Cannes Lions has always been more than an awards show for me. It’s that one week where the global advertising, marketing, and tech world hits pause on deadlines and day-to-day chaos and comes together to celebrate creativity, share ideas, and, let’s be honest, have some fun along the way. But this year, the energy along the Croisette felt different - bigger, bolder, and more optimistic than ever.
Over 15,000 people from over 100 countries, all walking the same streets, sitting at the same cafés, and having the same conversations about how creativity, technology, and bold thinking can shape what’s next. But what truly made it special was seeing how far India has come. With 32 Lions across categories, it wasn’t just about participation it was about influence. Bumping into familiar faces agency partners, clients, old friends and seeing the pride on their faces about India’s growing role on the global stage? That was special.
And of course, no Cannes this year was complete without hearing the word ‘AI’ everywhere. But what I loved was how the conversation has finally moved beyond hype. It’s no longer about futuristic promises it’s about how we apply AI meaningfully today. At MiQ, that made this year extra special too. Our MiQ Terrace became a space for honest, unfiltered chats about where data, technology, and creativity meet. We also launched MiQ Sigma, our latest AI-powered solution. MiQ Sigma isn’t about chasing the next shiny object it’s about making programmatic simpler, smarter, and actually delivering better outcomes for marketers. Seeing people connect the dots between AI, business results, and our product was genuinely exciting.
And beyond the panels, the product demos, and the packed schedules for me, celebrating my birthday at Gutter Bar, with friends from all over the world singing along that’s what really stuck with me. It’s the people, the conversations, and those spontaneous moments that make Cannes unforgettable. The week may be over, but the ideas and connections those stay with you.
