Cannes 2026
From the 22nd until the 25th of June 2026, VIA will set sail to Cannes Lions. We will host a curated and dynamic program in partnership with the City of Amsterdam, set aboard the iconic Clipper Stad Amsterdam, the city’s three-masted flagship in the bay of Cannes.
Aboard, you get the chance to meet new connections, exchange ideas with international peers, and engage with some of the most influential voices across the global media and creative industry.
Together with our members, partners, brands and talent, we're building a platform that showcases the strength of the Dutch creative industry. A place where ideas turn into collaborations, where innovation meets business, and where international relationships are strengthened. On this page you'll find our programme overview and practical information before you come aboard.
We look forward to greeting you on the Clipper Stad Amsterdam!
Monday 22 June
10.00 - 11.00 | RAW* Breakfast (RAW* participants only)
11.00 - 14.00 | RAW* Pitches (RAW* participants only)
14.30 - 15.00 | Opening remarks and welcome |
- Rik Ledder (TBWA\NEBOKO)
- Dieter Oude Kotte (City of Amsterdam)
15.00 - 16.00 | Panel: Industry in transition & Why set up shop in Amsterdam |
- Victor Knaap (Monks)
- Hollie Loxley (72andSunny)
- Darre van Dijk (TBWA\NEBOKO)
- Colleen Geske (City of Amsterdam)
- Moderator: Kerrie Finch (the FINCH factor)
16.00 - 18.00 | Sunset Drinks & Amsterdam Music |
18.00 | End
Tickets opening & Panel: Industry in transition & Why set up shop in Amsterdam
Tuesday 23 June
10.00 - 11.00 | Espresso Dealmaking Session (VIA Members only)
10.00 - 11.00 | How Specialized Creativity and Branding from Amsterdam Build Global Brands
- Short intro by Dutch Digital Design (Bert Hagendoorn)
- Waves of Will, brainwaves to performance | Dentsu Lab
Dentsu Lab’s Ashley Knight (Global Head of Atrategy) and Pascal Rotteveel (Global ECD) will take the audience inside Waves of Will, the extraordinary Dentsu Lab project with NTT that helped Breanna Olson, a dancer living with ALS, return to the stage through a brainwave controlled mixed reality avatar. It is a story about creativity, technology and human willpower, and a glimpse into Dentsu Lab’s global expansion with Amsterdam helping shape the next chapter.
- Make your food a Distinctive Brand Asset - Culinairy Identities like Tony's Chocolonely, Doritos and KFC | Chuck Studio's, System1
- Olaf van Gerwen (Creative Director & Founder Chuck Studios)
- Beth Marchant (Strategy Director, Global Partnerships - System1)
- Closing words by Dutch Digital Design (Bert Hagendoorn)
13.00 - 14.00 | Women Lunch
- AdNetZero
19.00 - 21.30 | CMO diner IRG & VIA | Invite only
- A three course diner with IRG and VIA.
Wednesday 24 June
10.00 - 11.00 | Espresso Dealmaking Session (VIA members only)
13.00 - 15.00 | Future Bosses Lunch | Invite Only
Many activities at Cannes Lions are organized for senior levels and management. Except for the Future Bosses Lunch. In collaboration with RA*W and Young Dogs, we're organizing a lunch event for young talents and forward-thinking leaders, where participants have the chance to get to know the other side of the table. What's happening in each other's generation? Is it affecting work? And what can you learn from each other?
We will provide a nice mix of talents and leaders, conversation starters and lunch.
Thursday 25 June
10.00 - 11.00 | Espresso Dealmaking Session (VIA members only)
10.30 - 12.00 | Fireside chat: Supercharging Creativity
- Rob van Griensven (Heineken)
- Daniel Haije (GALA, lawyer at Hoogenraad & Haak)
12.00 - 15.00 | Creator Economy
Before you come aboard
We’re looking forward to welcoming you on board the Clipper Stad Amsterdam. To make sure everyone has a smooth and enjoyable experience, here are a few things to keep in mind:
An intimate setting
The ship offers a unique and intimate environment, which means space is limited. Therefore, you can register for one program session only, unless you have received a personal invitation for other sessions. Please only subscribe for the program that you really want to attend. To maintain a good balance between VIA members and international attendees, a fixed number of seats is allocated to each group. As a result, availability per session is limited. Pre-registration (1 week prior) is required – no registration = no access.
Getting to the ship
Our three-masted flagship is anchored in the bay of Cannes and can be reached by two tender boats (25 persons per boat). Please arrive at the dock at least 30 minutes before your session so you have enough time to board and settle in.
The exact location to board will be announced later.
Arrival on the day
Access is managed on a first come, first served basis, so we recommend arriving on time to secure your spot.
Bring your passport
As we are on international waters, a valid passport is required for boarding. When registering for any program, we kindly ask you to provide your full name, passport number, date of birth and nationality. This information is required for boarding access on international waters. Please note, your name must match.
Onboard conduct
We want to create a welcoming and safe environment for everyone on board. We expect all guests to respect the rules applicable on international waters. This means:
- No boarding under the obvious influence of alcohol
- No drugs allowed on board
- No hazardous items
We reserve the right to deny access if these conditions are not met. Follow all instructions from the crew and captain at all times.
Agreement to conditions
By taking your place on board the Clipper Stad Amsterdam, you agree to comply with the above conditions and any instructions provided by the crew and organization.
