Markets

MIPCOM CANNES (13–16 October 2025) will host the international debut of  BrandStorytelling summit, marking a milestone partnership between the two media powerhouses.This new Cannes edition follows a decade of successful BrandStorytelling events held in conjunction with the Sundance Film Festival, where the summit has become the leading platform in the U.S. for exploring the evolution of brand-funded programming.

Founded by producer, publisher, and media entrepreneur Rick Parkhill, BrandStorytelling has become a vital gathering point for global marketers, platforms, producers, and content creators. Its most recent edition in January brought over 450 participants to Park City, Utah—including major brands such as Ancestry, L’Oréal Paris, and PepsiCo, as well as platforms like WBD, Meta, and YouTube, and creators including Sean Evans and Rhett & Link—to spotlight innovative case studies and emerging strategies that connect storytelling to brand growth.

The inaugural international summit will take place at the Palais des Festivals on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 October. Co-curated by MIPCOM and BrandStorytelling, the two-day event will unite global brands, creators, and content producers to explore new approaches in brand-led storytelling. Programming will include showcases, networking sessions, and dealmaking opportunities. Full summit details will be released in the coming weeks.

“Brands are now playing a central role in content creation, commissioning and producing stories across all formats and genres,” said Lucy Smith, Director of MIPCOM CANNES and MIPJUNIOR. “This partnership creates an unprecedented opportunity for brand studios and agencies to engage directly with over 10,000 entertainment professionals from 100+ countries—paving the way for fresh funding, co-production, and distribution deals. It’s the perfect moment to offer brands a dedicated home at MIPCOM CANNES.”

Rick Parkhill added: “Brand-funded content is behind some of the most compelling storytelling on screens today. MIPCOM CANNES is the definitive global marketplace for TV, making it the ideal venue to expand the international impact of BrandStorytelling. This summit is designed to foster new collaborations and celebrate the dynamic future of branded entertainment.”

In addition to its new Cannes edition, BrandStorytelling will continue its flagship summer event, Elevate, returning July 14–17, 2025, at Sundance Mountain Resort. Now in its eighth year, Elevate brings together 125 select participants for a three-day retreat of workshops, screenings, keynote talks, and networking among brand leaders and creative partners.

MIPCOM CANNES remains the most influential market for television and streaming worldwide, drawing more than 10,500 participants from over 100 countries in 2024.