Insights from Industry Leaders at Cannes Lions 2026

Mind Media interviewed approximately 15 executives from adtech companies, consulting firms, and media agencies during the 2026 Cannes Lions festival to analyze how technology is redefining advertising creation and its relationship with media. The research focuses on the impact of generative AI, personalized ad formats, and new measurement standards.

Who participated in the Mind Media industry interviews?

Mind Media conducted these interviews during the 2026 Cannes Lions festival. The group of participants included roughly 15 leaders representing three primary sectors of the advertising ecosystem: adtech companies, consulting firms, and media agencies.

The inclusion of both creative agencies and technical consultants indicates a focus on the intersection of artistic production and data-driven distribution. According to the reporting, these executives provided insights into how the technical infrastructure of advertising is altering the creative process.

What technologies are redefining advertising creation?

Generative AI stands as a primary driver in the shift toward new advertising formats. Mind Media identified generative AI as a central tool redefining how creative content is produced and delivered to audiences.

The research highlights a shift toward increased personalization. This involves using technology to adapt ad formats in real-time, moving away from static campaigns toward dynamic content that adjusts based on user data.

The executives discussed several key innovation areas, including:

• The integration of generative AI into the initial creative workflow.
• The development of new, flexible advertising formats.
• The use of advanced personalization to increase engagement.

How is the relationship between media and measurement changing?

The conversations analyzed by Mind Media focused heavily on the evolving nature of ad targeting and measurement. The executives examined how the industry is moving toward more precise methods of tracking effectiveness as technology changes the way media is consumed.

This shift creates a contrast between traditional creative agency roles and the new requirements of adtech. While creative agencies traditionally focused on the message, the current trend emphasizes a tighter integration between the creative output and the measurement tools used to validate it.

The report indicates that the relationship between the creative side of the industry and the media-buying side is being rewritten by these technological innovations, specifically through more sophisticated targeting mechanisms.