Highlights from Cannes Lions 2025

A Week of Creative Energy and Unforgettable Moments

Every year in June, the world’s most innovative minds in advertising, branding, media, and tech land on the shores of the French Riviera for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. It’s a global magnet for creative leaders, daring disruptors, ambitious agencies, and culture-defining brands. But if you ask those who really know Cannes, they’ll tell you the magic doesn’t only happen on the Palais stage. The real spark? It happens at the curated experiences, the sun-drenched villas, the beach pop-ups, and the night-long celebrations that surround the festival. That’s where relationships are built, ideas are exchanged, and moments are made.

This year, Leo-Q was behind the production of some of the most memorable events throughout the festival. From daytime inspiration to late-night beats, we helped shape the stories that defined Cannes Lions 2025. Here’s a full recap of the standout events we brought to life, designed to connect people, elevate brands, and create unforgettable experiences.

UNLISTED on Day Zero – Super Great Fantastic

Our Cannes journey began before the festival officially opened—with a secret invitation, a beach location, and a promise: music first, everything else later. “UNLISTED on Day Zero” was hosted by Super Great Fantastic, a creative collective known for pushing the envelope when it comes to experiential culture. This event took over the Croisette Beach late into Sunday night, kicking off at 21:30 and wrapping up well after 02:00. It wasn’t about flashy branding or complicated themes—it was about raw energy, great sound, and an audience of early arrivals who wanted to start Cannes on a high.

The production was intentionally minimal yet stylish candles flickering in the sand, low lights, clear sound. A surprise DJ opened the night, followed by an electric set from GoldFish that had the crowd moving from the first beat. No panels, no speeches and just a curated vibe that brought together creatives, marketers, and tastemakers from all corners of the industry. It was the kind of gathering you couldn’t find on the official schedule, but one that had everyone talking the next day.

LBB & Friends Beach – Little Black Book

If there’s a place that feels like home base during Cannes, it’s the Little Black Book & Friends Beach. Running every day from June 16 to 20, this beachfront experience turned La Plage Croisette into an open-air hub of discussion, networking, and collaboration. From 10:00 to sunset, guests flowed in and out—listening to panels, having impromptu meetings at cabanas, and reconnecting over chilled rosé.

The vibe was informal, yet incredibly well curated. Industry heavyweights like Islam ElDessouky (Coca-Cola) and Danielle Hawley (Uber) shared ideas from the stage while brand leaders and creative directors from across the globe mingled feet-in-sand just metres away. The programming struck a balance between big-picture thinking and real-world insight. Leo-Q was behind the daily rhythm and guest experience—ensuring every element felt relaxed, yet premium. It wasn’t just an event. It was a place where people stayed longer than planned, came back the next day, and brought their team with them.

MMMe Time – MassiveMusic x .Monks

On Wednesday night, the beach was transformed into something cinematic. The “MMMe Time” party, hosted by MassiveMusic and .Monks, was nothing short of spectacular. Both companies are known for their immersive storytelling and innovation, and they brought all of it to Cannes in one wild night on June 18.

It started with mood lighting and modular staging and ended with an audiovisual experience that had guests wondering if they’d stepped into another world. The theme encouraged guests to take a moment for themselves while being swept up in a shared experience of lights, rhythm, and visuals. The lineup included live visuals, AI-generated art, performance artists, and a soundtrack that shifted gears from house to techno to euphoric throwbacks. From the second you stepped onto the sand, it was clear this wasn’t a party. It was a high-gloss immersive experience and one of the most buzzed-about nights of the entire week.

Oranje Borrel – Adformatie

On Wednesday afternoon, Adformatie brought a little slice of the Netherlands to Longbeach Croisette. Their signature Oranje Borrel has become a Cannes ritual, a time to reconnect with Dutch peers to toast recent wins, and soak in some well-earned Riviera sunshine. Held on June 19 from 17:30 to 19:30, the event offered that perfect late-day moment where content paused and the community kicked in.

