2025 was a year unlike any other for the industry. With AI reshaping workflows, tighter budgets, and teams stretched thin, the pressure to perform at every major event was intense. Yet, amid this chaos, something shifted. Connection became more than a buzzword—it turned into a competitive advantage. And nowhere was that shift more visible than through Unplugged, which grew from a newcomer to an essential presence at the industry’s biggest stages. In 2025, Unplugged sparked a

In June during Cannes Lions, we created a space for publishers, technology leaders, and industry experts to gather for an unfiltered...

Pride Month is a time to celebrate identity, visibility, and community. But as Cannes Lions nears, LGBTQ+ programming feels noticeably absent. So Unplugged's Mike Richter teamed up with Zach Rosen and Justine Frostad to ask the industry a simple question: Where are you? Read the latest edition of The Unplugged Edit—a call for visibility, accountability, and showing up when it matters most.

A celebration and curation of the top women-focused events happening during Cannes Lions 2025, Women Who Cannes is part of The Unplugged Edit series from Unplugged Collective. Featuring a candid Q&A between Erica Fieldman and Hollis Guerra, the post explores key themes like women in sports, AI, fearless leadership, and redefining access—plus a curated list of 100+ standout gatherings where women take center stage.

Headed to Cannes Lions? Our Unplugged Survival Kit is your no-fluff, all-vibes guide to navigating the Croisette. From packing tips and party strategy to real advice on RSVPs, meetings, and staying human in the chaos—this is everything we wish someone told us the first time. Bonus moves included.