As the countdown to Cannes Lions intensifies, indie agencies are bringing their signature mix of creativity, authenticity, and fresh perspectives to the world’s biggest advertising festival. Today’s festival-focused content from Indie Agency News members shows indies not just attending Cannes, but actively shaping its conversations.
LBRB Collective sparks philosophical debates about advertising’s fundamentals, while Atlantic New York creates the most inclusive party on the Riviera. Meanwhile, VaynerMedia builds anticipation with mysterious announcements, and DNY explores how creator culture is reshaping creative excellence.
🦁 The Main Events: Indies Taking Center Stage
Panels, parties, and provocations
DNY claims the spotlight with “Creator Darwinism: The New Creative Advantage”, bringing Chief Creator Officer Ashley Rudder to explore how creator culture is reshaping creative evolution.
Mischief @ No Fixed Address turns Cannes into must-see TV with a power trio panel featuring Tubi CMO Nicole Parlapiano and Ad Age Creativity Editor Tim Nudd, getting to the bottom of how to be brave in risk-averse times. They’re also bringing spicy dinner conversation vibes to their content, asking what we’d all want to hear agencies discuss over wine.
BarkleyOKRP brings Midwest charm to the Mediterranean with Camp Cannes Roll Call podcast, proving that the only thing hotter than Cannes in June is… Camp Cannes.
🎉 Radical Inclusivity: Indies Celebrate Everyone
Because great ideas come from everywhere
Atlantic New York creates the festival’s most democratic event with the first-ever Cannes Lions Losers’ Dinner — a brilliant recognition that 97% of entrants don’t win metals, but their work still matters. It’s inclusive, honest, and refreshingly human.
Need Pastel expands the definition of creative excellence with La Nueva Ola, celebrating the new wave of Latin creatives shaping global culture across music, media, and beyond.
TogetherWith brings unexpected creative pairings to Cannes with their “Fried Chicken and Malbec” event, proving that the best ideas often come from unlikely combinations — like their Louisville + Buenos Aires offices. from their Louisville + Buenos Aires offices.
💭 The Pre-Festival Philosophy
Last thoughts before the madness begins
LBRB Collective poses their own pre-Cannes philosophical question: In an era of AI and omnichannel presence, have we forgotten the power of perfectly crafted traditional advertising? They’re heading to the Croisette as a growing collective, having started as a dynamic duo just one year ago.
Day One Agency shares essential advice for Cannes first-timers via Ad Age, noting that “Cannes is such a wonderful opportunity for attendees—it’s a place where curiosity thrives and so many great minds are together.”
Atlantic New York also explores Brazil’s selection as Creative Country of the Year, diving into what makes Brazilian creativity consistently excellent on the global stage.
🚀 The Build-Up: Countdowns and Preparations
Getting ready for the Riviera
VaynerMedia dominates the pre-Cannes conversation with multiple activations:
- Teasing major moves on the Croisette with mysterious “something big dropping next week”
- Launching Gallery Club House at Cannes with VaynerX and Gallery Media Group
- Even creating Zodiac-based event recommendations because why not?
- Offering 5 reasons NOT to join their Young Lions Breakfast (reverse psychology at its finest)
Verb announces their Cannes presence while celebrating cofounder Shannon Jones winning Chief’s New Era of Leadership Award, bringing their founders, leadership team, and producers to activate with clients like Nielsen and Innovid.
🏆 The Work Making the Journey
What’s heading to the festival
Oberland celebrates double recognition with E.L.F. BEAUTY’s “So Many Dicks” making both the Titanium Shortlist AND Glass: The Lion for Change Shortlist.
Kollectiff shares their award-winning momentum, fresh off wins at Cannes, Clio, and D&AD, plus bold experiments in AI voice.
Strike announces their “Make XX Great Again” campaign selected by ACT Responsible for exhibition at the Palais des Festivals.
📚 Festival Wisdom: Guides and Insights
Making the most of the madness
Bluestripe Group offers practical preparation tips for Cannes first-timers, acknowledging that “for many, the first time can be a daunting experience, no matter how exciting.”
Serviceplan Group explores what makes a campaign Cannes-worthy, noting it’s about “relevance, resonance and impact” — not just bold ideas. They’re also bringing young creative minds through their SPARK Academy.
Pereira O’Dell addresses the elephant on the beach: whether briefs now explicitly ask for award-winning work, with Chief Growth Officer Mona Munayyer Gonzalez noting that effectiveness isn’t sidelined. They’re also hosting panels on “Selling Game-Changing Creative: From Pitch Room to Grand Prix”.
🎭 The Extras: Quirks and Conversations
Because Cannes wouldn’t be Cannes without them
All& keeps it simple and intriguing: “Coming to Cannes Lions with one of our wonderful clients, James Blake!”
SpecialGuest promises “We’ll see you at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity” — sometimes less is more.
Raven Public Relations announces 3 days, 14 interviews, 1 tiny terrace for their Tiny Terrace Talks, “Breaking and Entering Media style.”
For more indie perspectives on everything from creator evolution to loser celebrations, join the conversation at indieagency.news/join
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