Lions launches B2B Summit in partnership with LinkedIn

THE CANNES Lions International Festival of Creativity has announced the launch of an inaugural Lions B2B Summit. Taking place on June 17 at this year’s Festival, the half-day event will bring together B2B marketers, decision-makers, and creative leaders for a series of discussions.With LinkedIn as the headline partner, and Stein IAS as the supporting partner, the Summit “will explore discussions on how creativity strengthens brand reputation, the role of connections and influence in B2B, and why creativity in B2B is a competitive advantage”.LinkedIn is also the official LIONS B2B Partner for the 2025 Festival.

“To give some context to B2B at Cannes Lions, the Creative B2B Lions launched in 2022, although it’s a Lion that had actually been in discussion since 2013,” Lions CEO Simon Cook, said.

 “Over the years we had seen a rise in B2B work winning Lions and many in the industry felt that introducing a specialist Lion in this area would raise the creative bar and elevate the discipline. The Creative B2B Lions are now entering their fourth year, providing the benchmark for an industry that continues to grow significantly – with worldwide B2B digital ad spend set to nearly triple its pre-pandemic level by 2026. Launching the LIONS B2B Summit is a natural next step in bringing the global B2B community together in Cannes.”

“Together with Cannes Lions, we’ll bring together some of the most important conversations in B2B to shine a spotlight on the powerful stories, insights, and big ideas transforming the advertising industry and driving commercial success,” vice-president, linkedIn marketing solutions, Matthew Derella, said. “With over one billion members on LinkedIn, we’re uniquely placed to understand the power of community and connections in driving B2B forward, and this partnership is a significant step forward in unlocking new growth across the sector.”

Speakers and panelists at the Summit include senior executives from LinkedIn, FCB New York, Spotify, University of Michigan, Stein IAS and ServiceNow.Anyone wishing to attend the B2B Summit can register their interest here.