Munya Chawawa and Mary Earps Headline UK 'Business of Creativity' Programme for Cannes Lions

UK Advertising heads to Cannes Lions with an extensive ‘Business of Creativity’ programme, designed to showcase the UK’s unique capabilities when it comes to creative excellence and effectiveness. 27 events are planned including the GREAT Global Dinner (in partnership with BBC Studios) featuring the award-winning satirist, presenter and producer Munya Chawawa as after-dinner speaker, and networking roundtables with global media organisations including Reuters Plus and Campaign. The unstoppable rise of women’s sports will be in focus in an interview with Lioness and entrepreneur Mary Earps in partnership with Relo Metrics, along with a session with ex-Lioness Carly Telford and Liverpool FC’s Gemma Bonner. The week-long showcase, coordinated by the UK Advertising Exports Group (UKAEG) and led by UKAEG Chair and exports ambassador Julian Douglas, will connect 40 UK businesses with global leaders to explore how creative effectiveness can help grow their businesses. 

UK Advertising’s ‘Business of Creativity’ programme will offer attendees the chance to delve into topics such as the summer of sports, creative effectiveness and strategic storytelling. There will be an inspirational networking breakfast and panel with Microsoft on Championing Women in AI – Inclusive Artificial Intelligence. Highlight sessions also include ‘Beyond the Title: Understanding the Modern CMO’ with Rightmove CMO Matt Bushby and Cathay Pacific’s Head of Marketing & Lifestyle (Europe) Lisa Delaney; the ‘Taylor Swift Effect’ at Empower Café; and an Indie Creative Leaders Meet-Up. The programme will culminate in the England vs Denmark men’s Euros game shown at the APA villa. The full UK Advertising programme is supported by partners including the Advertising Association, APA, Clear Channel, Mail Metro Media, Pinterest, Sky Media, and UKAEG. 

To support UK Advertising’s growing programme on the ground, UKAEG is running a special podcast ‘Caught up on Cannes’ in partnership with Storythings. The daily podcast will provide a 10-minute one-stop shop for all global news from Cannes Lions each day, ensuring attendees stay informed and engaged with the latest developments and insights. 

UK Advertising will also be tracking Team UK’s performance in terms of award wins – with last year’s festival seeing 106 Cannes Lions wins, according to AA data. While in Cannes, 12 young creatives will compete on behalf of the UK in the Global Young Lions competition, across the categories Design, Digital, Film, Marketers, Media, and Print, which last year saw Marion Miranda and Joe Sayer from the Leith Agency win Gold. 

Aisling Conlon, international director for UK Advertising, Advertising Association, said, “We are excited to once again bring together the brightest minds in UK advertising to showcase the immense talent and creativity that our industry has to offer. Cannes Lions provides a unique platform to not only celebrate our achievements but also to explore new avenues for growth and collaboration on a global scale.” 

Julian Douglas, chair of the UK Advertising Exports Group (UKAEG) and Group CEO at VCCP, said, “We’re excited to reveal our fantastic line-up for Cannes Lions 2024, where industry professionals can connect, learn, and be inspired. As the global advertising landscape evolves, UK Advertising is dedicated to being at the forefront, championing creativity, driving innovation, and shaping the future of our industry.”

For a full list of events and to join UK Advertising at Cannes Lions 2024, head to the website.