Cannes 2026
From the 22nd until the 25th of June 2026, VIA will set sail to Cannes Lions. We will host a curated and dynamic program in partnership with the City of Amsterdam, set aboard the iconic Clipper Stad Amsterdam, the city’s three-masted flagship in the bay of Cannes.
Aboard, you get the chance to meet new connections, exchange ideas with international peers, and engage with some of the most influential voices across the global media and creative industry.
Together with our members, partners, brands and talent, we're building a platform that showcases the strength of the Dutch creative industry. A place where ideas turn into collaborations, where innovation meets business, and where international relationships are strengthened. On this page you'll find our programme overview and practical information before you come aboard.
We look forward to greeting you on the Clipper Stad Amsterdam!
Monday 22 June
Time |
Tickets |
|
10.00 - 11.00 |
RA*W Breakfast |
RAW* participants only |
11.00 - 14.00 |
RAW* Pitches |
RAW* participants only |
14.30 - 15.00 |
Opening remarks and welcome
|
See below. |
15.00 - 16.00 |
Panel: Industry in transition & Why set up shop in AmsterdamModerator: Kerrie Finch (the FINCH factor) |
Tickets |
16.00 - 18.00 |
Sunset Drinks & Amsterdam MusicWith Clear Music |
Tickets |
18.00 |
End |
Tuesday 23 June
Time |
Tickets |
|
10.00 - 11.00 |
Espresso Dealmaking Session |
VIA Members Only |
10.00 - 11.00 |
How Specialized Creativity and Branding from Amsterdam Build Global BrandsIntro: Dutch Digital Design - Bert Hagendoorn Waves of Will, brainwaves to performance - Dentsu Lab Dentsu Lab's Ashley Knight (Global Head of Strategy) and Pascal Rotteveel (Global ECD) will take the audience inside Waves of Will; Make your food a Distinctive Brand Asset - Culinairy Identities like Tony's Chocolonely, Doritos and KFC - Olaf van Gerwen (Creative Director & Founder Chuck Studios) Closing words: Dutch Digital Design - Bert Hagendoorn |
Tickets |
13.00 - 15.00 |
Womens Leaders' Networking LunchWe kick off with a buffet style lunch dedicated to female leaders operating at the intersection of creativity and sustainability. |
Invite only |
15.00 - 16.30 |
On Board with SustainabilityTransformative Insights – Panel Talks In partnership with Kantar, Ad Net Zero, and Amsterdam Impact, we will host a series of panel discussions exploring key developments in sustainable
|
Tickets |
16.00 - 17.30 |
Celebrating Impact & AperitivoWe close the afternoon by spotlighting and celebrating brands that have successfully driven sustainable behaviour through their campaigns. |
Tickets |
19.00 - 21.30 |
CMO diner Institute for Real Growth & VIA - A three course dinnerAbout the Institute for Real Growth The Institute for Real Growth (IRG) helps CMOs worldwide increase their personal, business, and societal impact by driving more Humanized Growth. The IRG programs are built on the findings of Marketing2030, the 2024 IRG Impact Study as well as four previous studies; the IRG Growth Study, |
Invite only |
Wednesday 24 June
Time |
Tickets |
|
10.00 - 11.00 |
Espresso Dealmaking Session |
VIA Members only |
10.00 - 12.00 |
Reclaiming Growth: Europe's Playbook for the AI-Driven Advertising EraOpening - Tim Geenen, CEO Spektre & VIA Board Member "From Platform Dependency to Predictable Growth" Who Controls Growth? Platform Power, AI and Europe's Advertising Economy - Daniel Knapp, Chief Economist, IAB Europe MMM is Back - But It's Not What You Think - Alison Keith, CEO, The Excellence Office Balancing Platforms, Data and Control: A Brand Perspective - Cristina Sagarduy, Nike Account Lead, IPG From AI to agentic advertising - Connect the dots - Anne Coghlan, COO, Scope3 Panel Discussion "Who's Really in Control? Growth, AI and the New Power Balance" - hosted by Tim Geenen Closing - Translate insights into action: explore partnerships within the Amsterdam ecosystem during Cannes and drive towards concrete |
Tickets |
13.00 - 15.00 |
Future Bosses LunchMany activities at Cannes Lions are organized for senior levels and management. Except for the Future Bosses Lunch. In collaboration with We will provide a nice mix of talents and leaders, conversation starters and lunch. |
Invite only |
15.30 - 16.30 |
Tapping into Culture – Live Events - Igniting Shared Passions - The New Era of Community & Emotional Brand BuildingSports, live entertainment are the most powerful community engines in modern culture, yet most brands treat it as a media channel rather than Sponsored by Clear Music |
Tickets |
Thursday 25 June
Time |
Tickets |
|
10.00 - 11.00 |
Espresso Dealmaking Session |
VIA Members only |
10.30 - 11.30 |
Fireside chat: Supercharging Creativity10.30 - 10:45: Arrival & Networking 10.55 - 11.00: Self-Regulation's Role in Supporting Responsible Advertising 11.00 - 11.15: Fireside Chat with Heineken 11.15 - 11.30: Fireside Chat with the SRC |
Tickets |
12.00 - 15.00 |
Creator EconomyInfluencer marketing & certification - Otto van der Harst (Director Stichting Reclame Code) TBA |
Tickets |
16.00 - 17.00 |
Sunset Drinks & Amsterdam Music |
Before you come aboard
We’re looking forward to welcoming you on board the Clipper Stad Amsterdam. To make sure everyone has a smooth and enjoyable experience, here are a few things to keep in mind:
An intimate setting
The ship offers a unique and intimate environment, which means space is limited. Therefore, you can register for one program session only, unless you have received a personal invitation for other sessions. Please only subscribe for the program that you really want to attend. To maintain a good balance between VIA members and international attendees, a fixed number of seats is allocated to each group. As a result, availability per session is limited. Pre-registration (1 week prior) is required – no registration = no access.
Access to the vessel may be denied even if a person holds a valid ticket, for safety reasons or if the vessel has reached its maximum permitted capacity.
Getting to the ship
Our three-masted flagship is anchored in the bay of Cannes and can be reached by two tender boats (25 persons per boat). Please arrive at the dock at least 30 minutes before your session so you have enough time to board and settle in.
The exact location to board will be announced later.
Arrival on the day
Access is managed on a first come, first served basis, so we recommend arriving on time to secure your spot.
Bring your passport
As we are on international waters, a valid passport is required for boarding. When registering for any program, we kindly ask you to provide your full name, passport number, date of birth and nationality. This information is required for boarding access on international waters. Please note, your name must match.
Onboard conduct
We want to create a welcoming and safe environment for everyone on board. We expect all guests to respect the rules applicable on international waters. This means:
- No boarding under the obvious influence of alcohol
- No drugs allowed on board
- No hazardous items
We reserve the right to deny access if these conditions are not met. Follow all instructions from the crew and captain at all times.
Agreement to conditions
By taking your place on board the Clipper Stad Amsterdam, you agree to comply with the above conditions and any instructions provided by the crew and organization.
