What did I expect from my trip to Cannes? I expected a lot.
But what I meant by “a lot” was nothing compared to what I got. I am a major optimist, so normally my expectations are bigger than their reality. Not in this case.
First of all, it was a great experience – and not only a broadening of my horizons. There were so many interesting seminars, workshops, and master classes just in one building. Unfortunately there were often several exciting things at the same time and I actually considered why I couldn’t send half of myself to another event, just to get more. Some sessions were so popular, that it was better to come in advance to have a chance to enter - otherwise it was impossible. That is how I missed some of them. But in case you did miss something, you could always go upstairs to watch commercial screenings or downstairs to take a look at the shortlists in all categories, whatever you like – media, press, outdoor, cyber. That is where I spent a lot of time. It was also good to go back there after 6pm, when all sessions were over. It was even possible to watch missed seminars on different screens! So if you missed something – never mind, there was always a chance to make it up. Once I missed a seminar, and so I randomly joined the master class of Tham Khai Meng, Worldwide Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy & Mather, who hosted an interactive and multimedia journey through a career in advertising, showing inspiring examples of work along the way. I am happy I found it because I am still under its impression and keep thinking of ideas and their realization. And of course the seminar with Vivienne Westwood was as expected - very charming and funny, as well as the workshop made by Cirkus, where we were asked to make storyboards with an international team within a half hour.
Networking is another important thing you could never miss in Cannes. When I say you meet people everywhere, I mean exactly everywhere – bus stop, street, beach, café or restaurant, ‘Palais des Festivals’, hotel – everywhere! Even if you are an outsider, or you don’t know how to start a conversation, people are so friendly and open minded that the only thing you have to do is smile and say hello. Then, in most cases, you have a pleasant conversation, a new business card in your wallet, a new contact on LinkedIn and Facebook, a new friend in your life.
When I came back from Cannes, everybody asked me about the parties. The only thing I can say is – the parties are great! And there are a lot of them. If one is finished, just head to another or go to the bar. Anyone that’s been to Cannes can tell you there are two very popular hotel bars on the Croisette – the Martinez and the Carlton. Both – check! At night the police close part of Croisette around the Martinez to a smaller bar across the street, for the massive amount of people celebrating – this is called Gutter Bar. There you can meet celebrities. And another cool thing – you don’t need to wear fashionable dresses and high heels, if you don’t want. Doesn’t matter what you are wearing - nobody cares. You feel comfortable in flip flops? No problem! You are from the creative sphere – that’s it.
Food! This theme deserves a separate paragraph. There are so many nice, cozy restaurants in Cannes. You don’t need to check Trip Advisor to find a good one. Most of them are perfect. As for me - I had new gastronomic experiences every day: snails, truffles, different kinds of seafood, unbelievably tasty desserts. I feel hunger every time I think about all the delicious dishes I tried.
Every day, after a full program of sessions, dinners, and parties, I was blogging. It was not easy and sometimes on my way to the hotel I had only one wish – to fall into bed and sleep till the morning, until the next exciting day. But this blogging challenge was useful – every night I created a summary of all the things that happened that day, and now I have good memories and I hope it was also interesting for all the people who followed my blog to see all the updates.
Of all the people I met, a big honor for me was to meet MRM President, Michael Mclaren. And I want to thank my colleagues from New York and from Frankfurt, who cared so much about me, so that I was never lonely! These people made my trip unforgettable.
A big surprise for me was my personal interview and article about me featured in the Cannes Lions Daily News Magazine – big pride for my parents.
I can’t describe all of the impressions I’ve had from this trip, but I am sure that it has charged me with creativity, inspiration and aspiration as well as many ambitions and continued optimism for the year ahead. And of course, I want to go back!