The International Advertising Festival 2009 (Cannes Lions) has kicked-off. It is the largest gathering of worldwide advertising professionals and advertisers as well as the most prestigious annual advertising awards. It runs from Sunday 21 to Saturday 27 June, 2009.

More than 10,000 registered delegates from 94 countries and around 12,000 total visitors from the advertising and allied industries attend this event to celebrate the best of creativity across all media mix, discuss industry issues and network with one another.

Over 22,000 ads from all over the world are showcased and judged at the Festival. Winning companies receive the highly coveted Lion trophy, honouring the most creative TV/cinema, print, outdoor, interactive, radio, design, sales promotion, integrated advertising, as well as the best media and direct marketing solutions.

A unique programme of high-profile seminars, workshops and keynote speakers are also presented by some of the biggest names in the industry.

Visit the Cannes Lions website here.