Variety Announces Brand Entertainment for Fans Event Spotlighting Leaders at Cannes Lions

Variety will host Brand Entertainment for Fans, presented by Walmart Connect, on Monday, June 22, during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, bringing together executives from Walmart, the NFL, L’Oréal USA and Spotify. The event will convene from the sports, music, retail and beauty industries for a conversation exploring how brands are succeeding at the intersection of culture, creativity, and commerce.

Moderated by Variety’s Co-Editor-in-Chief Cynthia Littleton, the discussion will feature Seth Dallaire, EVP and Chief Growth Officer of Walmart Inc.; Tim Ellis, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer of the NFL; Dustee  Jenkins, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Spotify; and Han Wen, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer of L’Oréal USA. The panel will examine how leading brands are leveraging entertainment, strategic partnerships and cultural relevance to deepen consumer engagement and strengthen audience connections.

“Creativity has always inspired action. At Walmart, we’re helping brands connect culture, creativity and commerce in ways that feel relevant for customers and measurable for advertisers. By bringing together storytelling, media, retail and technology, we’re creating new opportunities to turn engagement into meaningful business results,” said Seth Dallaire, EVP and Chief Growth Officer, Walmart.

“Fans are no longer just audiences; they’re communities that brands earn their way into through entertainment and cultural relevance. Partnering with Walmart Connect allows us to spotlight how leaders across retail, sports, music and beauty are doing exactly that, and Cannes Lions is the perfect stage for the conversation,” said Michelle Fine-Smith, SVP, Global B2B Partnerships, Variety.

If you are attending Cannes Lions and would like to attend this event, please request an invitation at Variety.com/WalmartConnect.