabrielle Robitaille g.robitaille@wfanet.org or Laura Brodie lbrodie@iard.org
Wednesday, June 18 | 8:30-10:30 am.
IPG Inclusion Breakfast
Microsoft Beach
This flagship event anchors the discussion around equity and diversity in the workplace, in society and in media, and the role advertising plays to accelerate progress.
Wednesday, June 18 | 8:30 AM
UN Global Compact CMO program: Measure what matters
The UN Global Compact CMO program Cannes Lions Roadshow is created to equip marketing leaders with the frameworks, insights, and skills needed to accelerate sustainable transformation across the industry. In this session, UN Global Compact and Kantar will dive into understanding which KPIs truly influence behaviour and guide decisions across every level of an organization —translating sustainability goals into measurable action.
Thursday, June 19 | 5:30pm
The Givsly Hub, 7 Bd de la Croisette, Floor 8
An alt-social happy hour and networking experience which is built for neurodivergent minds and open to all. The space is built to be a sensory space and activities on offer include painting to stim or ease eye contact, as well as conversation cards to spark genuine chats
Alliance members and allies are invited to add relevant events to add to this calendar , please email us with your Cannes plans and we will continue to populate our Cannes Calendar.