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We run a number of events throughout the year, from our annual LEAD summit to the Media Business Course and regular breakfast briefings for our members. We are also the official UK representative for the world’s biggest festival of creativity – Cannes Lions.

UK Government & industry open doors of UK House to celebrate best of Cannes Lions 2021

/ June 17th 2021 /
Exports and International Trade

UK House to celebrate and showcase best of UK Creativity in partnership with GREAT campaign and Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity over six months.

London, June 16th 2021: UK government and the advertising industry have partnered to create a unique opportunity around Cannes Lions for all UK advertising and marketing services companies looking to build international revenues. A special online venue, UK House, will open and run networking and lead generation events for six months from July 8th, celebrating the very best of UK creativity as awarded by Cannes Lions. In addition, 150 companies are invited to join the Lions Live global community and network with international prospects.

Following the success of UK House at SXSW, the virtual venue will re-open its doors to a global audience with trends from Cannes Lions Live 2021 and sessions from UK Lions winners and jurors, workshops and masterclasses on exporting creative services. In addition, the UK Advertising Export Group (UKAEG) will host four virtual trade missions including 10+ networking sessions with regions such as China, Africa, North and South America. The event will be free to attend for thinkers, makers, and investors from around the world to meet and hear from leading UK experts. Not only will this invite consideration from potential international clients, but it will also inspire and equip those new to exporting with the confidence and tools needed to start.

In addition, UKAEG and DIT have 150 12-month LIONS Membership passes available to companies keen to start their export journey. The year-round membership provides free access to Cannes Lions Live in June and Lions Live in October, to high quality networking and training programmes, exclusive members events and access to The Work Classic – a database of winning Lions Award entries from 1956-2000. The goal of UKAEG is to provide more British businesses than ever with the chance to promote their services and to meet with potential international partners and buyers.

Applications for Cannes Lions membership and/or to attend or speak at UK House regarding a topic that reflects the 2021 Cannes Lions content themes are now open. UKAEG welcomes fully proofed, diverse, focused and forward-thinking talks, workshops and case studies. Applications are welcomed from all UK companies that sell services to brands and fall into the Creative Industries across advertising, screen, immersive, experience, music, design and branding, social media and games. Apply here before Friday 18th June and book your free seat at UK House here.

Janet Hull OBE, Chair, UKAEG and CIC CreaTech, and IPA Director of Marketing Strategy, commented: “Everything is changing for new business and so is the UKAEG game plan for how to best support our UK companies and market UK Advertising. Following its success at SXSW, UK House at Cannes Lions Live is part of our wider aspirations to continue to position the UK as the creative and digital innovation hub to the world and an ideal partner for business growth. The UK is a true gateway to the wider world for any firm seeking to go global and to reach a worldwide consumer. The demand for British creative industries and advertising services in markets like the US and China is real and significant.”

Philip Thomas, Chairman LIONS and President, Ascential Marketing Division, commented: “Lions are awarded to a diverse range of the world’s best creative thinkers, including agencies, brands, media owners and technology companies to name just a few. Next week our juries will award Lions to work that is game-changing, progress-driving and creatively exceptional – in other words they’ll be setting the benchmark in creative excellence. We are delighted to work with the Advertising Association our UK Rep and UKAEG to celebrate and showcase its successes at this year’s Cannes Lions to the world.”

David Moody, Department For International Trade, Advertising and, Marketing Sector Specialist commented: “DIT is a passionate advocate of the value of the UK’s creative offering, and this campaign is our opportunity to showcase the strengths of UK creativity to the rest of the world. At Cannes Lions Live, CMOs and their advisers come to meet new people, understand new trends and new innovations and DIT is delighted to work with the UKAEG to provide a platform to bang the drum for British Creativity. UK House at Cannes Lions is an excellent platform for expanding your network, securing new clients, and learning more about the global markets.”