Held at 1 Windmill Lane in July, this years Cannes-alysis welcomed more than 170 industry professionals eager to explore the campaigns, conversations and cultural shifts emerging from the festival. While Cannes Lions 2026 generated significant debate around AI, creativity, craft and the future of brand-building, the central message throughout the morning was clear: great ideas, strong strategy and genuine human insight remain at the heart of impactful work.
The event featured a line-up of expert speakers who delivered thought-provoking and practical perspectives from across the industry. Siobhán Masterson, CEO of the Creative & Communications Association opened the morning with an overview of the key trends shaping this year’s festival. Lynn Callan of Core reflected on how Cannes reinforced the enduring simplicity and power of exceptional ideas, while Jane McDaid of THINKHOUSE explored the intersection of creativity, culture, media innovation and the evolving creator economy, celebrating Ireland’s growing influence on the global stage.
It was then time to hear from the Cannes Young Lions. Following months of preparation, Ireland’s Young Lions winners travelled to Cannes to compete against the world’s best emerging creative talent. Sponsored by Smurfit Westrock, the programme culminated in a landmark achievement for Ireland, with Hannah Murphy (Junior Art Director) and Kate Dempsey (Junior Copywriter) from TBWA\Ireland securing the country’s first-ever medal in the Print category and Ireland’s first Gold Young Lions win since 2017. Deirdre Waldron, CEO of TBWA Ireland introduced the winning team before Kate and Hannsh presented the brief and their winning print entry.
Attendees also heard from the team at Catapult, who examined the rise of fandom and demonstrated how leading brands are transforming audiences into vibrant communities.
Finally a panel featuring the Grand Prix winning teams from Heineken Ireland and Publicis Dublin. Ger Jones – MD of Publicis Dublin and President of Creative & Communications Association, Fiona Curtin – Marketing Director of Heineken Ireland, Rachael Crawley – Senior Brand Manager of Heineken Ireland, Peter Dobbyn – Creative Director with Publicis Dublin and Andrew Freedman, Founder & CEO of Antidote took part in the discussion.
This session explored why strategy, craft and human insight continue to drive marketing effectiveness and business success, offering valuable lessons from Grand Prix-winning work.
Cannes-alysis 2026 provided attendees with fresh perspectives, practical takeaways and renewed inspiration, proving once again that while tools and technologies evolve, the power of creativity to connect, inspire and drive results remains constant.
