The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is like the Oscars of advertising. Every June, Cannes in Southern France becomes a bustling hub for creative minds worldwide. The Cannes Lions Festival is where the advertising industry gathers to showcase cutting-edge adtech and celebrate the ‘best of the best’ in creative talent.

What makes Cannes Lions so special? The awards ceremony is a big attraction, and winning — or even being nominated — for a Cannes Lion can skyrocket your career and put your agency on the map. But there’s more to it than that. The festival shapes the future of advertising, design, and digital communication.

During the week-long event, dozens of talks, workshops, and seminars are led by top industry players. It’s a great opportunity to soak up knowledge and connect with potential clients or collaborators.

For young creatives, the Cannes Young Lions competition offers the perfect chance to make a name for yourself, with big-name agencies in attendance.

All in all, Cannes Lions is a week-long whirlwind of creativity, learning, and networking that has the potential to boost your career—all set in the gorgeous French Riviera. Let’s take a deeper look at what’s on offer.

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The Significance of Cannes Lions in the Creative Industry

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As well as bragging rights, being shortlisted at Cannes is a stamp of approval, showing you’re at the top of your creative game. A Cannes Lion opens doors to promotions, job offers, and the chance to work on dream projects.

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Notable Winners and Campaigns

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Over the years, Cannes Lions has been an amplifier for innovative work. Winners, and even nominees, often become talking points in the creative industries.

Maybe you remember the Fearless Girl statue facing Wall Street’s Charging Bull? It won the coveted Glass Lion Grand Prix award in 2017. The installation picked up multiple Cannes Lions awards and added to the worldwide debate about women in leadership.

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Another good example is Burger King’s “Whopper Detour”. This cheeky campaign used a one-cent Whopper to drive up app downloads and playfully poke at their rival, McDonald’s. It quickly became a Cannes Lions darling for its cleverness and ingenuity.

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The award-winning campaigns aren’t just fun to see. You can use them as case studies in creativity, learning from the latest ideas and innovations. For more examples, check out the 9 Best Cannes Lions Winning Ad Campaigns.

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Driving industry trends and innovation

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Cannes Lions serves as a reliable barometer for trends in the advertising world. Award-winning campaigns often set the stage for industry trends that last for years. When digital and social media campaigns began to gain traction in the early to mid-2000s, Cannes Lions was at the forefront, spotlighting the most innovative work and prompting savvy advertisers to recognize and adapt to the shift.

Today, the festival continues to push boundaries with ad campaigns utilizing advanced technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, and personalized experiences. There's no doubt that Cannes Lions offers a front-row seat to the future of creativity.

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Exploring Cannes Lions Awards Categories

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Every year, Cannes Lions presents a diverse array of categories, each highlighting different facets of media creativity. Here's a brief overview of some key categories:

• Craft: Celebrating artistry and technical brilliance.
• Health: Showcasing creativity that positively impacts people's health and lives.
• Entertainment: Honoring excellence in music, sports, and gaming.
• Experience & Engagement: Recognizing immersive experiences that captivate audiences.
• Classic Advertising: Highlighting big ideas brought to life through film, print, and outdoor media.
• Impact: Rewarding campaigns that drive social change and improve the world.
• Specialized Areas: Including awards for specific industries and areas like Pharma, Digital Craft, and Creative Business Transformation.

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Judging and Selection Process Criteria

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At Cannes Lions, judges aim to identify pieces and campaigns that truly stand out. They focus on several key aspects:

• Originality: Ideas that break the mold and set new standards.
• Execution: Flawless craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.
• Effectiveness: Campaigns that not only look impressive but also achieve tangible results.
• Relevance: Work that resonates with the audience and aligns with brand values.

Each entry undergoes a rigorous judging process, with industry leaders scrutinizing every detail. The winners represent the pinnacle of global creativity.

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Cannes Young Lions for Up-and-Coming Creatives

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Cannes Young Lions shines a spotlight on creatives under 30, offering them the chance to demonstrate their skills by tackling real-world client briefs. This competition acts as a "boot camp" for aspiring creatives, providing a platform to showcase their talent under pressure.

