Key Takeaways from My First Cannes Experience

Cannes Lions 2018 – what an incredible opportunity for me to attend. As a newbie, err first-timer, there were a lot of nerves and unknowns going into the week. I am glad someone tipped me off to wear comfortable flats – Thanks, Amanda!

While there were so many micro-moments in what seemed to be a whirlwind of a week, I tried to sum up my five key takeaways from Cannes 2018:

It’s more than just having the right chargers, adapters, and power banks. Power up on the latest and greatest of who you will be meeting with. You don’t want to walk into a meeting with nothing to talk about, so have a few questions ready to fire off. Understand partners’ recent announcements, product updates, and news in the trades. You want your conversations to be productive for both you and the brands you represent versus you trying to be sold on something.

Say yes to everything and make the most of your time, but beware – you will be late no matter how efficiently you try to stack your schedule. While I like to call myself a ‘planning queen’, get ready to haul to your next meeting, lunch or coffee. Keep in mind your manners, be gracious and thankful. Odds are, you will see these folks again next year!

Force yourself to be uncomfortable – it’s the right way to mingle. Don’t spend all your time with your colleagues from home. My schedule (yes, this was just mine in 2.5 days) consisted of meetings with Facebook, Twitter, Whalar, Refinery29, BDG Group, Vevo, 90Min, FOX, Oath, PopSugar, PlaceIQ, and FourSquare – NONE of which were with my day to day contacts back in the states.  I talked to product heads, C-levels, VPs and you better believe we talked about more than just CPMs and placement level details! 😉

They say, ‘Rose All Day’, that’s only true for so long. Evian becomes your new best friend as you hustle down Boulevard de la Croisette.

The best late night snack was indeed Kebab Jorainbow Halal. My consensus on red vs. white sauce? White sauce…..you might need two just in case!

No matter how many tips and tricks you read on how to survive the week, just remember to take a moment, realize where you are and turn off the device to soak in a bit of culture.

All in, it was an unforgettable week — I am still trying to catch up on my sleep!