10 Tips for Maximising Your Experience at the Cannes Lions Festival
Every June, the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity celebrates the best work the advertising industry produces.
Attending the event can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, and with so much to see and do, it's essential to have a game plan to make the most of your time.
As a first-time attendee at the festival, I sat down with our founder, Chris Rawlinson, a seasoned Cannes Lions festival goer, to ask him for his advice for newbies.
Here are his insider tips to help you navigate the festival like a pro:
1. Relax and Network at Brand Beaches
Register early at popular spots like Amazon Cafe and Meta Beach. These areas are great places to unwind, enjoy free drinks and network with other attendees. Many beaches also provide complimentary meals and snacks throughout the day, helping you save on food expenses. After all, nothing is cheap in Cannes in the summer!
2. Late-night eats and Fireworks
Uber offers free pizza at the iconic Cannes pizzeria Le Vesuvio on the Croisette on Tuesday and Wednesday after 1 AM if you’re still up and partying, perfect for those late-night cravings! Don't miss the fireworks party at the end of the festival for free food and a spectacular show.
3. Nightlife Hotspots
The Gutter Bar on the Croisette remains a legendary spot for late-night drinks and networking. It's a must-visit for those wanting to mingle with fellow festival-goers.
4. Pace Yourself
Avoid going all out on Monday or Tuesday. Save your energy for the latter part of the week to enjoy the festival without burning out early.
5. Attend Unexpected Talks
Pick at least one session each day that you wouldn't usually attend. These unexpected choices often turn out to be the most enlightening and rewarding.
6. Early Arrival for Popular Talks
Arrive at least 30 minutes early for high-demand sessions to secure a good seat. Popular talks fill up quickly, and early arrival ensures you won't miss out.
7. Efficient Contact Swapping
Update your contact information on LinkedIn and WhatsApp before the festival. Use LinkedIn's QR code feature (tap the search bar and your code is on the right) to share your details or to scan a new contact’s details. Use WhatsApp's QR code option (tap the ellipsis/ three dots, tap settings and it’s there alongside your name) for quick and easy contact exchanges.
8. Quiet Beaches
If you prefer a quieter beach experience, head to the less crowded public Zamenhof beach past the Martinez Hotel or the Plage du Midi just round past the port. These spots offer a more relaxed atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle.
9. Explore the Old Town
Take a leisurely stroll around Le Suquet, the old town area of Cannes, where you can walk through narrow, shaded streets leading to the castle, Château de la Castre, at the top. Don’t miss the fabulous ice cream shop La Gelateria near the top for a sweet treat. Yummy.
10. Affordable Eats and Local Excursions
Save money by eating a few blocks away from the main streets. The supermarkets Carrefour or Carrefour City and the local Marché Forville (open 7 am-1 pm, closed Mondays) offer fresh, local grocery options. if you’re. looking for a restaurant, Cannes Lions have a great page of restaurant recommendations on their festival page.
For a unique travel experience, take a ferry from the port to the nearby islands of Île Saint-Honorat and Île Sainte-Marguerite.
Bonus Tip: For a touch of luxury, consider a helicopter ride from Nice to Cannes—it’s not as expensive as you might think and offers breathtaking views!
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your Cannes Lions Festival experience and ensure it’s both enjoyable and memorable.
If you’re attending Cannes Lions this year, have a great festival!
Keen for some Cannes Lions inspiration? Why not enrol in one of our free Cannes Lions courses?
The 70 Years of Cannes course celebrates some of the best work since the festival’s inception, and our Cannes Lions sample course gives you a flavour of what our courses offer.
