Breaking Barriers at Cannes Lions
Dream Network Media
Cannes Lions Impact Cohort
An Exclusive Cohort for Impact-Driven Creative Leaders
Dream Network Media is proud to lead a vision-driven initiative to bring together a hand-selected group of trailblazing entrepreneurs and industry leaders of color for an unparalleled experience at Cannes Lions 2025 – the world’s most influential festival for creativity and brand innovation.
This program was designed to provide exclusive access, premium networking opportunities, and immersive industry insights – ensuring that diverse voices are not just present, but leading the conversation on the future of media, marketing, and storytelling.
While our initial brand sponsors have chosen to pause financial support until 2026 due to ongoing global and economic uncertainties, we are still committed to offering access and presence where possible.
🎟️ A limited number of delegate passes are available for those who are still planning to attend Cannes Lions independently. If you’re able to travel to Cannes, we invite you to join the Dream Network Media delegation and take part in this powerful community experience.
For those we’ve already spoken with: if you’re able to attend Cannes independently and are still interested in participating in our on-the-ground experience, please get in touch directly.
About the Program
Empowering the Future of Creativity & Leadership at Cannes Lions
The Dream Network Media Cannes Lions Impact Cohort was created to address one of the biggest challenges in our industries: access.
Our mission is to ensure that diverse, impact-driven creative entrepreneurs and business leaders of color are not only visible at global events like Cannes Lions—but also supported, connected, and positioned to lead.
This cohort is about more than just presence. It’s about amplifying voices, opening doors, and equipping changemakers to navigate high-level spaces with strategy, support, and community.
While we had hoped to provide full travel and accommodation support this year, our original sponsors have postponed their commitment until 2026 due to current global economic uncertainty. Still, our commitment to the mission remains firm.
For those who are able to attend Cannes Lions independently, we’re continuing to offer for a select few:
✅ Delegate pass access
✅ Pre-event strategic support
✅ Connections to private events and curated experiences
✅ Ongoing community through Dream Network Media’s network of leaders and creators
This year may look different—but the impact is still very real.
Dates & Tentative Schedule
📍 Location: Cannes, France
📅 Dates: June 16 – 20, 2025 (Cannes Lions Festival)
The Dream Network Media Cannes Lions Impact Cohort is designed to provide maximum exposure and networking opportunities at Cannes Lions. While each participant will have the flexibility to curate their own festival experience, there are a few key required touchpoints to ensure alignment, preparation, and reflection.
Tentative Cohort Schedule
🖥️ Pre-Festival Zoom Call (Required)
📅 Monday, June 2, 2025 (Two weeks before Cannes Lions)
- Orientation to help participants navigate the festival, maximize networking, and plan their experience.
- Overview of available events, access opportunities, and cohort expectations.
🍽️ Monday, June 16, 2025
Arrival in Cannes (for those receiving travel support, subject to sponsorship availability)
– Welcome Dinner & Networking Mixer (Required)
- Official cohort kickoff with introductions and key industry guests.
- A chance to connect before the festival begins.
🎟️ Tuesday, June 17 – Friday, June 20, 2025 – Cannes Lions Festival (Flexible Schedule)
- Participants will have the freedom to attend keynotes, panels, networking events, and industry meetups of their choice.
- Specialized access to select industry groups and events available.
- No additional cohort requirements—the focus is on maximizing personal connections and opportunities.
🖥️ Post-Festival Wrap-Up Zoom Call (Required)
📅 Monday, June 30, 2025 (One week after Cannes Lions)
- Reflection on the experience, takeaways, and next steps.
- Strengthening cohort connections for long-term industry impact.
Code of Conduct
All cohort participants will be official Cannes Lions delegates under Dream Network Media and must agree to the Cannes Lions Code of Conduct.