At Cannes Lions 2026, Empathy Lab by EPAM is bringing that conversation to life: across panels, intimate lunches and partner sessions with AdWeek, The Drum, Amazon, Sitecore, and more.
We're exploring what the brands defining the next decade are building next: a growth operating system where creativity, data, technology and experience work as one. This is the work we do with the world's most ambitious brands. Cannes is where we'd like to do it with yours.
Are you attending Cannes Lions 2026? Our calendar fills quickly. If you'd like to connect with the Empathy Lab team – whether over a session, a lunch or a conversation on the Croisette – get in touch now.
Craft for feeling. Build for growth.
Join us at Cannes Lions 2026.
Craft for feeling. Build for growth.
Join us at Cannes Lions 2026.
Creativity without a system is just a spark. A system without creativity is just machinery. The brands winning right now have learned to ignite both.
Meet our team at Cannes
David Billings, VP, GTM EMEA
David leads Empathy Lab in EMEA. He works with CMOs and leadership teams to connect data, creativity, media and commerce into coordinated growth systems.
Ben Hall, VP, GTM North America
Ben leads Empathy Lab North America, guiding marketers through the agentic era with AI-powered systems that scale intimacy, align creativity, data, and growth.
Alex Van Gestel, VP, Head of Benelux and Consumer & Services EMEA
Alex Van Gestel leads the Benelux region for EPAM Systems and drives the Consumer Industry vertical go-to-market in EMEA. Alex brings a rare hybrid perspective across brand leadership, marketing transformation and technology consulting.
Irina Yurevich, VP, Consumer & Services, North America
Irina leads Empathy Lab’s Consumer & Services practice in North America, turning AI, commerce, and data strategies into resilient growth, bridging vision and execution for the brands she guides.
Diana Abebrese, Global Retail Media Lead, EMEA
Diana helps our clients build and scale their retail media networks. She’s passionate about working with clients on next-gen AI-enabled solutions that drive not just incremental high-margin revenues, but also relevant omni-channel customer experiences.
Liz Salway, Managing Principal, Global Marketing Solutions
As a marketing and advertising executive, Liz supports clients to harness the power of their data to deliver better consumer acquisition and retention strategies.
Ward de Kruiff, VP, Business Consulting
Ward leads the consulting practice and is focussing on next-generation commerce and marketing for enterprise clients. He uses his strategic mindset and technologies like AI and immersive experiences to redefine how businesses connect with customers.
Some of our events across the week
AdWeek House Panel: the death of the campaign
The era of the standalone campaign is over. So, what’s next? Join our provocative panel with AdWeek as we dissect the future of the creative unit. We'll explore how to build a system that engineers for growth while creating moments that audiences can truly feel. Discover the new blueprint for sustained creative excellence.
Date & Time: Thursday, June 25th at 1:25 PM
Location: Adweek House (Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes)
Sitecore Cabana: meet your synthetic audience
The most expensive mistake in marketing isn't a bad idea. It's a brilliant one that fails to connect. Step into the Sitecore Cabana for an exclusive look at Synthetic Audiences, a revolutionary approach that gives marketers their instincts back and then gives those instincts scale. Let's feel the future, together.
Date & Time: Info coming soon
Location: Promenade de la Croisette
Empathy Lab & Amazon Ads Showcase
The next generation of media is agentic. Join us for drinks and an exclusive demo with AWS to witness how intelligent, autonomous systems are set to redefine the media landscape. Discover how we're building the platforms that will power the next decade of content and connection.
Date & Time: Info coming soon
Location: Info coming soon
The Drum TV: beyond the media plan
$1 billion in media investment. One agentic platform. What comes next? Stay tuned for a special session broadcast from The Drum's Cannes studio, as Empathy Lab and Amazon Ads discuss building the media infrastructure that the next decade of brand growth will run on.
Date & Time: Publication date coming soon
Location: The Drum TV Studio
World Cup Watch Party: England V Ghana
Join Sitecore and Empathy Lab for the England vs Ghana game on one of the biggest screens on the Croisette. Enjoy a complimentary bar, snacks and mingling with fellow football fans. Spaces are very limited, so register below to secure your place!
Date & Time: 23 June 2026 | Doors 20:30, kick-off: 22:00 (local time)
Location: Sitecore Cabana, Boulevard de la Croisette
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