Cannes Lions Through the Eyes of an Event Organizer

May 28

Written By Leo-Q

Cannes Lions isn't just another industry event - it's the pinnacle of creative excellence where brands, agencies, and innovators converge to shape the future of advertising and marketing. There's no such thing as a "typical" Cannes Lions week when you're producing events. Every year is different. Every client brings new energy. Every brief, every venue, every beach build presents its own mix of puzzle and possibility. But one thing stays the same: the pressure. And the payoff.

At Leo-Q, we've been part of the Cannes Lions fabric for years on the sand, in the suites, behind the decks, under the lights. It's more than a festival; it's a test of agility, creativity, and precision in real time.

It Starts with an Idea

Clients usually come to us with a vision: "We want a space that reflects our brand, that people will talk about, that feels premium but not pretentious, that works day and night, and oh—can we do it on the beach?" From there, it's game on: layouts, tech specs, mood boards, permits, branding, lighting, sound, staffing, menus, backup plans and an inbox full of Zoom links. All before we even hit the sand.

The Build: Where Creativity Meets Reality

Cannes is beautiful. But it's also unpredictable. The sun's hot, the wind's wild, and the timelines are tight. You need a crew that can handle the chaos without blinking and why experience matters. Our production leads know every inch of Croisette Beach and every shortcut in town.

The Experience: From Morning Content to Midnight Vibes

We specialize in transformation. That means creating a brand experience that evolves throughout the day. Branded breakfast sessions with industry leaders melt into curated networking hours and end with DJ-led sunsets and signature cocktails. Our modular design and full-spectrum production approach let us pivot seamlessly. It's not just about a beautiful space—it's about programming, storytelling, and making every moment count.

We don't just build spaces. We create flow.

Our setups are designed to evolve throughout the day, smoothly shifting from morning sessions with thought leaders to golden-hour cocktails to after-dark energy with live DJs and custom lighting.

Everything's intentional. Every hour brings a new rhythm.

The Reward: Watching It All Work

There's this moment—right when the doors open and guests start walking in. You see the client's face. The team's excitement. The brand living and breathing in a space that only existed on a deck a few weeks ago.

That's the reward. That's why we do it.

There's nothing like seeing the client smile as their guests step into the world we've created for them. Seeing teams connect, brands come alive, and every detail is just right.

At Leo-Q, we don't just produce events. We engineer unforgettable and impactful business moments. Cannes Lions gives us the stage to do what we do best: deliver high-impact, design-driven brand experiences that leave a lasting impression.

And when the festival lights go down and we're packing up the last flight case, there's a quiet sense of pride. We made it happen. Again.

Ready to make your mark at Cannes Lions 2025? Let's create something extraordinary together. Whether you're planning an intimate executive gathering or a grand beach activation, our team is here to bring your vision to life.

Let’s create your Cannes story.

Whether you’re planning a beach takeover, a press launch, a branded experience, or a series of content sessions. Leo-Q is ready to deliver, start to finish.