The Download: Microsoft Advertising x Cannes Lions 2022

In our absolute best French accent Bonjour! And welcome to a special episode of The Download shot in Cannes, France.

It's been three years since the International Festival of Creativity took place in person, and Microsoft Advertising was thrilled to be back and reconnect with the brightest minds in the advertising industry. Presented by Jennifer Solomon-Baum, Director, Americas Marketing at Microsoft Advertising, join us for an energetic and electric Cannes Lions experience through our eyes that’s easily felt through the screen.

In episode 15, leadership from both organizations discuss our timely Xandr acquisition, and Jennifer interviews industry experts on the future of retail and the future of work. Our Inclusive Marketing Lab—with MJ DePalma, Global Director of Cultural and Inclusive Business Impact at Microsoft Advertising—explores various research and initiatives to overcome bias in data and to encourage brands to take a stand and deliver good (inclusive) marketing.

#CannesLions2022 was undoubtedly filled with lots of sunshine, purposeful discussions, and limitless opportunities to make meaningful connections. So, grab your sunglasses, and let's get into our brightest moments.

Want to skip straight to the episode? Watch it here.

Celebrating a timely partnership: Xandr acquisition

We at Microsoft Advertising are delighted to officially announce the timely acquisition of Xandr, a data-enabled technology platform powering a global marketplace for premium advertising. To celebrate this milestone, join us for an exclusive "behind the scenes" interview with corporate vice-president, Rob Wilk, and Xandr executive vice-president, Mike Welch. They sat down to discuss how both organizations coming together will help marketers achieve their advertising objectives.

Les Petites Interviews: The future of work and retail

Inspired by our usual Big Interview segment, in this episode, we present "Les Petites Interviews," short discussions with industry experts on two key topics we heard a lot in Cannes: The future of retail and the future of work.

The future of retail discussions:

• Hybrid shopping and online/offline promotion obstacles brands are facing with Glen Conybeare, Global President, Reprise Commerce
• Retail shifts and emerging trends accelerated by the pandemic with Brieane Olson, President of PACSUN
• Consumer health trends fueled by the pandemic with Katie Williams, CMO US, GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
• The consumer’s media experience online with Dan Hagen, EVP Global Head of Media Experience, Havas Media Group
• Why bringing empathy to your data matters with Justine Billingsley, CMO, Publicis Groupe

The future of work discussions:

• Building a community structure within your organization with Paul Mead, Executive Board, Jellyfish
• DEI Square: Why diversity, equity, inclusion, and intentionality are the foundation of a great retention strategy with Cid Wilson, President & CEO, HACR
• How individuals are aligning their work with their values with Obele Brown-West, Chief Solutions Officer, Tinuiti

Inclusive Marketing Lab: Data bias and how to take a meaningful stand against it

How industries collect and analyze data should carry equal importance and effort. Both should be designed to build equitable access to products and services for all. Our Inclusive Marketing Lab includes clips and insights from a panel discussion on "Equity Every Day" and how marketers can bridge the knowledge-action gap.

The segment features Nadia Masri, CEO at Perksy; Ty Health, Director of Marketing Engagement, The B2B Institute at LinkedIn; Kerry Collinge, Director of Growth and Partnerships at System1 Group; Andrew Robertson, President and CEO at BBDO; and Jason Rosario, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at BBDO, all of which then sit down to discuss data bias and the importance of inclusive customer journeys with Jennifer and MJ DePalma, Global Director of Cultural and Inclusive Business Impact at Microsoft Advertising.

Featured research:

• Equity Every Day: How marketers can bridge the DEI knowledge-action gap at work by The B2B Institute at LinkedIn
• Diversity in Advertising a guide to getting it right by System1 Group

Watch our sunshine-filled Cannes episode of The Download now!

And that's a wrap, friends! Season 2 of The Download has officially ended, and what an exciting season it was. We’re now gearing up for a thrilling and thought-provoking season 3, so in the meantime, catch up on any episodes you missed on YouTube or our website at MicrosoftAdvertising.com/TheDownload.

Relive past episodes of The Download

Episode 14: Travel is back!

Special edition: How the power of purpose was changed by the pandemic, filmed at The Gathering in Banff, Alberta

Episode 13: The Workday Consumer

Episode 12: The return of the PC

Episode 11: Impactful, inclusive, and creative marketing

Episode 10: Gen Z, Advertising Week, and the Self-Care Enthusiast

Episode 9: Who is your audience?

Episode 8: Retail insights and trends