How to network like a pro during Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity
When you're at Cannes Lions, you're not just attending a festival—you're stepping into a global meeting point for the most creative, influential, and forward-thinking minds in marketing, media, and tech. Deals are sparked over beach brunches. Collaborations start at sunset mixers. Lifelong contacts are made on the dance floor.
But here’s the thing: the magic doesn’t happen by accident. If you want to leave Cannes with more than just a camera roll full of sunsets, you need a game plan.
As an event producer who’s been behind dozens of high-impact brand activations during Cannes Lions, I’ve seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to networking.
This is your insider guide to showing up, standing out, and making real connections that last long after the festival ends.
Why Cannes Lions is different?
Cannes is not a typical conference. It’s not about business cards and breakout rooms. It’s fluid, it’s fast-paced, and it blends business with lifestyle in a way few other events do.
People are open. They’re curious. They want to talk—but they also want it to feel organic, not forced. So if your networking approach is stuck in LinkedIn mode, it’s time for a reset.
Before you start: Set your intentions
Know your ‘Why’
Before you start booking meetings or RSVPing to events, get clear on what you want out of Cannes.
Are you looking for new clients?
Want to connect with agency leads or CMOs?
Hoping to meet partners for a product launch?
Knowing your goal helps you focus your energy and opens the door to meaningful conversations instead of surface-level small talk.
Do your homework
Make a shortlist of people or brands you’d love to connect with. Check LinkedIn, Instagram, festival apps, and RSVP lists. See where they’re speaking, which events they’re attending, or where they’re hosting.
If you’re activating during the festival (like many of our clients), build in opportunities to invite key targets to your space in a natural way—morning coffee, roundtables, cocktails, etc.
On the Ground: How to Break the ice without feeling awkward
Tip 1: Lead with curiosity
The best way to start a conversation? Ask questions. Not just “what do you do?” but “What brought you to Cannes this year?” or “What’s been the highlight so far?”
People love talking about their experiences—and a thoughtful question beats a sales pitch any day.
Tip 2: Ditch the Elevator Pitch
Forget memorized intros. Instead, have a clear, natural way to talk about who you are and what you do. Think of it like this:
The Hook: A quick one-liner about what you’re working on or excited about.
The Invite: A follow-up that makes space for them to engage.
“We’re actually hosting content sessions on the beach this week. You should swing by!”
Tip 3: Read the room
Cannes is full of high-energy moments, but timing is everything. If someone’s deep in conversation, don’t force your way in. Catch them later or better yet, find a mutual contact to introduce you.
Go Where the Energy Is
Tip 4: Choose the right events
Not all events are created equal. Prioritize the ones that match your networking goals:
Branded Activations (breakfasts, panels, fireside chats): Great for casual conversations with decision-makers.
Cocktail Receptions: Ideal for quick intros and expanding your circle.
Sunset Sets & After Parties: Perfect for relationship-building, just don’t go too hard on the rosé if you’ve got a breakfast panel at 9 AM.
Want to make the most of it? Anchor yourself in one or two signature events per day and be fully present.
Tip 5: Bring Your Brand With You
If you’re representing a business, make sure your brand lives in every interaction. That doesn’t mean handing out flyers—but having a clear vibe, look, and story. Hosting your own activation? Even better. This gives you home-base advantage; a place to invite people in, spark conversations, and control the environment. We’ve helped brands do this through:
Morning wellness meetups
Curated networking hours
Branded beach lounges
VIP dinners and invite-only parties
These aren’t just events, they’re conversation starters.
Smart Follow-Up: Make it Stick
Tip 6: Follow Up Fast, but Thoughtfully
Cannes is intense. People meet dozens (if not hundreds) of new faces in a week. To stay top-of-mind, follow up within 48 hours—but don’t send a generic “great meeting you!” message. Instead, remind them of your conversation. Reference something you talked about. If you promised to share something (a link, a contact, a case study), just do it. That’s how trust starts.
Pro tip: Create a post-Cannes recap email or message that adds value. Think:
A takeaway from a panel you both attended
A quick note with a link to your activation highlights
A warm intro to someone in your network
Tip 7: Connect Where They Hang Out
Don’t assume everyone lives on email. Add them on LinkedIn, follow them on Instagram, or DM them if that’s where your connection was sparked. Stay visible—but keep it human.
Leverage Cannes All Year Round
Tip 8: Use What You Learned
Take notes (mental or physical) throughout the week. What topics were trending? What ideas sparked interest? Who did you vibe with?
This intel becomes gold for future campaigns, partnerships, or events. Share key insights with your team. Use them to shape your content strategy. Build them into your next outreach.
Tip 9: Don’t Wait Until Next Year
Keep the momentum going. If you built a connection at Cannes, don’t let it collect dust. Invite them to your next event, send a project update, or simply check in every few months with a real reason to reconnect.
We’ve seen multi-year partnerships start with a handshake on the beach—then grow because someone took the time to follow through.
Bonus: Quick Networking Survival Kit
Business Cards – Yes, digital is cool, but a sleek physical card still stands out.
Portable Charger – Your phone is your lifeline. Don’t let it die at sunset.
Two-Liner Intro – Not a pitch. Just a smooth way to talk about what you do.
RSVP List – Know where you’re going and who’s there.
Post-Its or Notes App – Jot down key details about the people you meet.
Comfortable-but-Stylish Shoes – You’ll thank us later.
Cannes Isn’t Just an Event. It’s an Opportunity.
The conversations you spark at Cannes can shape the next phase of your business. The collaborations, the ideas, the intros—they all start with a moment. So show up with intention. Speak like a human. And follow through like a pro.
At Leo-Q, we don’t just produce events during Cannes Lions. We create spaces where real connections happen. If you're planning to make a splash this year, or want a home base that pulls the right people in, we’re here to help you own your moment.
Want to build relationships that last beyond the Croisette?
Let’s make it happen. Get in touch to plan your Cannes activation or brand experience with Leo-Q.
