networking tips for international festival of creativity in cannes 2020

Are you planning to attend the International Festival of Creativity, also known as Cannes Lions, taking place at the iconic Palais des Festivals between 22nd-26th June 2020?

Cannes Lions is in its 67th year, but this year’s congress is set to be fresher than ever. There’s a brand new award, the Creative Business Transformation Lion, as well as new categories added and updates to the existing awards. With over 15,000 delegates expected to descend upon Cannes Lions in the height of Summer, the Palais des Festivals is sure to be the place to be this June.

This year the eight themes of Cannes Lions are: Creativity is the Business Growth Engine; Creative Disruption in Commerce; Post-Purpose: Brand Accountability and Activism; Brand is my Experience; Looking to 2030: Making your Business Future-fit; Applied Creativity: When Data, Tech and Ideas Collide; Storytelling at Scale; and Let’s Get Back to Brand.

So for those in the advertising and creative communications industries, The International Festival of Creativity 2020 will certainly be a hub of innovation and inspiration, with unparalleled networking opportunities.

We’ve hosted many congress delegates attending this event over the years in our accommodation at Cannes Rental Apartments, so you can count on us to help you maximise your experience at Cannes Lions. Read on for a few top tips for your trip in 2020… 

when networking in cannes – get creative

As a packed five-day event, Cannes Lions offers an array of seminars and open spaces for the creative marketing community to connect. Over the years, the event has grown in scale, bringing talent from the world’s biggest brands and award-winning creative agencies. There will be a wide range of speakers and experts from different fields at the festival this year, with everything from the big names in media and entertainment, to large public health organisations. 

With such diversity of cultures and intellectual minds, we recommend you keep an open mind when it comes to networking in Cannes. After all, this festival is all about creative communications – so we recommend you embrace this very mantra with the way you participate. For instance, you could find new inspiration in round-table discussions you wouldn’t usually participate in, or find your imagination expanding at a seminar event. Go and try something new! 

when partying in cannes – think and move outside the box

Is your inner Cannes Lion roaring to roam beyond the festival gates? You may be pleased to know that the networking opportunities extend through the whole of Cannes! From beach-side yacht parties to indoor drink receptions, both local businesses and big brands are on board to enjoy the party.

Ready to meet your creative hero? With so many spots to meet and foster new connections, it is also worth planning early which venues you may like to attend – or liaise with fellow delegates in advance to plan networking and social opportunities. You could create an online diary (remember to set your clock to GMT+1) and start reaching out to contacts, clients, and those you are interested in meeting before the event. You should also check out the Cannes Lions app to schedule and register events you want to attend in advance.

Plus, it’s always a good idea to take lots of business cards – even in your hand luggage! You never know who you might bump into on your journey, at the festival, or at a party.

accommodation in cannes – stay close by the palais des festivals

Switch off to switch on your light-bulb moments! Rest is important for creative minds. If you’re travelling in a group, such as a company trip, it’s important to stay somewhere that accommodates enough space and comfort for everyone. That’s why our spacious apartments are carefully considered for congress bookings and those looking for a bit of extra personal space.

If you’re in a group, it’s also easy to get lost in marathons of meetings and networking opportunities, and while there are Wi-Fi and charging points in the hub of the festival, you may find difficulty getting access at other areas of the festival. So, if you have an apartment nearby, it takes the edge off lugging electronic equipment around or finding a space to hold a meeting.

Having a central hub, such as one of our 6-bedroom apartments, means you always have a place to re-group and catch-up every day. Breakfast meeting, anyone?

get in contact with cannes apartments  

If you are looking for rental accommodation near the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès for Cannes Lions 2020, please browse our portfolio of properties and give us a call on 07985 612 535. Alternatively, use our contact form for any booking questions.

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