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Just around the corner…a week until Cannes Lions 2023 and what to expect
June 13, 2023
The most prestigious global awards ceremony for creativity is days away, with the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity set to bring together professionals from all over the world. And it’s safe to say excitement is mounting here at Pumpkin.
As the festival kick-off fast approaches, anticipation is building and industry professionals are gearing up to present their best work, engage in thought-provoking discussions and network with their peers – all under the baking Cote D’Azur sun. Last year’s festival was the first event back after the pandemic hiatus, and it was a quieter event than usual, with many brands and businesses still finding their feet. However, this year, 12 months further away from the pandemic pain, we can expect a full throttle return to Cannes.
For our clients, Cannes is a unique opportunity – a rare chance to achieve the equivalent of three months of media relations and networking in the space of a week, all with a glass of rosé in hand. The festival allows agency leaders, team members and spokespeople to meet new contacts, hear alternative viewpoints and learn from an extended network, gaining insight into industry trends and sharing their passion for advertising and marketing. It also offers a place to build lasting journalist relationships that will benefit our clients long after the festival is over.
However, Cannes is a unique mix of work and play. While we spend the day brokering influential media introductions, getting our clients’ news into the press, and securing speaker and judging slots on site, we also nail the best tickets to the unmissable networking parties, where another level of business is done. At these parties you can find a true celebration of creativity from the best and brightest minds in the industry.
So, what are my top tips for anyone heading to the festival?
- Be flexible. No, I don’t mean get your yoga practice in. From my experience at last year’s festival, everything changes last minute. Whether this is journalists cancelling briefings, restaurant bookings changing or spokespeople dropping out, it’s important to stay calm and be as flexible as possible to accommodate everyone.
- Take advantage of the experience. The chance to meet people – clients, partners, prospects and journalists – face to face in such a beautiful and casual setting, is one that doesn’t come around often. Throughout Cannes, I learnt you need to make the most of each moment and ensure that any conversation you have will make an impact that lasts beyond the flurry of festival activity. Throwing yourself into Cannes is key to ensuring you get the most out of the week, build your confidence, grow bonds with your team and maximise the experience.
- Enjoy yourself. While Cannes is busy and can fly by in a blur, it’s also a lot of fun. Remember to take a breather to enjoy not only the work, but the sun, sea and food. Big shout out to Le Cirque and its exceptional burrata. Cannes is full of special moments that don’t all involve client meetings or delicious cheese. From people watching along La Croisette and celeb-spotting, to lounging in the same beach club as Paris Hilton, popping into Zara and stocking up on discounted La Roche Posay sun cream, there’s much to enjoy.
This year’s Cannes Lions festival is set to be another memorable experience, one that never disappoints, and the Pumpkin team are thrilled to be going back with a roster of incredible clients. We’ll be working our magic on La Croisette again, so be sure to keep an eye out for us. So, let’s raise a glass to creativity and innovation and get ready for Cannes Lions Festival 2023. And if you’re already feeling a bit sad about missing out this year, it’s never too early to talk to us about 2024 support.
Ella Wallace-Browne