LONDON — The Holmes Report and the International Communications Consultancy Association (ICCO) have announced a partnership to lead the PR industry’s fringe programme at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity in 2020.

The partnership will include a number of elements, including working with agency and supplier sponsors to create a two-day programme of content in a premium new location on the Croisette, podcasts with industry leaders, and hosting the official PR Lions pre-awards reception.

The event will be called PRovoke Media+ICCO@Cannes, incorporating the Holmes Report’s forthcoming rebrand as PRovoke Media in 2020.

It will feature regular elements such as the annual PR Jury Insights panel session – Weber Shandwick’s president and CEO Gail Heimann was recently announced as the president of the PR jury – and the prestigious CEO Roundtable for network agency leaders, chaired by Paul Holmes, as well as a new Indie Roundtable for leaders of independent agencies from around the world.

Holmes Report EMEA editor Maja Pawinska Sims said: “We’re elevating our presence in Cannes to reflect the broader earned media universe, and PR’s rightful place at its centre. We’re planning a provocative fringe programme of lively sessions, in the heart of the action, that really gets to grips with the future of communications.”

The partnership will also again be supporting the UK, Middle East and Southeast Asia Young Lions competitions within the annual festival showcase of the global creative stars of the future.

ICCO chief executive Francis Ingham added: “Our firm view is that PR agencies must come together internationally to demonstrate our creative might in Cannes. Our 2020 partnership will amplify the voice of PR at the festival.”

Cannes Lions runs from 22-26 June 2020. The first PRovoke Media+ICCO@Cannes sponsors will be announced at ICCO's #CannesUncovered event on 29 January.

For more information about how to get involved with PRovoke Media+ICCO@Cannes, please contact Maja Pawinska Sims.