Whether youāre a first-timer or a Croisette regular, Cannes Lions is more than just an industry eventāitās a creative marathon, a networking haven, and a global spotlight on whatās next in advertising, media, and marketing. With so much happening at once, itās easy to feel overwhelmed.
Hereās your guide to making the most of Cannes Lions 2025āfrom power networking to brand activations, and everything in between.
šÆ 1. Define Your Goals Before You Land
Cannes isnāt just a beachside boondoggle. Whether you're there to drive partnerships, get inspired, amplify your brand, or showcase thought leadership, setting clear objectives will help you prioritize sessions, meetings, and events. Tip: Have a 3x3ā3 people you want to meet, 3 events you canāt miss, and 3 pieces of content you want to create or take home.
š 2. Lock in Meetings Early
Everyoneās calendar fills up fast. Use the weeks before Cannes to secure meetings with clients, partners, and industry friends. A well-timed breakfast or sunset drink can be more impactful than any keynote.
š Pro tip: If you're attending with a team, sync your calendars and assign rolesāwhoās capturing content, whoās hosting meetings, whoās scouting opportunities?
š¤ 3. Go Beyond the Main Stage
The Palais is packed with inspiring talks, but donāt underestimate the value of fringe events, beach takeovers, yacht conversations, and brand activations along the Croisette. Some of the best intel and connections happen outside official programming.
šø 4. Capture Content in Real Time
Youāre surrounded by creativity, energy, and some of the best storytellers in the worldācapture it! Whether itās photos, hot takes, live interviews, or behind-the-scenes reels, Cannes is content gold. Use your channels to amplify what youāre seeing and saying.
If you're working with a media partner (like ClickZ š), make sure your brand is visible across newsletters, LinkedIn, and post-event coverage.
š¤ 5. Build Relationships, Not Just Contacts
Cannes is about serendipity as much as strategy. Say yes to the breakfast you werenāt planning to attend. Introduce yourself at the after-hours terrace party. The best partnerships often start with a casual chat, not a pitch deck.
š§ 6. Reflect and Follow Up
After the whirlwind, take time to reflect. What did you learn? Who did you meet? What trends or shifts did you notice? A follow-up email with insights, a POV blog post, or even a short video recap can keep the momentum goingāand cement your reputation as a Cannes player, not just a passerby.
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Whether youāre there to win a Lion or just absorb the roar, Cannes is what you make of it. With a plan in place, a flexible mindset, and sunscreen in your bag, youāre ready to make 2025 your best Cannes yet.
See you in Cannes! š
Warm Regards,
The Unofficial Insights Team
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