Mark Allen & Co. Unveils Multi-Stage Thought Leadership Model

Jun. 17, 2026

Mark Allen & Co., a public relations agency specializing in amplifying confident brands, today announced an expanded thought leadership model featuring premier activations at Cannes Lions 2026.

Mark Allen & Co. is curating high-level conversations across five of the festival's most sought-after venues: LBB Beach, Unplugged Collective, Creators & Culture Villa, Brands & Culture, and Signal. In collaboration with the organizers, the team led the development of panel topics based on current news and activation themes, speaker placement and preparation, and event promotion. 

Mark Pasetsky, Founder and CEO, Mark Allen & Co. said:

"Cannes is where the industry's biggest conversations happen, and we architected a model that puts our clients and other industry leaders at the center of them throughout the festival. While everyone debates what AI will replace, one thing is certain: It cannot replicate a speaker on stage. The audience knows the difference.”

 

The full schedule features five activation partnerships, curated panels, and networking events. This includes:

Monday, June 22

• LBB Beach – Indie Agency Kickoff Breakfast for marketing and agency leaders, opening the week at 10 am.

• Unplugged Collective – A panel at 3:30 pm curated by Mark Allen & Co.'s LGBTQ+ division, PrideNOW, on LGBTQ+ narratives and their expanding role in mainstream culture.

Tuesday, June 23

• Creators & Culture Villa – A panel exploring emotion-driven creative strategy at 10:15 am and a discussion around AI-driven brand visibility at 11:50 am.

• Brands & Culture – A conversation at 3:10 pm on Gen Z, mega-sports moments, and what it takes to convert cultural energy into lasting brand relationships.

Wednesday, June 24

• LBB Beach - The Confident Brand Forum – A hosted breakfast and two panels exploring what it takes to build and sustain a confident brand and stop playing it safe, from 10 am to 11:30 am.

• Signal at Hotel Le Suquet – Two sessions tackling why earned media is crucial in the age of AI and how comms professionals need to be in the room from Day One. 

In addition to its five activation partnerships, Mark Allen & Co. clients are speaking on various stages across Cannes Lions throughout the week. 

The new multi-stage speaking model launching at Cannes Lions will also be activated at premier industry gatherings throughout the year, including Advertising Week, CES, SXSW, and POSSIBLE.

The announcement follows Mark Allen & Co.’s recent acquisition of Alban Communications, adding a Miami office to the firm's existing New York and Los Angeles locations. Mark Allen & Co. also unveiled a refreshed logo and brand identity with a new tagline, “Confident Brands Win.”