Strengthening the UK’s global advertising footprint at Cannes Lions
London, 20 May 2026: UK Advertising will return to Cannes Lions this June with a Government-backed growth mission to strengthen the UK’s global standing in advertising and support the global growth of its creative industries.
Now in its sixth year, the UK Advertising growth mission, curated by the UK Advertising Exports Group at the Advertising Association, brings together UK companies looking to accelerate international growth and strengthen the UK’s position as one of the world’s leading exporters of advertising and marketing services. The mission has become a catalyst for international expansion, helping UK businesses forge strategic partnerships, unlock opportunities in high-growth markets and elevate the profile of UK creativity on the global stage, with previous delegations generating commercial opportunities in markets including Saudi Arabia.
The growth mission forms a key part of the UK’s presence at Cannes Lions, delivered under the banner of UK Advertising and led by the Advertising Association as the official UK representative for the Festival. It is supported by Channel 4, Marketreach, The Guardian, Sky Media, Tesco Media, The Outernet and the Department for Business and Trade.
This year, UK Advertising will be based in the Empower Café, moments from the Palais, creating a dedicated hub for international industry engagement throughout the festival. The missions will convene senior leaders from across the global advertising industry through a programme of exclusive roundtables with key international markets including the USA, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and APAC, alongside thought leadership panels and high-level networking events throughout the week. The programme will also include the UK Advertising Global Reception, an invite-only gathering of global industry leaders, curated for high-level networking.
Stephen Woodford, Chief Executive, Advertising Association, commented, “The UK’s advertising exports were worth nearly £18bn in 2025, demonstrating how the demand for UK advertising has never been greater. As we head to Cannes Lions, we are ready to showcase the UK’s creative and technological expertise to the world, building on last year’s success with the UK in the top three most-awarded nations.”
Aisling Conlon, International Trade Director for UK Advertising, Advertising Association, said, “Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity remains one of the most important moments in the global creative calendar, and a powerful platform for the UK advertising industry to lead from the front. The UK continues to set the standard for creativity that delivers real commercial results, and Cannes gives our companies the opportunity to build international partnerships, open new doors, and compete at the very highest level. This trade mission is about backing that ambition, bringing industry together to champion UK creativity, drive growth, and strengthen our position on the world stage.”
Ameeta Virk MBE, Department for Business and Trade, commented, “Cannes Lions is our global stage, a chance for UK advertising to show up loud and proud as one of the top three exporters on the planet. It’s where our groundbreaking creativity, world-class innovation and proven commercial impact earn the global recognition they deserve. More than just awards, Cannes is where UK creative companies spark international growth and forge powerful new connections.”
Next generation talent will also be championed at Cannes Lions, with the Advertising Association backing 12 exceptional creatives competing in the prestigious Young Lions competition. In addition, 31 jurors from the UK have been selected to judge the world’s very best creative and effective work.
Ahead of the Festival, the AA will launch UK Advertising’s new industry campaign at the Outernet London in on 15 June, celebrating the strength and global impact of the UK advertising sector and setting the stage for its presence in Cannes.
For further information on the programme during Cannes Lions please visit www.ukadvertising.co or to find out how you can get involved contact Aisling Conlon, International Trade Director for UK Advertising, at Aisling.Conlon@adassoc.org.uk
