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Being a CMO today is a massive challenge. You’re expected to master complicated data, deploy AI responsibly, and catch consumer attention in a world full of distractions. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of new tech. That’s why you need a clear, focused plan for your time at VivaTech. This guide filters the event down to the exact rooms, stages, and events that matter most for the modern marketing leader.
The CMO Summit at VivaTech 2026
If you only have time for one major track, make it this one. The CMO Summit is a high-level program designed to give you a clear working roadmap for digital leadership.
On Friday morning, June 19th, the summit takes over Stage One in Hall 7.2. VivaTech is hosting this event in partnership with Adobe and The New York Times to tackle the most critical challenge in modern business: winning the battle for customer attention. You’ll get to hear directly from global leaders where they’ll share how their organizations are evolving and to discuss the concrete, real-world challenges marketing leaders must prepare for today.
The Exec Arena: Practical Marketing Leadership Insights
While the main stages offer big-picture visions, the Exec Arena gives you the tools to execute them. Located in Hall 7.2, this space runs from Wednesday, June 17th, through Friday afternoon. This is where the conversations become detailed and practical. In a more intimate setting, you can join masterclasses led by executives who handle global scaling every single day, such as Bonnie Pelosi (CMO EMEA at Microsoft) and Matti Yahav (CMO at Fiverr). Space is limited, so you’ll need to move quickly to secure a seat.
Key Arena Speakers to Watch
Beyond the household brands, several bright minds will share their growth playbooks in the arena:
- Emmanuelle Benoliel (Co-founder & CEO at UnlockM)
- Yann Caloghiris (CXO at Left Field Labs)
- Jean-Laurent Philippe (PhD & EMEA CTO at Intel)
- Mathieu Delobelle (CIO at OVHcloud)
The CMO Lounge: Networking for Marketing Leaders
Business doesn’t always happen during a pitch, presentation, or well curated program, often the meaningful relationships and the key insights can come during relaxed conversation over coffee. Sponsored by LinkedIn, the CMO Lounge in Hall 7.2 is your private basecamp for all three days of the event. It’s a quiet, comfortable environment where you can escape the crowded floors, catch up on important emails, and network directly with your C-level peers. Think of it as your premium workspace right in the heart of the action.
The Best VivaTech 2026 Networking Events for CMOs
The VivaTech experience does not stop when the main convention halls close for the evening. All across Paris, the tech ecosystem opens up with casual gatherings that mix business with a relaxed atmosphere.
Explore the City
Startups, major corporations, and investment firms are hosting independent gatherings all over Paris. From rooftop drinks to casual networking mixers, these city-wide events are often the best places to make authentic connections. You can find a list of locations and schedules directly on the official VivaTech website.
The Playground
Located just outside Hall 7.1, the Playground serves as an outdoor escape during the day. However, once the main halls close, the space transforms into a lively after-work hub, in partnership with NRJ, featuring local food trucks, drinks, and live music. It’s the perfect spot to transition formal business conversations into a relaxed environment. The space is open from 9AM to 7PM, Tuesday through Friday, and until 6PM on Saturday.
Navigating an event as massive as VivaTech requires a solid strategy, but focusing on these curated zones ensures your time is well spent. You will leave Paris with actionable marketing strategies, a stronger international network, and the insights you need to lead your brand forward. Don’t just watch the industry change from the sidelines, grab your ticket to Paris now and your spot among the leaders rewriting the marketing playbook.
