UK government and the advertising industry have partnered to create a unique opportunity around Cannes Lions for all UK advertising and marketing services companies looking to build international revenues. A special online venue, UK House, will open and run networking and lead generation events for six months from July 8th, celebrating the very best of UK creativity as awarded by Cannes Lions. In addition, 150 companies are invited to join the Lions Live global community and network with international prospects.
Following the success of UK House at SXSW, the virtual venue will re-open its doors to a global audience with trends from Cannes Lions Live 2021 and sessions from UK Lions winners and jurors, workshops and masterclasses on exporting creative services. In addition, the UK Advertising Export Group (UKAEG) will host four virtual trade missions including 10+ networking sessions with regions such as China, Africa, North and South America. The event will be free to attend for thinkers, makers, and investors from around the world to meet and hear from leading UK experts. Not only will this invite consideration from potential international clients, but it will also inspire and equip those new to exporting with the confidence and tools needed to start.
In addition, UKAEG and DIT have 150 12-month LIONS Membership passes available to companies keen to start their export journey. The year-round membership provides free access to Cannes Lions Live in June and Lions Live in October, to high quality networking and training programmes, exclusive members events and access to The Work Classic – a database of winning Lions Award entries from 1956-2000. The goal of UKAEG is to provide more British businesses than ever with the chance to promote their services and to meet with potential international partners and buyers.
Applications for Cannes Lions membership and/or to attend or speak at UK House regarding a topic that reflects the 2021 Cannes Lions content themes are now open. UKAEG welcomes fully proofed, diverse, focused and forward-thinking talks, workshops and case studies. Applications are welcomed from all UK companies that sell services to brands and fall into the Creative Industries across advertising, screen, immersive, experience, music, design and branding, social media and games. Apply here before Friday 18th June and book your free seat at UK House here.
Janet Hull OBE, Chair, UKAEG and CIC CreaTech, and IPA Director of Marketing Strategy, commented: “Everything is changing for new business and so is the UKAEG game plan for how to best support our UK companies and market UK Advertising. Following its success at SXSW, UK House at Cannes Lions Live is part of our wider aspirations to continue to position the UK as the creative and digital innovation hub to the world and an ideal partner for business growth. The UK is a true gateway to the wider world for any firm seeking to go global and to reach a worldwide consumer. The demand for British creative industries and advertising services in markets like the US and China is real and significant.”
