4 BIG TAKEAWAYS FROM RECAPS & ROSÉ
Posted by Luna on Aug. 17, 2026 / Subscribe 0
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Recaps & Rosé event! It was an evening filled with candid industry insights, meaningful networking, and of course, a great glass of rosé. A very special thank you to our wonderful hosts at Kargo, as well as our fantastic moderator Jeannine Shao Collins, Chief Client Officer at Kargo. Thank you for all that you do to take our events to the next level!
If you couldn't make it (or want a quick refresher on the key insights), we’ve got you covered! Here is your quick-look recap of what our expert panel discussed regarding the state of media, technology, and creativity following Cannes Lions 2026.
4 Big Takeaways from Recaps & Rosé
1. Ideas Are Back at the Center Stage
The era of "tech for tech's sake" has settled down. While AI tools continue to advance, the industry is returning to creative fundamentals. Technology is the delivery system, but human emotion and strong ideas are what drive consumer action.
2. AI is Infrastructure, Not a Novelty
AI is no longer a gimmick, it’s an operational amplifier. Panelists emphasized that AI won't replace human creativity, but professionals who harness AI will outpace those who don't.
3. Creators & Sports Drive Modern Culture
From Stagwell’s massive Sports Beach to appearances by creators and icons like Oprah, athletes and content creators have moved to the center of marketing strategy. They are IP owners, entrepreneurs, and primary brand distribution channels.
4. Smart ROI & Intentional Connections
Whether navigating Cannes or NYC networking, depth beats breadth. Leaving room for unscheduled, authentic conversations often yields far greater ROI than back-to-back pitch meetings.
In Their Own Words: Big Ideas, Bold Truths, & Riviera Realities
Julie Levin
SVP, Strategic Growth, Stagwell
On the Evolution of Sport Beach: "Five years ago, we stood on the beach at Cannes and realized sports were completely missing from the experience. Today, sports isn't just about sponsorship—it's culture. Bringing 7,000 attendees through Sport Beach proved that athletes aren't just talent; they are entrepreneurs, media channels, and central business partners."
Ali Amarsy
Chief Strategy Officer, Digitas North America
On AI Differentiation: "When every agency has access to the exact same AI tools, technology is no longer your edge. The brief is back because the differentiator is once again core strategic thinking. It’s about out-thinking the problem rather than just out-automating your competitors."
Ashley Holmes
Head of Marketing & Partnerships, LUMA Partners
On Navigating the Heat & Managing Energy: "You don't need to spend $15,000 on a Palais pass or sprint down the Croisette sweating between 15-minute meetings. Be intentional, pull back on rigid schedules, protect your team's energy, and focus on curated spaces where real trust is built."
⭐ Member Spotlight: Marci Weisler
We were thrilled to spotlight Marci Weisler (Managing Director, Business Development, Oaklins DeSilva + Phillips) Marcy shared her journey of commercializing emerging tech and issued a powerful call to action: we must actively bridge the funding and exit gaps for female founders. Her work reminds us why the Alliance for Women in Media community exists—to uplift bold ideas, foster mentorship, and champion women leaders across media and technology
As our board member Kanene so eloquently put it - “Marcy is more than a woman in this industry. She is a force, and she not only continues to do so at the highest level, she is also a magnet, drawing others to her and supporting us on our journey."
Thank you Marcy for being such an incredible inspiration and member of the Alliance for Women in Media!
What’s Next?
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Stay Connected: Missed a contact at the event? Be sure to connect with fellow attendees and panelists on LinkedIn!
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Get Involved: Keep an eye out for our upcoming fall programming and spotlight opportunities.
Thank you once again to our incredible speakers, organizers, and members who make this community so vibrant!
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