This piece has been contributed by Tom Wordley. He is a copywriter, poet and UK Young Lion’s winner. He can be found casually tweeting at @TomWordley.
At Cannes, I’ve drank with twitter legend Ryan Wallman, witnessed a £40,000 robbery, been thrown out of the closing party for taking a selfie and smuggled some shiny Lions through customs.
Cannes is many things, but it’s definitely far from dull.
Being the Croisette cocktail that it is, you have to ask yourself. What type of Cannes would you like to consume?
The old fashioned
Note taking with a pad and pen may seem a little dated to some, but who else is going to capture that creative thinking for the company presentation back at home?
- Bring with you: programme schedule, a map of the Palais, charged phone for those PowerPoint snaps and arrive early for the big named events
The mixer
If you’re there to increase your LinkedIn following, most people in Cannes will be happy to chat advertising. Approaching those ECDs you so much admire will be fine as long as you’re respectful and friendly.
- Bring with you: business cards, credit cards and head to the Gutter bar
The long island
If high alcohol content is your priority, you’d better sign up to every house/yacht party going. That or make friends with those who already have. When in doubt, you always have the Gutter bar.
- Bring with you: Ibuprofen, hangover shades and a company expensed credit card
The mocktail
Winning is out of our hands for most of us. Unless you’re a Young Lion of course. For that 24/48 hour period, victory will be within your grasp
- Bring with you: concepting materials, enthusiasm and leave the alcohol until after the competition
If you do Cannes properly, you’ll be able to blend all of the above into one. If you’re a Young Lion, however, I’d focus on the learning, the people and the competition. After all, there will always be another party.
