Now firmly established as a key fixture in the global PR calendar, this year's Cannes Lions again promises much for public relations practitioners, even if many of the major players are scaling back on their big-budget spending plans.

Beyond the usual round of receptions and rosé, furthermore, are a number of sessions that will focus directly on the PR industry. Alongside that, of course, is the official programme, in which PR firms are now clearly visible — reflecting how the public relations agenda is inseparable from creative brand-building. And, of course, there will be the usual soul-searching about the PR Lions, no doubt.


For the ninth consecutive year, the Holmes Report will again be covering events on the ground, in partnership with ICCO's House of PR, which plays host to numerous sessions. You can find all of our coverage at our dedicated Cannes section here. 

The full schedule is available here, and so far includes the following highlights. It is also worth nothing that the House of PR at Cabana 11, Grand Palais Beach will be an open house throughout the week for the PR industry.

Saturday 17 June
13:00-13.45 — Social-centricity: Impacting Circles of Influence to Change Behaviour hosted by inVentiv Health Communications (Health in Action Stage, Lions Health Festival)

Sunday 18 June
15:00–15:45 — Classic Hollywood Meets the YouTube Generation: Who Are Fans Following? Hosted by Ketchum (Lumiere Theatre, Palais des Festivals)
17:30–19:30 — Why Cannes Lions Predictions are Pointless, hosted by the Holmes Report and WE Communications (invite only, contact us here, Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez)

Monday 19 June
09:30–11:30 Augmented Influence hosted by MSLGroup (Majestic Hotel)
2.30-3.30pm — Talking Tunes & Human Truths with Young Guru hosted by FleishmanHillard (House of PR)
4pm — How to Lead Your Team to Win at Cannes (House of PR)
17:45–19:00 — Official Pre-Awards Drinks Reception (Verrière Bar opposite Lumiere Theatre, Palais des Festivals)
19:00 – 21:00 — PR Lions & PR Young Lions Awards Ceremony (Lumiere Theatre, Palais des Festivals)

Tuesday 20 June
11:00–12:00 — Insights with the PR Lions Jury (House of PR)
11:00–11:45 — Mario Testino: Beyond the Image. Connection. Integrity. Impact hosted by Edelman (Lumiere Theatre, Palais des Festivals)
15:00–15:45 — In conversation with Civil Rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson hosted by Edelman (Lumiere Theatre, Palais des Festivals)
15:00–15:45 — China’s Age of Ambition hosted by Huawei and Hill+Knowlton Strategies (The Forum, Palais des Festivals)

Wednesday 21 June
11:00–12:00 — Wine, Women and Flexible Working….is it time to Ditch Dolly “Working 9 to 5″  and shake up the workplace? hosted by GWPR (Edelman House, Grand Hotel)
14:00–14:45 — Populism, a Catch 22? Brand Leadership in a Polarised World hosted by Edelman Intelligence (The Forum, Palais des Festivals)
15:00–16:30 — #LambsToLions: The Five Questions Every Creative Team Leader Needs to Ask hosted by Now Go Create (The Workshop, Palais des Festivals)
17:00–17:45 — Becoming China’s No.1 Online ‘Celebrity’ – a Conversation with Papi Jiang hosted by BlueFocus (The Forum, Palais des Festivals)

Thursday 22 June
12:00–12:45 — A Farewell to Arms hosted by Weber Shandwick (Lumiere Theatre, Palais des Festivals)