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Cannes Lions

None Cannes Pass: You don't have to be a Lions delegate to enjoy the delights of La Croisette

By Jeff Fisher

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June 19, 2014 | 4 min read

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In the run up to Cannes Lions, our industry was talking about how technology companies and new media owners are 'descending' on Cannes. The implication was that these companies are only here to schmooze, sign deals and bankroll the entire affair.

There is much to enjoy at Cannes beyond the Palais

These rumours are greatly exaggerated, as evidenced by some of the most innovative tech companies taking centre stage to lead the “TechTalks” thought leadership in the Young Lions Zone. Companies speaking include TubeMogul, Integral Ad Science, Sharethrough and many more of the leading ad technology players.

Despite the diverse attendance, there remain quite a few people hanging out along La Croisette sans pass for the actual festival. So what are they doing? And what can you do if you're one of them?

The first point to make is that it is surprisingly easy to crash parties in hotels, rooftops, boats and basically any other place that has a corkscrew. There are very sophisticated ways of doing it, but a few choice namedrops will get you a long way. Freebies abound if you can get yourself down to the beach to the Google Sandbox, where you can grab a free massage and drinks. Innocean has a great setup for anyone to go and charge their phones and laptops and grab Wi-Fi for work on the go.

The companies on the beach side of the Croisette, including Microsoft, the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) and many more will be happy to have you along – just be willing to talk the talk and drink the smoothies!

Behind the Palais, you'll want to mosey your way over to the Cannes Connect bar, which proves to be a great precursor to a night of parties – a place for mingling by the beach with delegates and outsiders alike. But the best place in Cannes for this kind of social activity? The infamous Gutter Bar, which is officially in the gutter directly opposite the entrance to the significantly more salubrious Martinez Hotel. Mon dieu, what a place.

If you're feeling adventurous and aren’t adverse to sailing, falling in with the right crowd will have you boat-hopping with ease – but again, you have to know the right people.

Now there’s nothing wrong with drinking and networking, but what about actually seeing the Côte d'Azur while you're in southern France? Taking friends, colleagues and new acquaintances outside of town to some of the little beautiful villas can make you a firm favourite. The beach resorts of Juan Les Pins and Antibes are minutes away by bus or train. A little further west are St. Raphael and the celebrity-studded St. Tropez. Some other little gems in the crown of the Côte d'Azur are the Lerins Islands – particularly the Ile Saint Marguerite, home to the prison that held the Man in the Iron Mask.

Finally, the grandeur of Monaco is only 45 minutes away. If you think that the riches being sunk into the spectacle that is Cannes Lions are excessive, take a look at the yachts lining Monaco harbour, the flashy jewellery and designer clothing on display and the wonder of the Pink Palace.. .then you'll realise that the South of France is bigger, brasher and more ostentatious than the Lions can even fathom.

Don’t be mistaken: a ticket to the festival is well worth the price. But if you find yourself in Cannes without access to a badge, there are plenty of other ways to get your money’s worth.

Jeff Fisher is communications manager at TubeMogul

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