Cannes Lions 2019: Activision Blizzard, NBCUniversal and TikTok host roundtables on content

Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and MediaLink, the strategic advisory firm, have announced the first curated roundtable discussions taking place at CLX – Connect. Learn. Experience. – the new initiative where brands can meet, learn from and partner with world’s leading content creators and entertainment experts.

Taking place during the Cannes Lions Festival, CLX participants can partake in a selection of curated roundtables that will provide compelling insightful learnings and ideas for the creation of successful content. The first sessions to be announced are hosted by Activision Blizzard, the iconic interactive entertainment company; NBCUniversal, the world-leading media, entertainment and technology company; and TikTok, a leading destination for short-form mobile videos.

CLX takes place Tuesday 17 to Friday 21 June 2019 in Palais II during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The first two days (Tues and Wed) will be an invitation-only summit. CLX will be open to all Festival delegates on Thursday and Friday. Additional content creators and roundtable sessions will be announced shortly.

Their roundtables include:

The Art and Science of Building Beloved Stories – Activision Blizzard

Creating enduring stories that span decades means perfecting the art of storytelling to evolve with consumer habits across mobile, desktop, console, and now the on and offline worlds of esports. Activision Blizzard’s blockbuster games continue to enter the fabric of pop culture, as evidenced by sold out sporting arenas filled with esports fans. Participants will learn from gaming industry marketers on how to breathe new life into their beloved brand stories. This session will feature Daniel Cherry III (CMO, Activision Blizzard Esports Leagues) and Todd Harvey (Head of Global Marketing, Activision and Blizzard Entertainment.)

Loving your consumer is the first step to them loving your brand. Uncover how Activision Blizzard leverages the science of player insights to enhance the gameplay experience and keep audiences coming back to iconic franchises year after year. Participants will walk away with a fresh perspective on how to put their brand loyalists first. This session will feature Brian Ames (President, Activision Blizzard Media), Johanna Faries (Head of Call of Duty Esports, Activision Blizzard Esports Leagues), and Melissa Stein (Global Vice President of Ad Product, Activision Blizzard Media).

The Power of Creative Storytelling. The Power of Comedy in Storytelling. Tell Me a Story: How to Break through the Noise and Form a Real Connection – NBCUniversal

In a world of relentless transformation, creative storytelling still moves people. In their session, The Power of Creative Storytelling, Josh Feldman (EVP, Head of Marketing and Advertising Creative) and NBCU Creative Talent (Announced Soon) will explain how this unique mix of marketing, creative, production, and innovation is woven into NBCUniversal’s DNA.

For decades, NBCU has connected with audiences through laughter. In a second session, The Power of Comedy in Storytelling Masterclass, Josh Feldman, Britta von Shoeler (President, Broadway Video Enterprises), and Ana Gasteyer (SNL), will share their insights and expertise to help creators effectively wield the power of comedy.

In today’s fragmented media environment, stories have to reach audiences where they are. In NBCUniversal’s final session, Tell Me a Story: How to Break Through the Noise and Form a Real Connection, NBCUniversal, WPP, Lincoln, Gillette, and the US Navy will discuss how they’re connecting with audiences across all platforms.

Authenticity wins: TikTok’s Formula for Success. Everyone is a Creator: Unlocking the Power of UGC – TikTok

TikTok empowers its Generation Z and millennial users with a mobile platform and tools to be creative and honest while building an audience of millions of fans. Its first roundtable session (Authenticity Wins: TikTok’s Formula for Success) brings valuable guidance from the fastest-growing short-form video app of 2019 on what moves and inspires young creatives around the world, as well as how influencers are creating change and establishing authentic voices that resonate deeply.

In Everyone is a Creator: Unlocking the Power of UGC, TikTok will share key insights on how users create and interact on the platform and the power of authentic storytelling in a world where unique voices matter. TikTok’s roundtables will be hosted by several global executives including Blake Chandlee (Vice President, Global Business Solutions), Corrina Chen (GM, Global Marketing Solutions) and Matty Lin (Managing Director, Monetization and Partnerships).

Michael Kassan, Chairman and CEO of MediaLink, said, “The curated roundtables at CLX will give brands and agencies a window into the minds of the modern consumer. In intimate conversation with some of the best storytellers in the business, they’ll come away with a practical understanding of the magic that goes into content that captivates. It’s a special opportunity for knowledge-sharing that will keep powerful stories at the center of great, effective marketing.”

Louise Benson, VP Festivals, Cannes Lions, said, “This is a unique and unmissable opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world’s leading content creation experts to learn from and be inspired to drive better experiences for consumers.”