The Zeitgeist: June 20, 2025

Today's Edition: Cannes, Reddit and Soft Clubbing

Good morning. Today wraps the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, advertising’s glitziest celebration that brings together agencies, brands, creators and tech companies in the sun-soaked French Riviera. AI continued to be at the center of most conversations, with more of a focus on practical applications and how to use the tools better to improve outcomes. Brands went big on experiential, creating extravagant spaces from Spotify Beach to Pinterest Manifestival to Amazon Port. There were more creators, celebrities and influencers than ever before, with Big Tech firms and agencies bringing over Alix Earle, Bethenny Frankel and others to participate in programming and events. Ad Age kept a running list of updates from the festival, from Grand Prix winners to “man on the street”-style interviews with attendees. Key takeaways are poised to shape the creative industry in the year ahead.

Campaigns

Earned-friendly campaigns & clever moments

Also, Katz’ Deli x Rocco’s orange mini fridge, Capri Sun’s Solstice Pouch, Cinnabon’s mini toy replicas, DUDE Wipes’ Bubble Bum-scented wipes for kids and Four Seasons’ The White Lotus-inspired private jet experience.

Culture 

Snackable bites of consumer culture

Corporate

Commerce

Shopper society snapshot

Connections

Feed intelligence

Media Moves:

  • Maura Barrett, formerly reporter and producer at NBC News, is now business and technology correspondent at Scripps News, covering the intersection of the economy, technology and science. She is relocating to Denver, CO.

  • Kim Last, formerly head of live journalism and special content at The Wall Street Journal, is now editorial director of BI Live at Business Insider. BI Live is the new events business that aims to translate its journalism to global audiences through interactive event formats.

  • Maxine Joselow, formerly staff writer at The Washington Post, is now climate change reporter at The New York Times. She starts June 23.

  • Sabrina Sanchez, formerly senior creativity reporter at Ad Age, is now community growth editor at the same outlet, leading its community engagement efforts across digital platforms and emerging spaces.

  • Veronica de Souza, formerly executive digital director at Inc., is now executive director of audience development and content strategy at Wired. She starts June 23.

Also... check out this list of fast-food landmarks worth the pilgrimage, from a mini Taco Bell to a 14-foot-tall Big Mac, in Atlas Obscura.

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