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: Unstereotyping Across Continents
Martinez Hotel (Invite Only)
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.
Preetesh Sewraj, CEO of the Loeries (South Africa National Chapter)
Pía Fittipaldi, Snr Brand Manager, Unilever (Argentina National Chapter)
Debora Moura, Head of DEI, Artplan (Brazil National Chapter)
Chloe Davis, Founder & CEO: It Takes A Village Collective, Unstereotype Alliance Ally (UK Chapter)
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.org
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.
Chloë Davies, It Takes A Village Collective
Elly I'Anson, Unstereotype Alliance
Samuel Monnie, Purpose Hive
Wednesday, June 18 | 4 – 6pm CEST
Unstereotype Alliance Annual All Members Event
IPG Mediabrands Villa
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
Tuesday, June 17 | 9:00 - 10:00 am
Accessibility: Your Creative Catalyst
Meta Beach, La Plage Barrière Le Majestic, Cannes
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 | 8:30am
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.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 | 11:15- 11:45am
Signs of Change: Building Tech That Connects Us
DEPT® Secret Garden, Cannes
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 | 1:30 - 2:30pm and 4.30 - 5.30pm
WORKSHOP | Boom or bust? A surprising way to look at 'backlash'
Outrage is now the 'new normal', but what if this was the single most effective way to engage your audiences? Could brands harness 'polarisation' to lead a category? Or be provocative on purpose and set off 'controlled' PR explosions? Walk away bolder, braver and more resolute in how to engage your audiences. This session is organized by IPSOS, Creative Equals, WFA Inclusive Marketing team.
Thursday, June 19 2025 | 10:30am-11am
AI Frontiers: Leaders Shaping the Future of Creative Intelligence
Hôtel Martinez - FQ Lounge, Suite 731
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the business landscape, offering unprecedented avenues for deeper engagement and groundbreaking innovation. This dynamic panel brings together leaders who are not just adopting AI, but actively shaping its trajectory. The session explore how they're implementing these powerful tools responsibly, establishing ethical guardrails, and building inclusive frameworks where diverse perspectives ensure AI amplifies human creativity.
Thursday, June 19 2025 | 1:45-2:15 pm
Built for all brains: empowering neurodivergent creativity
Microsoft Beach House, 64 Boulevard de la Croisette
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.