How to make your event stand out at Cannes Lions
Cannes Lions isn't just a festival—it's a battleground for attention. With global brands, agencies, and media heavyweights competing to impress, it's easy for events to get lost in the noise. If you're planning a side event, activation, or brand moment in Cannes, it needs to turn heads, spark buzz, and leave people talking long after the rosé is gone.
At Leo-Q, we've been producing premium brand experiences in Cannes for over 20 years. We know the rhythm of the Croisette, the quirks of beachfront builds, and what it takes to make your event not just seen, but remembered.
Here’s how to make your event unmissable at Cannes Lions.
1. Define a Clear Purpose and Vibe
Before you jump into venue-hunting or moodboards, get laser-clear on what success looks like for your event:
Are you launching a new product?
Looking to build media buzz?
Creating a space for client relationship-building?
Amplifying a campaign theme or purpose?
The more specific you are, the more focused and effective your concept will be.
Pro Tip: Anchor everything around one big idea or emotion. Make people feel something. That’s what cuts through.
2. Create a concept people can feel, not just see
Forget vague themes or overdone luxury tropes. Cannes Lions audiences have seen it all. You need a concept that:
Taps into culture
Aligns with your brand story
Offers a new perspective or experience
Think about how you want guests to feel when they walk in. Inspired? Relaxed? Energized? Intrigued? Let that guide your design, music, lighting, and interactions.
Examples that work:
A "Reverse Happy Hour" brunch party focused on wellbeing and intention.
A late-night creator club hosted by Gen Z talent.
A sensory sound lounge co-created with an audio brand.
3. Choose the right venue (It’s everything!)
Cannes is packed with pop-ups, yachts, suites, and beach clubs. Your venue can make or break your event.
Questions to ask:
Does it reflect your brand energy?
Is it easy to access from the Croisette?
Can it transition from day to night if needed?
At Leo-Q, we’ve produced events everywhere from private villas to branded yachts to full beachfront builds. We know the hidden gems, the permit rules, and how to make a space work hard for you.
4. Design for day-to-night flow
Many events at Cannes fail because they don’t evolve throughout the day. If you're hosting a day-long event, give guests a reason to stay.
Here’s how:
Morning: Coffee bars, quiet lounges, wellness sessions
Afternoon: Talks, panels, networking zones
Evening: DJ sets, cocktails, sunset visuals, fireside chats
Use light, sound, and programming to transition the mood.
Hot Tip: Start venue scouting early, the best spots go fast.
5. Make it easy (and Worthwhile) to attend
There are 100 things to do at Cannes every hour. Make it easy for guests to say "yes."
How?
Offer RSVPs with calendar links
Provide clear location info & walking directions
Add perks (great coffee, shaded seating, charging stations)
Keep the schedule tight and relevant
Don’t: Make people stand in long lines in the heat for nothing special.
Do: Surprise and delight them from the moment they arrive.
6. Collaborate with the right talent
The right host, speaker, DJ, or creator can instantly elevate your event and bring a new audience with them.
Look for:
Up-and-coming talent with strong niche appeal
Purpose-driven creators who align with your brand values
Industry insiders who spark real conversations, not just panel filler
7. Activate all five senses
Want to leave a lasting impression? Go beyond visuals.
Think:
Custom scents that become memory triggers
Surprising soundscapes
Delicious, elevated menus (we work with the best local caterers)
Tactile installations or interactive touchpoints
Multi-sensory experiences = deeper engagement.
8. Add Shareable Moments That Aren’t Cringe
You want people posting, but don’t force it. Create moments people want to share:
Immersive photobooths with personality
Unexpected performances or art
Bold, branded installations that double as content backdrops
Let the experience lead, not the selfie station.
9. Don’t Forget the Follow-Up
Cannes Lions is a blur. Don’t let your impact end when the lights go down.
Follow-up ideas:
Send guests a curated photo gallery
Share content recaps and highlight reels
Offer VIPs exclusive invites to your next event
Keep the relationship alive.
10. Work With Local Experts
The festival moves fast. Cannes is full of red tape. Logistics can get messy.
That’s why smart brands work with seasoned local production partners like Leo-Q. We know the city, the suppliers, the regulations—and we’ve solved every last-minute curveball you can imagine.
When you work with us, you get:
Strategic support from concept to execution
Access to top-tier vendors, talent, and venues
A hands-on team who’s been through it all
Final Thoughts
Standing out at Cannes Lions isn’t about being the loudest. It’s about being authentic, intentional, and experiential.
If you want your brand to show up in a way that people remember, start with a strong idea, build it with the right team, and treat every guest like a VIP.
At Leo-Q, we live for this. Let’s make magic together.
