For the past 14 years, one spreadsheet has made the rounds around adland each June: Propeller’s Cannes Lions 2026 Fringe Events and Parties List.
This year, the list has evolved from a Google Doc to become a searchable microsite with almost 900 fringe events, 30 World Cup group-stage matches, and, for the first time, around 360 official Cannes Lions Palais sessions and awards shows.
Ben Titchmarsh, Propeller’s associate group business development director, started the project in 2012 as “Ben’s Party List” to help himself and a few friends navigate the festival. Since then, it’s turned from a casual survival guide into a relied-upon resource.
“The first time I attended Cannes Lions more than a decade ago, I didn’t really know anyone,” he told ADWEEK. “I quickly realized the industry was a contact sport and that a huge amount of the value of Cannes happened outside the Palais itself, across beaches, hotels, restaurants, yachts, and late-night gatherings happening all over the Croisette.”
In the early years, Titchmarsh handled all the data entry, but today a small team from Propeller sources the intel and pulls it all together “over many hours,” with event organizers increasingly submitting information directly.
More than 6,000 people signed up to receive a copy last year. Along with programming, this year’s list maps wellness events, breakfasts, dinners, brand activations, and more, underpinned by tech from Ace Workflow.
At its core, the list has always been about turning information into a form of inclusion, as Titchmarsh puts it, helping first-timers and people from outside the traditional ad world navigate the festival with a bit more confidence.
ADWEEK got a first peek at the new-look list. Below, our on-the-ground team has picked out the gatherings, events, and meetups to add to your calendar.
PMG’s AI & Tech Sandbox
Alison Weissbrot, executive editor
PMG is making a splash this year with its first AI & Tech Sandbox, blending creativity and emerging technology at Miramar Beach.
The space promises AI showcases, an innovation marketplace, and a hackathon with a $500,000 cash prize. I’m intrigued to see how these futuristic vibes fit for CES will translate to the Riviera shores.
Spotify Beach
Brittaney Kiefer, creativity editor
Every year at Cannes, I make sure to stop by Spotify Beach. One of my favorite podcasters is usually speaking on stage, plus the beach serves the best iced coffee. If you’re lucky enough to score a ticket, also try to make it to one of the nighttime concerts.
Even if you’re not on the list, though, you can find a place to perch along the Croisette and listen in.