Participants also get the opportunity to network with fellow creatives and industry leaders, receiving valuable feedback and potentially landing dream jobs or placements. Cannes is the ultimate gathering spot for top creatives, always on the lookout for the next big talent.

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How to Participate in the Cannes Lions Festival

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If you're aiming for a nomination at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, here's a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. Choose your battleground Determine which Cannes category best suits your work. The Cannes Lions website help page provides all the necessary details.
2. Prep your arsenal Compile your creative work, case studies, impact reports—anything that showcases your project in the best light. Ensure everything is polished and professional.
3. Register and submit Visit the Cannes Lions entry kit page, fill out the required forms, and pay the entry fee. Early birds might receive a discount, so planning ahead is beneficial.
4. Follow the rules Each category has specific guidelines regarding format and length. Adhere to these guidelines carefully to avoid disqualification.

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Tips for Submission Success

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Here are some key guidelines to enhance your chances of winning at the Cannes Lions competition:

Show your impact: Utilize hard data and real testimonials to demonstrate how your work made a significant difference.

Tell a story: Engage judges with a compelling narrative that makes your project memorable.

Highlight innovation: Showcase the unique and groundbreaking aspects of your project.

Quality over quantity: Deliver a focused, concise presentation that leaves a lasting impact.

Get feedback: Seek honest opinions from trusted peers or mentors to identify areas for improvement.

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What to Expect at Cannes Lions Festival

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The Cannes Lions Festival offers unparalleled opportunities for networking with the world’s top creative minds. Whether relaxing at the Rotonde, grabbing coffee, or enjoying daily Happy Hours, you'll find endless chances to connect.

For a more casual networking experience, explore interactive sessions and meet-ups at the Rooftop or Terrace, offering a relaxed atmosphere to engage with industry peers.

Cannes is a hub of inspiration with workshops and seminars across five main themes: Trends and Insights, Innovation Unwrapped, The Creativity Toolbox, Talent and Cultures, and Creative Impact. Beyond talks, enjoy film screenings, art exhibits, and live performances that nourish your creative spirit. Evenings are filled with award shows and parties, celebrating the best in creativity.

In essence, Cannes Lions is non-stop networking, inspiration, and enjoyment. Attending in person is an unforgettable experience.

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How to Rock Your Cannes Lions Experience: Insider Tips from the ECORN Team

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Here are some quick tips from our crew to maximize your time at the event:

• “Boulevard de la Croisette is long. Rent a scooter!” – Alexander Erlmeier, Chief Revenue Officer
• “Get invited to parties! Drink water at night to feel refreshed the next day…” – Agathe Rakowicz, VP, Demand Enablement B&A
• “Be flexible and allocate time for spontaneous meetings on La Croisette. It’s easy to get sidetracked if your schedule is packed.” – Jackie Carroll, VP Agency Sales
• “Be courteous and tip generously. A glass of water with ice can pass for a drink… Avoid overindulging.” – Ayal Steiner, EVP Brand Solutions
• “Dress comfortably with lightweight clothing and shoes. RSVP to every invitation and arrange meetings with key attendees.” – Andrew Furman, General Manager, US
• “Pack extra clothes, as weather can change suddenly. Carry aspirin for late-night parties, ensuring you're fresh for morning meetings. Don’t forget a power bank!” – Michael Le Lausque, Global Head of Business Marketing & International

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The Future of Cannes Lions

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Over the years, the Cannes Lions Festival has embraced new technology, expanding its global reach with accessible online sessions. Expect more virtual panels, digital workshops, and interactive sessions powered by cutting-edge technology.

Looking ahead, Cannes Lions is set to integrate more tech innovations, blending in-person and digital connectivity. This includes personalized content, AI-driven networking, and virtual reality creative spaces.

For anyone in advertising or marketing, Cannes remains an essential event to showcase work, learn from industry leaders, and immerse oneself in creative energy.

