Event : The World AI Cannes Festival Returns to Cannes from February 8 to 10 for its Third Edition
Event : The World AI Cannes Festival Returns to Cannes from February 8 to 10 for its Third Edition: Known for its iconic Croisette and film festival, Cannes is set to once again become the global epicenter of the AI ecosystem during the World AI Cannes Festival (WAICF) from February 8 to 10. This event, now considered a must-attend, will transform the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès into a hub for experts, businesses, and the general public, promising a captivating experience during the 2024 edition.
Initiated in 2022 by EuropAI, the City of Cannes, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, and CORP Agency (a subsidiary of the RX group), the third edition continues its collaboration with the official partner, the Alpes-Maritimes department, and numerous sponsoring companies.
February 8 and 9 will be dedicated to professionals, featuring strategic conferences, reflection workshops, exhibition booths, and networking sessions. The following Saturday will host an open day, inviting the general public to explore AI through 100 entertaining experiences and specially crafted animations.
Previous Success Stories The Festival serves as an observatory for market trends, fostering exchanges among professionals while providing the general public with insights into the transformative potential of AI in their daily lives.
In 2023, WAICF attracted nearly 8,000 in-person professionals and 2,500 online participants. Attendees had the opportunity to stay abreast of market developments, learn from leading experts, and engage with decision-makers through over 250 conferences, workshops, and startup pitches.
On its concluding day, the festival opened its doors for free to 4,000 individuals, offering them a firsthand experience of AI's positive impact on their lives. A notable 50% increase in attendance not only underscores the event's scale but also reflects the growing enthusiasm for AI.
What's New in 2024 The figures for 2024 affirm the festival's success: an expected attendance of 16,000 participants, 300 globally renowned speakers, 230 exhibitors, and 250 planned sessions.
Similar to previous editions, WAICF 2024 will feature multiple thematic zones showcasing AI in various domains such as sports, HR, robotics, gaming, well-being, food and hospitality, AR/VR, and more. Companies and AI stakeholders will present solutions, conduct demonstrations, and offer immersive experiences.
International pavilions will enable visitors to explore the diversity of AI and connect with startups shaping the future of Tech. The Festival will also showcase the work of prestigious universities and researchers in AI.
A new addition, the VC Summit, exclusively open to investors, will provide insights into AI investment challenges and opportunities, including exposure to the most innovative startups in the sector.
Continuing the tradition of 2022 and 2023, WAICF will host masterclasses for executives and professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of AI, workshops, solution demonstrations, and startup pitches featuring over 50 innovative projects.
Renowned Speakers Headlining WAICF serves as a platform for professionals and AI experts to convene, offering an exceptional program with numerous international speakers from various professional, research, and public sectors. The lineup includes:
- Yann LECUN, Vice-President and Chief AI Scientist, META AI;
- Nick BOSTROM, Professor at Oxford University and head of the Future, Humanity Institute (remote);
- Adam CHEYER, Inventor, Entrepreneur, and Pioneer in AI and computer-human interfaces;
- Luc JULIA, Scientific Director, RENAULT;
- Francesca ROSSI, Fellow and AI Ethics Global Leader, IBM;
- Jean-Gabriel GANASCIA, Professor, SORBONNE UNIVERSITY;
- Antonio KRÜGER, Chief Executive Officer, German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence;
- Laurent DAUDET, CEO & Co-founder, LightOn;
- Jeannette GORZALA, Vice-President, European AI Forum;
- Esma AIMEUR, Professor at the Department of Computer Science, University of Montreal.
Premium Conference Program WAICF 2024 will offer a high-level conference program providing a comprehensive overview of AI, from its practical applications to its strategic, ethical, and entrepreneurial implications, across six categories:
- THE AMBASSADORS' THEATER: explore current AI capabilities and envision future innovations for society and organizations;
- AI APPLICATIONS: gain insights into AI's progress across various sectors;
- AI TECHNOLOGY AND STRATEGY: learn to utilize different AI technologies and foster innovation with expert insights.
- DEMO SESSION: experience product functionality firsthand to make informed decisions for future AI projects.
- STARTUP PITCHES: spotlight on innovation with pitches from 50 startup founders before the global AI ecosystem;
- VC SUMMIT: an exclusive, invitation-only program providing AI investors with perspectives on investment challenges and opportunities.