Thought Leadership

8.6.2026

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Find APR at Cannes Lions 2026

We're heading to Cannes Lions this month, and we couldn't be more excited to join the conversations shaping the future of creativity, brand building, and production.

Across three days, our team will take the stage to share ideas on everything from emotion-driven creative to AI visibility, confident brand building, and the next era of work, all based on our dedication to being production optimists who are wholly committed to marketing production and advertising production strategies for our clients and the industry at large. These are the conversations keep moving our industry forward — and we're proud to contribute our perspective.

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We're heading to Cannes Lions this month, and we couldn't be more excited to join the conversations shaping the future of creativity, brand building, and production.

‍

Written by

No items found.

Reviewed by

No items found.

Contributors

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If you'll be in Cannes, let's connect. Stop by one of our panels and join the discussion, or reach out to set up a time to talk. We'd love to see you.

Here's where you can find us.

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Tuesday, June 23

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Beyond Metrics: Human Emotion Is at the Center of Creative Success

Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Creators & Culture Villa, 102 Av. Maréchal Juin, 06400 Cannes
APR Speaker: Jillian Gibbs

AI can optimize for clicks, but it can't manufacture a feeling. This panel explores what it really takes to make work that moves people — and why the human element remains the most powerful tool in a marketer's arsenal.

Click to Register

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Is Your Brand Invisible to AI?

Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Creators & Culture Villa, 102 Av. Maréchal Juin, 06400 Cannes
APR Speaker: Edmond Handwerker

ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are becoming the new front doors for brand discovery. This conversation digs into what AI-driven brand visibility means and what forward-thinking leaders are doing now to get ahead.

Click to Register

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Wednesday, June 24

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How Do You Build a Confident Brand?

Time: 10:30 AM
Location: LBB & Friends Beach
APR Speaker: Edmond Handwerker

A frank look at what gives brands the conviction to stand out, take risks, and lead with clarity in a crowded market.

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Panel with Global Production Network

Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Villa Polonia, 10 Avenue Saissy, 06400 Cannes
APR Speaker: Jillian Gibbs

A candid discussion on the evolving production landscape and how teams can build smarter, more strategic creative processes.

Follow Global Production Network

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The Guardrails of Imagination: Balancing Radical Tech with Responsible Design

Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Cannes (venue details to follow)
APR Speaker: Melanie Ryan

How do we push creative technology forward while staying grounded in responsible design? This panel explores the balance between bold innovation and thoughtful guardrails.

Event link: tbd

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When the Story Gets Away From You

Time: 4:30 PM
Location: Signal Sessions, Hotel Le Suquet, 5 Rue des Tambourinaires
APR Speaker: Patrick Lafferty

Every comms professional has been there: a campaign launches as planned, and then the internet decides what it actually means. This session makes the case for building PR strategy into campaign development from the start.

Click to Register

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Thursday, June 25

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Shaping the Next Era of Work and Talent Development

Time: 11:30 AM
Location: PMI Croisette Cabana at the Palais des Festival – Cabana Row
APR Speaker: Patrick Lafferty

A forward-looking conversation on how organizations can rethink work, develop talent, and prepare their teams for what comes next.

Follow PMI here for latest

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Let's Connect in Cannes

These conversations matter, and we believe the best ideas come from sharing them. Whether you catch us on a panel, grab us between sessions, or set up a dedicated time to talk, we'd love to hear what's on your mind.

Tell us if you'll be attending — we're looking forward to seeing you on the Croisette.

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