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Your Guide to Cannes Lions 2024

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Sunday, June 16- first day of Cannes Lions 2024!

• 5:00 – 8:00 PM Grill and Chill with your Equativ Crew!
• 7:00 – 9:00 PM ADWEEK House Kickoff Soirée: Presented by Digital Turbine

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Monday, June 17

• 7:30 AM Equativ Cannes Run Club (ECRC)
• 09:00 – 10:00 AM ADWEEK House // Open Doors
• 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Amazon Port Breakfast
• 11:00 – 12:00 Panel: CTV + Audience Data? It’s Complicated.
• 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM   Amazon Port: Advertising that sparks emotion
• 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM  Amazon Port: Now trending: #Authenticity
• 1:00 PM Kantar: Sustainability storytelling to change the world lunch
• 1:30 – 5:00 PM VideoWeek Horizons (request to attend)
• 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM   Amazon Port: Cracking the code to generative AI in ads
• 2:00 – 2:30 PM GroupM and IAS Roundtable
• 2:00 – 2:30 PM Business Insider: “Lasting Legacy: A Conversation with Media Legends”
• 2:15 – 2:45 PM Business Insider: Executive Editor Julia Hood to moderate Mastercard’s panel, “We Are All Immigrants”
• 2:30 – 3:00 PM Panel: State of the Industry
• 3:00 – 3:30 Business Insider: “The CMO Daily Take: Storytelling 2.0: The Future of Engaging Narratives”
• 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM  Amazon Port:  IMDb trivia
• 4:30 – 5:00 PM Dentsu Innovating to Impact: 120 Years of Innovation
• 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM  Amazon Port: Twitch happy hour
• 4:00 – 6:00 PM ADWEEK House // Open Doors
• 4:30 – 5:30 PM She Runs It & IAS Panel: Lift As You Climb
• 5:30 – 7:30 PM IAS: Clear Waters, Clear Connections Happy Hour
• 10 am – 5pm Microsoft Beach House
• 5:30 – 7:00 Microsoft Beach House Happy Hour
• Luma Blanc (Time TBC – Request to attend)
• Axios and Deep Blue Sports: Women’s Sports House programming (Event details TBC)

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Tuesday, June 18

• 7:30 AM Equativ Cannes Run Club (ECRC)
• 8:30 AM Kantar: Inclusivity in advertising: what top performing brands know
• 09:00 – 10:00 AM ADWEEK House // Open Doors
• 9:00 – 10:30 AM Business Insider’s CMO Insider Breakfast at Stagwell’s Sport Beach
• 10 am – 5:00 pm Microsoft Beach House
• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM IAS Beet.TV Global Leadership Summit: Data & Measurement
• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Panel: Curating the Consent-Based Future
• 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM   Amazon Port The building blocks of the creator economy
• 12:00 PM Kantar: What makes funny, funny lunch
• 1:00 – 2:30 PM DoubleVerify Panel – Fueling CTV Growth: The Power of Transparency and Attention
• 1:30 – 4:30 PM VideoWeek: CommerceConnect (Request an Invitation)
• 2:00 – 2:30 PM Openx: Demand Responsibility Driving Change through Innovation: Media and Tech’s Role in Responsible Advertising
• 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM  Amazon Port Encore! Embracing the new entertainment era
• 2:00 – 7:00 PM Prebid & Freestar: Perspectives (limited space pre-registration required)
• 3:00 – 3:30 PM Business Insider’s “The CMO Daily Take: The Human Touch: Building Emotional Connections at the Intersection of the Digital Era with the Age of AI”
• 3:00 – 3:30 PM Openx: Demand Addressability: Unlocking Addressability: Navigating the Post-Cookie Era
• 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM  Amazon Port  Wondery live-to-tape podcast
• 3:30 – 5:00 PM Equativ Panel: Scale Your Audience with an Agency Marketplace
• ​4:00 PM Kantar: Creativity is business
• 4:00 – 4:30 PM Openx: Demand Transparency: Bridging the Gap: Control vs. Transparency in the Streaming and CTV Landscape
• 4:00 – 6:00 PM ADWEEK House // Open Doors
• 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Amazon Port Twitch happy hour
• 4:30 – 5:30 PM OpenX Cocktail Hour
• 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM IAS Givsly Karaoke for Causes in Cannes
• 5:00 – 8:00 pm Taboola Happy Hour
• 5:30 – 7:00 PM Microsoft Beach House Happy Hour
• 6:00pm – 10:00 PM DoubleVerify 80’s Retro Rendezvous
• 7:00 PM Equativ’s BE Legendary Party (invite only)
• Cannes 2024 Digiday Advertising Leaders Dinner (invite only)
• Axios and Deep Blue Sports: Women’s Sports House programming (Event details TBC)

