Are you able for Cannes? Top pointers for cruising the Croisette

Prepare like a professional

Success at Cannes begins sooner than you get at the aircraft. Do your homework: take a look at the highest audio system, sizzling subjects, and which manufacturers are going large on activations. Propeller’s checklist of fringe occasions is a smart position to start out if you wish to prioritize what actually aligns along with your targets.

As Tamsin James, CMO of MSQ, places it: “Plan a schedule and register for everything in advance (see the Propeller list!), but allow yourself space to take it all in: the work, the activations, the atmosphere – and the people.”

Jennifer Quigley-Jones, CEO of Digital Voices, provides: “Don’t underestimate fringe events: there is so much you can do during Cannes Lions without having a festival pass. Before heading out, take some time to review event guides and search on LinkedIn for free events to expand your networking… and prioritize events that align with your business goals.”

Find your base

Not webhosting your individual tournament? That’s utterly effective. Pick a well-recognized café, a seashore bar, or a sunny terrace to name house. Having a ‘go-to’ spot makes it more straightforward for others to seek out you – and will increase your possibilities of bumping into the fitting folks.

Tarek Ouagguini, CEO of Happydemics, stocks the following tips: “Don’t just chase the biggest parties – some of the best conversations happen over morning coffee on the Croisette or in quieter spots like the back terraces. Be curious, ask real questions, and don’t underestimate the French habit of turning small talk into big opportunities.”

Be selective, keep open

It’s tempting to fill each hour of your calendar, however now and again much less actually is extra. Leave room for the ones spontaneous chats and marvel invitations – that’s the place the magic steadily occurs.

“Cannes moves quickly. Plan with intention, but stay open to the unexpected… Bring a clear point of view that reflects your team’s unique value. That’s what gets you remembered. And most importantly, follow up,” says Karen Forbes, leader enlargement officer at Coolr.

Marissa Nelson, EVP Marketing & Comms, Equativ gives her laws: “You don’t need to be at every panel, party, or pop-up event. Prioritize what energizes you, and you’ll get far more out of the experience that way. And don’t forget your sunglasses.”

Phil Ricketts, wholesale business director at Royal Mail Marketreach, is taking that recommendation to middle on his first Cannes discuss with: “Don’t overschedule yourself, have the freedom to soak it up and understand the festival – and of course come along to our roundtable about direct mail with UKAEG.”

Make conversations depend

Every chat is an opportunity to attach or redirect. Whether you’re in line for a chat or sipping a spritz at a villa, be able to pay attention, ask good questions, and proportion your point of view.

“Cannes is an attention market wrapped in a festival. Every conversation is a bid – for relevance, capital, or next year’s invite. The real value often comes from quiet clarity – knowing what you’re here to explore, who you’re here to meet, and what you’re willing to walk away from,” says Ben Putley, CEO of Alkimi.

Tap into communities

Don’t attempt to do all of it solo. Groups like UKAEG help you plug into curated occasions, considerate programming, and high quality connections. Plus, they supply a lot of sensible recommendation on the right way to take advantage of your travel to Cannes.

As Louise Watson, affiliate director at Propeller Group and Co-Founder of Empower Cafe, says: “Having a base or community to rely on can be essential at Cannes. With so much happening, it’s important to have a space to recharge and see familiar faces. For many, the Empower Café has become just that. We also started the Women at Cannes WhatsApp group, now with over 1,000 members. These communities are great to dip into during quiet moments – some of my best Cannes experiences have come from spontaneous meetups.”

Extend your affect on social

The buzz isn’t simply at the floor, it’s on-line too. Share your insights, spotlight good classes, and tag the folks you meet. You’ll develop your community and display your emblem off in the most productive mild, lengthy after the solar units at the Croisette.

Plug into the platforms

The large social platforms are at all times out at Cannes in power, and it’s simple simply to consider them as a part of the overall buzz and background wallpaper, however the platform activations are essential. As Quigley-Jones says: “The largest social platforms, including Meta, Pinterest, and TikTok, are renowned for great interactive activations. There are fun activities, refreshments, and an opportunity to connect with platform professionals. Platform activations are also appealing to creators, making them a great place to connect with the brightest minds in the creator economy.”

Lead with worth

Everyone’s there to make an influence, however now not everybody provides worth. Be the one that makes an intro, stocks a useful takeaway, or issues somebody to a must-attend communicate. You’ll be remembered lengthy after the identify badges are packed away.

Take care of you

Cannes is a vibe, nevertheless it’s additionally a marathon. Hydrate, tempo your nights out, and carve out moments to recharge. Ryan Nelsen, CMO of StackAdapt, has the fitting thought: “What better way to start each morning than a quick swim in the ocean or pool. Water is life, and in beautiful southern France, it doesn’t need to be a cold plunge.”

Niki Chana, programmatic technique director at SBS, provides that of all of the necessities wanted at Cannes, a couple of at ease sneakers wins out if you wish to keep to your ft from breakfast to the small hours. “Cannes Lions can be a creative marathon – expect some heat, potentially some rain, hustle, and magic. Wear comfy shoes, ensure you are sun screened up, and most of all, stay hydrated. And easy on the rosé,” she says.

Final Thought

At Cannes, readability is the whole lot.

While others chase events or posturing, your actual alternative lies in appearing up with goal and being a part of the dialog, whilst status out with substance.

Let’s depart it to Putley to near: “Don’t just optimize for presence; optimize for signal. While others focus on being seen, there’s real opportunity in seeing clearly – and making the right moves before the music stops.”

So, convey your interest, your hustle, and sure – your SPF. With the fitting mindset, Cannes Lions can also be essentially the most energizing, game-changing week of your 12 months.