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Cannes Lions Cheil

Five Reasons I Love Cannes Lions: Daniele Fiandaca, head of innovation, Cheil UK

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By Stephen Lepitak, -

June 10, 2014 | 4 min read

It's nearly that time of year again, when the most senior of agency bosses desert their offices for the wine and wonder that is the South of France. The Cannes Lions attracts everyone who is anyone in European advertising, and this year is likely to be no exception. In this series, some senior figures offer their five main reasons for loving the festival so much. Daniele Fiandaca, head of innovation for Cheil, tells us his reasons for loving the festival.

1. The work. Above all, Cannes is a celebration of the great work our industry is doing (recommend a trip to anyone who asks you what it is you actually do all day in advertising). Social media means it is now less about the discovery of great work (as we probably already know who 90% of the winners are going to be), and more focused on analysing and reflecting on what makes the work great. The way the work is exhibited offers a fantastic opportunity to survey everything from print to integrated to innovation entries. One thing to consider is to go and look at the work before it is awarded and then go back at the end of the festival to see if the judges awarded the same stuff you thought was great.

2.. It’s fast becoming an essential destination for inspiring and educating the industry. This year, the programme has been extended even further and there is more to do and see. I’m particularly gutted that I will not be around for the Innovation Day (Saturday) although will certainly be popping in to watch the Innovation awards judging on Tuesday and Wednesday. Your first Cannes can be a mindblowing experience (if you avoid too much rosé), and the opportunities to learn just keep growing (this year with the Young Lions Academy, Young Planners Academy and Young Account Executives Academy, being run by the great Kevin Allen.)

3. It’s the definitive opportunity to network with a global melting pot of talent and discover what’s inspiring them. My personal highlight for the past seven years has been the Creative Social lunch. It’s always held in a secluded spot away from the hustle and bustle and with 70 CDs in one relaxed, social space, the creative juices flow as readily as the rosé. It’s also the ideal (if not only) time to catch up with peers from around the globe. I’ll definitely be checking in with Ben Cooper, now group innovation director at M&C Saatchi Sydney, who I’ve only seen twice in the last 6 years –and I am sure there will be many who fall within that category.

4. As you move along in your career, Cannes evolves with you. It becomes a place where you continue to be inspired, yet also take on the mantle of doing your best to inspire other people as you become more senior. I have to say, Cannes does a great job of facilitating this, creating opportunities for people to pass on their wisdom as they gain more experience. I’ll be giving two talks this year, and hope to keep the tradition going.

5. Last but certainly not least: winning. There’s nothing more powerful than winning a Lion, it’s the pinnacle of any advertising career and, most importantly, the ultimate recognition that you’ve solved your client’s business challenge. And as Cannes increasingly becomes a centre for business (I would expect that at least one major acquisition discussion starts at Cannes every year), it presents an opportunity to bring clients along on that journey with you. At the risk of sounding cheesy, that’s pretty special, and sparks the momentum for creating even more great work.

Cannes Lions Cheil

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