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Wednesday, June 19

• 7:30 AM Equativ Cannes Run Club (ECRC)
• 9:00 – 10:00 AM ADWEEK House // Open Doors
• 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM  Amazon Port Breakfast
• 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Microsoft Beach House
• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Dentsu and IAS Panel
• 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Amazon Port Finding community in fandom
• 1:00pm – 2:30pm DoubleVerify Panel – Supercharging Social: Harness AI to Drive Quality, Efficiency and Scale
• 1:30 – 4:30 PM VideoWeek Futurescape: The AI Era
• 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM   Amazon Port You had to be there: A CMO’s guide to cultural moments
• 2:30 – 3:15 Panel: Seen, heard, hired: Advancing Women in Advertising
• 1:00pm – 2:30pm DoubleVerify Panel – Supercharging Social: Harness AI to Drive Quality, Efficiency and Scale
• 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Amazon Port Afternoon entertainment
• 3:00 – 3:30 PM Business Insider: “The CMO Daily Take: Building Brands That Stand the Test of Time”
• 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM  Amazon Port ‘Judge Beauty’: e.l.f Cosmetics’ 360 campaign for the Big Game
• 4:00 PM Kantar: Exclusive Blueprint for Brand Growth Happy Hour
• 5:30 – 7:30 PM Creative 100 Reception at ADWEEK House: Presented by Digital Turbine
• 5:00 – 7:00 PM DoubleVerify Happy Hour
• 6:30 – 8:30 PM Sunset Sips Happy Hour (invite only)
• Axios and Deep Blue Sports: Women’s Sports House programming (Event details TBC)

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Thursday, June 20

• 7:30 AM Equativ Cannes Run Club (ECRC)
• 9:00 AM Kantar: The art and science of creative effectiveness in Middle East – Spotlight on Saudi Arabia, the biggest advertising market in the region.
• 9:00 – 10:30 AM   Amazon Port Breakfast
• 10:00 AM Equativ Send-Off Silent Disco
• 11:00 AM Equative VIP Cruise (invite only)
• 3:00 – 3:30 PM Business Insider: “The CMO Daily Take: The Women Charting Industry Change”
• 4:00 – 6:00 PM  Amazon Port Twitch happy hour
• 5:30 – 7:00 PM Microsoft Beach House Happy Hour
• 5:00 – 8:00 PM VideoWeek: Match Night BBQ: England vs Denmark
• Axios and Deep Blue Sports: Women’s Sports House programming (Event details TBC)

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Friday, June 21 – final day of Cannes Lions 2024

• 9:00 – 10:30 AM   Amazon Port Breakfast
• 12:00 – 2:30 PM  Amazon Port Bon Voyage Brunch
• 5:30 – 7:00 PM Microsoft Beach House Happy Hour

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P.S. If you will be in Cannes, feel free to contact us to chat about anything eCommerce, DTC and Shopify. Our team will be all week in Cannes Lions 2024.

We're also delighted to share with you a curated list of conferences and events spanning Europe and the USA, encompassing all facets of eCommerce and digital marketing. This calendar is designed to simplify your task of staying informed about events that align most closely with your specific needs.

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