Elon Musk, known for his complex relationship with advertisers, is set to make an appearance at a major ad conference next week. This marks his return to the Cannes Lions event in France, where he skipped last year due to a strained relationship with ad buyers.

Last fall, Musk made headlines when he told advertisers to go away, indicating a tense relationship between himself and ad buyers. However, Musk is now making an effort to engage with industry leaders at one of the largest ad events of the year. His presence at Cannes is a strategic move to mend strained relationships and explore new opportunities for revenue growth.

During the discussion on June 18th, Musk and WPP CEO Mark Read will focus on the transformative power of technological innovation, the impact of AI on creativity, business, and society, as well as the future of his company “X.” Given Musk’s previous controversies with advertisers and his optimistic vision for a future where his company won’t rely heavily on advertising revenue, his appearance at Cannes is generating interest.

The event serves as an opportunity for Musk to showcase potential new revenue streams beyond traditional advertising. It marks a shift in Musk’s approach towards engaging with advertisers and exploring new opportunities for revenue growth.