SRMG will host a series of discussions, immersive activations and experiences, and live performances that represent the transforming media landscape in the MENA region.
Saudi Research Media Group (SRMG) will be back at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity for the second year with an even bigger presence at Rado Plage on the Croisette, from June 19-23, 2023.
The SRMG Beach Experience will feature panels, talks, workshops and live performances from the biggest names in the media, technology, and creativity industry along with live performances.
Over the course of five days, the SRMG Beach Experience will highlight the transformation and trends taking place in the creative and tech industries across the world through conversations with the pioneers, entrepreneurs and executives from companies, such as Brut and TikTok. These leaders have created innovative platforms that have revolutionised the way the new generation consumes content. The programme will explore challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the media and creative industries, and how to leverage disruptive advertising technologies and tech solutions. The in-depth discussions will also feature the latest names defining popular culture, including TV star Mo Amer, and songwriter and rapper Belly.
Panels and talks with the industry’s top innovators will delve into the biggest trends and challenges impacting the industry and what this means for the future of the media industry. A discussion on how AI will impact the future of creativity, how film and entertainment can bridge cultures, the growth of the music scene in the Middle East and North Africa, and how communities have the power to build top-notch brands will be included in the panels.
The panellist includes CEO of Brut Media Guillaume Lacroix; digital entrepreneur Karen Wazen; President of Billboard Mike Van; filmmaker Bryn Mooser; Co-founder of Anghami Eli Habib; Founder of Good People Ali Ali; CEO of Omnicom Media Group MENA Elda Choucair; and CCO of BBDO Ali Rez
The SRMG Beach Experience will also feature immersive and interactive artificial intelligence and augmented reality activations for attendees from some of SRMG’s leading brands, including an Asharq Business with Bloomberg AI video booth that will put guests’ reporting skills to the test. Asharq Al-Awsat will have an arcade game, where players will have to choose between real and fake news. Manga Arabia will utilise the latest AI face filter technology to allow guests to transform into their favourite characters, and HIA Magazine will bring the latest fashion trends to life through augmented reality.
In 2022, SRMG’s participation at Cannes Lions represented the first MENA presence at the festival. There was significant interest from international companies to partner and collaborate with SRMG, which has led to several new agreements and initiatives. In 2023, SRMG has increased its presence to showcase its media and business portfolio on the global stage, partner with strategic and established brands, and elevate local and regional talent.
This year, SRMG also partnered with Cannes Lions to launch the first Saudi Young Lions competition. SRMG held a competition in Saudi Arabia to find the best young talent to compete in the global competition at Cannes.
Speaking about the participation, Jomana R. Al-Rashid, CEO of SRMG, said: “Nurturing young talent is an important aspect of our broader transformation strategy, and SRMG is focused on driving innovation and empowering the next generation of media leaders and content creators. We have partnered with global players to expand our portfolio and provide a stage to showcase our creative talent and stories to the world. This includes partnering with Cannes Lions to launch the first-ever. Saudi Young Lions competition, where the winners will represent Saudi Arabia at the Global Young Lions competition in Cannes. Cannes Lions is the perfect environment to highlight the creative revolution taking place in the MENA region. This is why we are excited to use this year’s festival as a platform to announce the next major step in our growth and expansion strategy.”
The lineup of industry greats will be complimented each night with live performances. On Thursday night, June 22, SRMG is transforming the beach for the second edition of MENA Night, featuring live performances from renowned singer Elyanna, known for her fusion of Latin and Middle Eastern sounds, and DJ Rodge.
