The Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, the greatest media, marketing and creative content show on earth, is fast approaching, and every year there are fresh, new faces among the crowds.
This huge annual event can be a tad overwhelming for the uninitiated, so what should you do to ensure you’re prepped and ready to you survive such a big event in one of the most glamorous locations on earth?
Luckily, we have Delyth Hughes, Senior Account Director, at leading PR and communications agency, GingerMay, on hand to share her essential tips, guides and hacks to ensure newbies can nail it first time in the Cote d’Azur…
Heading to Cannes Lions for the first time? You’re probably feeling equal parts excited and overwhelmed – and that’s totally normal.
As the crown jewel of the advertising and adtech events calendar, Cannes is a whirlwind of activity. From deciding what to pack to knowing where to network and unwind, this guide has you covered.
Whether you’re still sorting logistics or looking for the best beachside spots to connect, we’ve pulled together some tried-and-tested advice that we’ve perfected over the last 15 years to help you hit the ground running.
Prepping for Cannes Lions
The number one rule? Plan early. With so much creative energy and high-level networking crammed into one week, having a solid game plan will pay off in spades.
If your flights and accommodation aren’t locked in yet, don’t wait another day. The city of Cannes is compact, and spots fill up fast.
Don’t worry though – staying just outside the main area is a smart option. Nearby Antibes and Nice offer direct train connections, giving you easy access without the price tag.
Flights get pricier the closer we get to the festival, so if you’re still considering your options, the train might be your best bet – plus, it’s a more sustainable choice and gives you a breather before the week kicks off.
Before you land
As we are already in May, it’s the perfect time to start outlining your goals for the week. What do you want to get out of Cannes? Who are your priority contacts?
While it’s important to plan ahead, staying flexible is just as critical – things move fast, and agendas often shift on the fly.
Secure meetings as early as possible. If you’ve got clients or colleagues attending, pencil in time with them now and grab mobile numbers so you can stay in touch when the chaos begins.
Diarise all key events – panels, catch-ups, parties – on your phone so you can quickly identify overlaps or spare time slots.
This will also help your team coordinate efforts and avoid double or triple-booking.
Navigating Cannes
The heart of the festival is the Palais des Festivals, but there’s a whole lot more happening beyond those walls.
As soon as you arrive, take a stroll along the Croisette to get familiar with the layout. One end is home to the Amazon Port and moored yachts, while the other is anchored by the luxe Hotel Martinez.
Everything in between is where the magic happens – expect to spend most of your time here.
You’ll find tech giants such as Google and Snapchat hosting on the beach side, while across the street, media companies and agencies take over hotel lawns and penthouses.
Venture a little off the strip, and you’ll uncover boutique venues hosting curated talks in converted apartments.
Some companies go all out with private villas in the hills, so keep some local taxi contacts handy – or check if the hosts are offering transport.
The good news? Cannes is compact and easy to navigate, even if your internal compass isn’t your strong suit.
The atmosphere
Whether you’re sipping Rosé by 11am or kicking off the day with a sunrise jog along the beach, Cannes works best when you do you.
It’s energetic, it’s busy, and yes, it’s a blast, but be mindful to pace yourself. Carve out time to regroup, respond to emails, rehydrate, and reconnect with your agenda.
Eat well where you can, build in breaks, and don’t forget sunscreen, this is the south of France, after all.
Don’t leave these behind
Your devices will be working overtime, so don’t forget a portable charger – many venues have charging spots, but it’s best to be self-sufficient.
Comfortable footwear is key – you’ll be on your feet all day and trainers are totally acceptable. Pack for every kind of weather (yes, it can rain) and opt for smart-casual outfits.
Think polished, not party – first impressions matter.
Great Meeting Spots
Everyone has their go-tos, but here are a few of ours to kickstart your list:
- Café Roma – A laid-back staple with solid Wi-Fi, great for spontaneous meetups or a quick lunch.
- Amazon Port – A bustling space near the Palais with shaded seating, informal networking spots, and free speaker panels (sign-up usually required).
- Wander a few blocks inland from the Croisette to find tucked-away cafés perfect for low-key meetings.
The Social Scene
It wouldn’t be Cannes without its legendary nightlife. From A-list parties to industry mixers, there’s something happening every evening.
Start networking early — invites are gold — and don’t be shy about securing your place at the more exclusive gatherings.
Two must-visits: The Gutter Bar for late-night mingling with familiar (and soon-to-be familiar) faces and Baoli Beach Club for next-level party vibes.
Cannes Lions 2025 is set to be unforgettable. Make the most of every conversation, panel, and party. Keep your cool, stay energised, and soak in the inspiration.
And don’t forget, the GingerMay team will be there in force – say hi or drop us a message if you’d like to meet up!