Cannes Lions Festival highlights AI and sports’ impact on advertising

By Anietie Udoh

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, held this week on the French Riviera, drew about 12,000 ad executives from around the world to discuss the future of the advertising industry. Key topics included the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the growing importance of sports in marketing.

AI’s increasing role in content creation was a major focus. Advertisers are using AI to generate images for social media and websites, raising concerns about the technology’s potential to replace human creativity. Elon Musk, speaking at the event, suggested that AI could eventually perform the work of creative professionals, a notion that sparked considerable debate among attendees. “AI is poised to change the way we think about creativity,” said Musk. “It’s not about replacing humans but enhancing what we can do.”

The festival also emphasized the value of sports in reaching large audiences. With traditional TV audiences fragmenting, live sports events have become crucial for marketers. Women’s sports, in particular, are gaining popularity, offering new opportunities for brands to connect with consumers. Prominent athletes like Megan Rapinoe and Travis Kelce attended, highlighting the intersection of sports and advertising. “Sports are a universal language that transcends boundaries,” said Rapinoe. “For brands, this means an unparalleled opportunity to engage with diverse audiences.”

For African audiences, these trends are significant. As AI technology evolves, it could offer new tools for content creation across the continent, but it also raises questions about job displacement in the creative sector. Similarly, the focus on sports marketing provides opportunities for African athletes and sports organizations to attract global attention and sponsorships. Commenting on this, Nigerian advertising executive Amaka Okafor said, “AI presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Africa. While it can enhance our creative capabilities, we must ensure it complements rather than replaces our unique human talent.”

The festival showcased the potential of sports marketing to drive brand engagement. With the increasing popularity of African athletes on the global stage, there is a growing potential for African brands to leverage these figures in their marketing campaigns. The upcoming media rights deal for the National Basketball Association (NBA) is expected to further elevate the importance of sports in advertising strategies.

The Cannes Lions Festival, with its discussions and high-profile attendees, underscored the dynamic changes in the advertising industry, changes that will likely influence global and African markets alike. As brands and agencies navigate these trends, the integration of AI and sports marketing will be crucial in shaping the future of advertising.