LIONS expands global model with new regional platforms

LIONS, the organization behind the Cannes Lions festival, is expanding its global model by introducing regional platforms in North America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This initiative aims to distribute industry knowledge, data, and professional networks more consistently throughout the year, rather than concentrating them solely during the annual festival in France.

CEO Simon Cook stated that the expansion is intended to address uneven access to industry skills and evidence. The new model seeks to create a two-way exchange where global expertise is applied locally, and regional talent gains greater international visibility.

In North America, the first initiative, ‘Insight to Impact’, is scheduled to debut in Denver in October 2026, moving to Nashville in 2027. This platform will integrate resources from WARC, Contagious, and Effie with events such as The Market Research Event and Content Marketing World. In the Asia-Pacific region, Spikes Asia is expected to transition to LIONS Asia in September 2027.