Guests from agencies, production houses, and marketing teams mingled over drinks, sharing the latest from the Palais and beyond. The dress code? Summer casual, with plenty of orange accents and relaxed smiles. Leo-Q supported the flow and feel of the event, keeping the energy relaxed, upbeat, and organic. It was one of those moments where business talk turned into laughter and where creative friendships felt genuinely celebrated.

Un-held Prompt Party – R/GA

Cannes is always a mirror to what’s next—and this year, generative AI and creative technology were everywhere. R/GA, never one to follow, hosted the “Un-held Prompt Party” to challenge that conversation. It was less about showcasing tools and more about reflecting on what they mean for the creative process. A quiet invitation-only gathering, it felt like stepping into a salon for thinkers and makers who wanted to talk future—not just forecast it.

Held in a Beach Club just off the Croisette, the vibe was stripped back and thoughtful. Guests from tech platforms, AI startups, and global brands shared ideas over cocktails, prototype demos, and honest debates. This wasn’t the kind of party with big lights or loud bass. But it was made to feel like a high-level dinner party disguised as a lounge. Leo-Q made sure the setting matched the tone: subtle design, clean tech integration, and a sense of calm in the chaos of the week.

AOI Pro. x Stadium

For those who knew where to look, there was a refined gathering hosted by AOI Pro. and Stadium, a Tokyo-based agency representing a new wave of international directors and production talent. Quietly tucked away from the big name parties, this evening brought together a unique crowd: illustrators, cinematographers, visual storytellers, and creative producers who are shaping visual culture across Asia and Europe.

The guest list was tightly held and the atmosphere soft-spoken. Candlelight. Japanese design accents. Conversations that stretched for hours. It was less about “being seen” and more about seeing others. Their vision, their work, their energy. Leo-Q supported this by staying behind the scenes, letting the atmosphere breathe and making sure every guest felt like they’d discovered something rare and meaningful.

Shots Party – Shots.net

Thursday night saw the return of the Shots Party. Always a must-attend for those who love production, direction, and visual creativity. This year’s theme was inspired by The Shining, with a stylised nod to surrealism and mystery. Held on June 19 on the Croisette Beach, the venue was dressed in deep reds, eerie lighting, and playful illusions that made you feel like you’d walked into a Kubrick set with a very good playlist.

Sponsored by leading production companies like Lobo and Story:, the event drew everyone from junior creatives to top-tier film directors. The soundtrack was deep and dirty, thanks to DJ Raven, and the vibe was as visually curated as it was energetically charged. Every corner offered something, an unexpected installation, a familiar face, or a moment that turned into a story. Leo-Q worked alongside the event team to deliver this rich sensory playground with precision.

House of BMG – BMG Production Music

Sometimes, the most impactful events are the ones that feel like home. That’s exactly what BMG Production Music delivered with their “House of BMG” event, hosted in a stunning Belle Époque villa perched above Cannes. The concept was simple: good music, meaningful conversation, and the kind of setting that encouraged both.

During peak festival energy, this event welcomed creative leaders, music supervisors, sync professionals, and brand partners for a sun-drenched afternoon around the villa’s pool and garden. Kylie Rosé was served, the playlist was deep and soulful, and the BMG Sync team curated every detail; from guestlist to acoustic textures. It was part retreat, part creative summit, and Leo-Q helped turn the villa into a home where great conversations happened naturally.

Let’s Create the Next Big Moment Together

What all of these events have in common is the intention behind them. They weren’t just about attendance, they were about experience. Whether it was a beach party or a private villa, each event had a heartbeat, a moment, and a reason to be remembered. At Leo-Q we don’t just produce events, we design energy, space, timing, and memory. That’s what makes an event great!

So if you’re planning something bold for Cannes Lions 2026. Or looking to bring people together anywhere in the world get in touch with us. We’re ready to help you create something unforgettable.

Because the best ideas deserve more than a venue. They deserve a moment.