Cannes Lions 2026: Bigger conversations, stronger connections and a landmark week for Propeller

Every year, Cannes Lions feels bigger.
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More people. More conversations. More announcements. More opportunities squeezed into five extraordinary days on the Croisette. And somehow, 2026 managed to raise the bar again.
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For Propeller, this was our biggest Cannes yet. We had 22 members of the team on the ground supporting more than 40 clients across the week, delivering events, managing media, hosting interviews, producing content, meeting journalists, introducing new connections and helping brands make the most of one of the busiest weeks in the global marketing calendar.
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From early morning breakfasts to late-night receptions, there was barely a moment when the diary wasn't full. But that's exactly what makes Cannes so valuable. While the headlines often focus on the latest technology or creative trends, the real value comes from bringing people together.
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Relationships still matter most
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Artificial intelligence dominated conversations throughout the festival.
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Every stage, every panel and almost every client meeting explored how AI is reshaping marketing, creativity and communications. But despite all the technological change, one thing hasn't changed. Cannes remains a space focussed on the people. 
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Some of the most valuable conversations happened between scheduled meetings. Catching up with clients we've worked with for years, meeting new partners for the first time, introducing people who should know each other. Turning a quick coffee into a future collaboration.
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This year alone, our team supported 48 clients across the week, balancing packed meeting schedules with media interviews, speaking opportunities, events and countless introductions. It was busy, fast-paced and occasionally chaotic, but that's exactly where the magic of Cannes happens.
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It's why we continue to invest so heavily in being there every year.
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Empower Café reaches a new level
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At the centre of our week was the biggest Empower Café we've ever created.
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In partnership with WACL, Empower moved into its largest purpose-built space yet, right at the heart of the festival. Across the week, we welcomed thousands of visitors into the space, hosted more than 30 sessions, recorded live podcasts, facilitated roundtables and created an environment where conversations felt a little more open, a little more honest and a lot more inclusive.
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From leadership and representation to sport, creativity and AI, Empower brought together an incredible mix of voices from across the industry.
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The programme extended well beyond the daytime agenda too, with events including the ADWEEK Soirée, Digital Fight Club, UK Advertising's Global Reception, happy hours and a karaoke night that proved just as valuable for networking as any formal meeting.
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Creating a space like Empower takes months of planning and an extraordinary team working behind the scenes before, during and after the festival. We're incredibly proud of what the team delivered this year and grateful to every partner, speaker, client and volunteer who helped make it possible.
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Celebrating our clients
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While Cannes is famous for awards, it's equally important as a place where ideas are shared, relationships are strengthened and businesses grow.
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Across the week, we supported dozens of clients through media opportunities, speaking engagements, interviews, networking events and strategic meetings. We also had the chance to reconnect with long-standing clients, catch up with industry friends and make plenty of new introductions that we're excited to continue long after the festival.
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Those conversations are what Cannes is really about.
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Bringing home Lions
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Of course, there was one moment we'll never forget. This year, Propeller became a Cannes Lions-winning PR agency.
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Our work alongside VML on the T-Rex Leather project, promoting the world's first luxury leather created using reconstructed T-Rex collagen, was recognised with both Gold and Silver Lions in the PR category.
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The campaign captured imaginations around the world and demonstrated what's possible when ambitious ideas are matched with ambitious storytelling.
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Winning two Lions is an incredible achievement for everyone involved and recognition of the creativity, strategic thinking and collaboration that went into the campaign over the past 18 months. For us, it was the perfect way to round off an unforgettable week.
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Looking ahead
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Every Cannes leaves you inspired, exhausted and already thinking differently about what's next.
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The industry continues to evolve at remarkable speed, but this year's festival reinforced something we've always believed. The brands that create lasting impact are the ones that invest in meaningful relationships.
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That's the approach we'll continue to take, whether we're supporting clients on the Croisette, helping launch global campaigns, building thought leadership programmes or creating opportunities for ambitious brands to connect with the audiences that matter most.
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If you'd like to start a conversation about how Propeller can help tell your story, we'd love to hear from you.

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