AI & Tech Sandbox Powered by PMG Unveils Cannes Lions 2026 Program Focused on the Future of AI
The AI & Tech Sandbox, powered by PMG, has officially announced the first wave of programming for its highly anticipated Cannes Lions 2026 experience. Designed as a destination for hands-on learning and innovation, the event will bring together leaders from technology, marketing, media, retail, investment, and creative industries to explore the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Hosted at Miramar Beach from June 22 to June 26, the AI & Tech Sandbox aims to move beyond surface-level conversations around AI and deliver practical insights, real-world applications, and collaborative experiences for attendees.
A New AI Experience at Cannes Lions 2026
Unlike traditional conference environments, the AI & Tech Sandbox is being positioned as a space built for exploration, experimentation, and actionable learning. The experience will feature live discussions, interactive showcases, workshops, and networking sessions designed to help brands and businesses better understand how AI is reshaping creativity, commerce, customer engagement, and media.
“The industry does not need another place to passively listen to conversations about AI,” said George Popstefanov, Founder and CEO of PMG. “It needs a place where people can learn, test ideas, collaborate, and understand what technologies truly matter.”
According to Popstefanov, the Sandbox is designed for marketers, creators, and business leaders looking to understand how AI can generate measurable value and practical business impact.
Main Stage Sessions to Feature Top AI and Business Leaders
The AI & Tech Sandbox main stage will host a curated lineup of influential voices discussing the future of technology, media, marketing, and innovation.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Benedict Evans, independent analyst, discussing macro technology trends shaping the future of business and consumer behavior.
- Steve Huffman, CEO of Reddit, sharing insights on trust, identity, and online communities in the AI era.
- Brieane Olson, CEO of Pacsun, exploring how brands can operationalize AI to drive measurable growth.
- Amit Jain, CEO and Founder of Luma AI, speaking about “unified intelligence” and the next evolution of creative AI.
- Jay Pattisall, VP and Principal Analyst at Forrester, analyzing how AI is transforming marketing technology services.
- Laura Held of Shamrock Capital and Lucy Dobrin of Providence Equity Partners, offering investor perspectives on AI innovation and market opportunities.
Additional speakers and programming announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
Interactive AI Experiences and Innovation Showcases
Beyond keynote discussions, the AI & Tech Sandbox will offer multiple discovery-focused experiences designed to make AI more accessible and actionable.
Innovation Gallery
The Innovation Gallery will feature curated exhibits and live demonstrations from leading technology companies, giving attendees direct exposure to cutting-edge AI platforms, tools, and solutions shaping the future of marketing and business.
AI & Tech Bazaar
The AI & Tech Bazaar will serve as an open-air showcase where emerging AI startups, media innovators, and technology companies can demonstrate their products and infrastructure through immersive experiences and live demos.
Meet-Ups and Workshops
The Sandbox will also host smaller learning-focused sessions, including:
- Roundtables
- Skill-building workshops
- Bootcamps
- Salons
- Hands-on working sessions
These experiences are designed to encourage meaningful conversations, practical problem-solving, and deeper collaboration among attendees.
Global AI Hackathon to Launch During Cannes Lions 2026
One of the biggest highlights of the AI & Tech Sandbox will be its inaugural global hackathon, inviting innovators worldwide to develop AI-powered solutions addressing challenges across media, marketing, creativity, automation, and technology.
The hackathon officially begins on June 22 with the release of a global challenge brief. Participating teams will have until June 24 to submit:
- A working prototype or interactive demo
- A recorded walkthrough presentation
- A detailed explanation of the concept and business impact
Winning teams will compete for a cash prize pool of up to $500,000 aimed at helping scale breakthrough ideas and accelerate innovation.
Finalist projects will be showcased on the AI & Tech Sandbox main stage during Cannes Lions, with winners announced at the End of Cannes Soirée on Thursday, June 25.
AI, Marketing, and Innovation Take Center Stage
As AI adoption accelerates across industries, the AI & Tech Sandbox reflects a growing demand for practical education, collaboration, and experimentation around emerging technologies.
By combining thought leadership, hands-on learning, live demos, and startup innovation, the Cannes Lions 2026 initiative aims to create a more meaningful and actionable AI experience for marketers, creators, investors, and business leaders alike.
