WIN Lounge Cannes 2026 puts AI + Imagination at the Heart of Global Leadership

Women Inspiring Network (WIN) turned the spotlight on the future of creativity, culture and AI with the third edition of WIN Lounge at Cannes 2026, bringing together a cross‑section of global leaders, founders and innovators for a full day of conversations, workshops and networking at the iconic Hotel Martinez.

WIN Lounge at Cannes 2026

Hosted on June 25, 2026, the latest edition of WIN Lounge invited a global community of leaders, creators, entrepreneurs, technologists and changemakers to explore “The Power of Words, Worlds, and What’s Next” against the backdrop of the French Riviera during one of the world’s most influential creative gatherings. The program blended thought‑provoking panels, immersive sessions, a networking mixer, workshop experiences and live WIN Voices podcast recordings, creating a space where creativity met technology, business met purpose and diverse voices could exchange ideas on what’s coming next.

Opening the Lounge, Shilpa Maniar, Full‑Funnel AI Experiences at Amazon Ads, delivered a keynote that set the tone for the day’s focus on AI’s evolving role across media, marketing and brand storytelling. From there, a global lineup of speakers representing companies and organizations including Petzey, xpln.ai, Masimo, Nielsen, Starpower LLC, e.l.f. Beauty, RESISTER, WPP Media, Mphasis, RetailBoss, 21 Grams, Katalyst Venture Group, The Drum, Meta Point Advisors, Tigress Tigress, VINE Creatives, 160over90, Pereira O’Dell, De Beers Group, Funjetsetter, Roll Dot Agency, Provoke and IV.AI came together on stage.

Themes Shaping the Day

Across panels and fireside chats, conversations repeatedly returned to three core themes: culture, human connection and AI, which Stuti Jalan, Founder & Curator of Women Inspiring Network, identified as the threads tying the day together. Speaking about the gathering, she said, “At Cannes this year, we set out to create a space where people could come together not just to share ideas, but to challenge assumptions, build unexpected connections and reimagine the future… What made it special was the openness, curiosity and collaboration that continued beyond the stage.”

She also said the event was made possible through the support of partners LR Global, Practice Vision, MOJO Media and Masimo, whose backing helped bring the platform and conversations to life. Panels explored how AI is transforming creativity and marketing, what next‑generation leadership looks like, how cultural influence shapes brand and business decisions, and why health equity, women’s health innovation and technology for child protection are becoming central to the global innovation agenda.

Beyond the Lounge: Yacht Talks and Ipsos Collaboration

Beyond the main Lounge program, WIN extended its presence at Cannes 2026 through Yacht Talks 2026, where Stuti Jalan joined a series of discussions on the future of AI, innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship. In a conversation with Vince Lynch, CEO of IV.AI, she explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, decision‑making and human potential, while a separate dialogue with Stefanie Beach, CEO & Founder of The Marketeer Group, traced her entrepreneurial journey and the realities of balancing leadership, ambition and life beyond work.

A dedicated session in collaboration with Ipsos added another lens, as Stuti Jalan presented AI use‑cases around AI‑enabled healthcare access, women’s health innovation and technology for child protection during the Ipsos Lounge Series titled Alt Valleys: Tech Culture From Around The World. This focus highlighted how AI and data‑driven insights can unlock new pathways for equity and protection, especially for women and children, in different parts of the world.

Lasting Impact and What’s Next for WIN

The impact of WIN Lounge carried on well beyond the stage, with the networking mixer, workshop experiences and podcast recordings creating opportunities for attendees to build relationships that continue after Cannes. As an India‑led movement with a global voice, Women Inspiring Network has built its platform around convening women leaders, trailblazers and visionary voices through powerful conversations, meaningful networking, podcasts and global summits.

To date, WIN has hosted over 200+ panel discussions and collaborated with more than 500+ global leaders across AI, creativity, climate, culture, leadership, fashion, sustainability, gender equity, health, wealth and innovation at platforms including Davos, Cannes, New York during Climate Week alongside UNGA, London Climate Action Week, and the Clinton Global Initiative. Over the years, it has partnered with institutions such as the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, Invest India, Vital Voices, FICCI, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the Governments of Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, BMW India, the U.S. Embassy in India, and Indian Institute of Technology, reaffirming its role as a connector across public, private and non‑profit sectors.

Following Cannes 2026, Women Inspiring Network will continue convening global conversations with upcoming engagements at Climate Week New York, Davos 2027 and future editions across world platforms, further amplifying the voices and ideas first heard at WIN Lounge this year.