The Cannes Lions goodie bag reviewed: 'So much guff and one naff freebie'
Cannes Lions is often referred to as the Oscars of the advertising industry, but when it comes to goodie bags the two events are worlds apart.
While this year's Oscars attendees were treated to a $160,000 gift bag boasting art, fine wine, jewellery, luxury travel vouchers (and a sex toy, apparently), Cannes delegates have had to settle for a slew of flyers and a pair of earphones. Poor lambs.
Spying Elmwood chairman and creative luminary Jonathan Sands struggling with one of the Cannes delegate sacks, we asked him to run the rule over the haul on offer.
Here's his review:
"Cannes is a fabulous experience in every way. Great organisation, amazing content, lovely people, etc. My only observation on opportunities to improve is the goodie bag!
"So much guff and one naff freebie. Some of the enclosures were of interest but it was slightly annoying to have to carry so much weight around all day, of which the large majority I threw away... including the headphones.
"It is somewhat ironic that in a festival celebrating the best in creative communications, nobody appears able to master the craft within the goodie bag. Nobody stood out and grabbed my attention. An opportunity lost and one to think about for next year, maybe.
"Perhaps there should be a Cannes Lion for goodie bag communication!?"
Keep up to date with the latest goings on at Cannes Lions Festival in The Drum's dedicated news hub.