thenetworkone – The Indie Forum 2025
Tuesday 17th June | LBB Beach, Cannes
This year at Cannes, we brought together some of the most outspoken and inspiring leaders from independent agencies around the world for The Indie Forum 2025. Our theme? Creative + Media. Fast + Slow. A reflection of the evolving dynamics in our industry and the pace at which we adapt.
We hosted two dynamic panel discussions on the beach, followed by happy hour drinks with our agencies and friends.
Panel 1: Creative + Media – together again, at last?
This session explored the rapidly changing relationship between creative and media – once separate, now converging again. Our panelists shared insights on how this shift is reshaping agency models and client expectations.
Panelists:
- Kamran Asghar, Co-Founder and Global CEO, Crossmedia New York
- Jaime Robinson, Co-Founder and CCO, JOAN, New York
- Marcus Krzastek, President International, VaynerMedia, London
- Barby K. Siegel, Global CEO, Zeno Group, New York
- Ian Forrester, CEO, DAVID, London
Moderator: Julian Boulding, Founder and President, thenetworkone
Panel 2: Creativity – fast and slow
In a world driven by speed and technology, this panel asked: is there still room for slow thinking, craft, and long-term brand building? The conversation touched on AI, purpose, and the enduring value of trust and consistency.
Panelists:
- Steven Erich, Co-Founder and President, Erich & Kallman, Los Angeles
- Franziska Gregor, Managing Director, Serviceplan Culture, Berlin
- Michael Nyman, Founder and CEO, Acceleration Community of Companies, Los Angeles
- Robin Bonn, CEO, Co:Definery and author, Market of One, London
- Meghan Mullen, Managing Director, Zulu Alpha Kilo, New York
Moderator: Fern Miller, Co-Founder and CSO, Uncharted, London
We thank everyone who joined us on the beach and made this year’s Indie Forum such a success. If you haven’t already, be sure to register to receive Julian Boulding’s Cannes Review 2025, coming soon.
