The Insiders Guide to Winning Cannes Without a Yacht or Activation
The Majestic will be a must-know central meeting location during Cannes Lions 2025.
I’ve been to Cannes more than a few times. I’ve helped lead massive activations on the beach, transformed villas into branded experiences, and sat in on some of the biggest CMO conversations. So believe me when I say this: some of the most impactful moments at Cannes Lions don’t require a badge, a yacht, or a logoed beach takeover.
In fact, attending without all the bells and whistles might just be your biggest advantage.
The most honest, inspiring, and valuable conversations don’t always happen on stage at the Palais — they happen on the fringe. It’s in the Carlton lounge after hours, with cold beverages, where the real relationships begin. It’s on a shaded part of the Croissette between panels, in the cool and quiet area in beach activation, or outside an event you’re not technically on the list for — that’s where you find your next collaboration, idea, or client.
If you don’t have an activation this year, lean into the freedom to be everywhere. Register for everything, even if you don’t attend it all. Build your days around two or three must-hits that are relevant to your clients or industry verticals, and then give yourself the space to stumble into the conversations that aren’t on any official schedule.
You’ll hear the same buzzwords all week — AI, creator economy, innovation and, of course, creativity. The difference between watching Cannes and making Cannes work for you is knowing the deeper layers beneath the headlines. Know your agents from your automations, Gemini from Perplexity, and don’t just parrot the panel. Bring something to the conversation that makes people remember you.
And don’t overthink the networking. No one wants your pitch deck. Cannes favors the casually curious — the people who ask thoughtful questions, make warm introductions, and are genuinely present. Compliment someone’s panel. Ask how their day is going. Don’t name-drop your invite-only list if you’re not on it — especially not at Spotify. (We’ve all tried. We all know the drill.)
Cannes is also a content goldmine. Whether you’re a solo consultant or part of a global agency, every conversation can be repurposed into insights for your LinkedIn, newsletter, or pitch materials. Don’t just post the selfie — find the thought leaders in the room and create something worth sharing.
But none of this works if you’re disorganized. Reach out to your clients, partners, and even that one exec you met once on Zoom before you land. Lock in a lobby meeting, casual check-ins, and shared events now. Cannes moves fast, and the ones who win aren’t scrambling — they’re gliding from one meaningful moment to the next.
And please, pack smart. A few breathable, polished outfits go a long way when you’re walking the Croisette in summer heat, dodging sudden rain showers, and trying to look composed with your phone in hand.
No yacht? No problem. What you do need is a clear purpose, a loose plan, and a lot of openness to the unexpected. That’s how you win Cannes — not just this year, but every year.
Where you will find me
You’ll find me moving through the Croisette like the rest of you — making the most of every moment and connection. But if you’re looking to connect IRL, here’s where I’ll be: Madhive’s Cannes Innovation Studio at the Majestic Hotel with CommPRO and presented by Fabric Media; Stagwell’s Sport Beach with PRophet and HUNTER; the Brand Innovators Beach Stage; and of course, hosting conversations at CommPRO’s Town Hall. Come find me — no yacht required.
