Paul Yole’s Cannes: Just like the first time

Paul Yole has attended the Cannes Lions Festival as a delegate every year for the past 10 years. Here he gives his first impressions of this year’s Festival.

Cannes Lions has undergone a refresh.

And I like it.

The Palais has changed its layout to the extent that I almost felt lost, even though it’s the tenth time since I first wandered the halls. Different, but in a good way.

The beach has changed too. More fancy structures, delegate-exclusive areas and a whole lot of construction. The beach itself has suffered some erosion and the event companies have needed to build protective walls to keep out the tide. I hope my photos do it justice.

I’ve noticed comments in another blog (from a judge of all people) that suggest Cannes may have “lost its way” due to the extravagant parties and so on. Apparently, clients may feel that the industry has become too indulgent.

Of course, that’s bullshit. The savvy clients, of whom there are plenty in Cannes, understand that this is one week that agency people need to let their hair down. And let their hair down they will.

The Cannes Lions organisers have done a great job of revitalising the infrastructure, while of course there is an amazing array of speakers and a showcase of the world’s best work to inspire us all.

Will Smith and Mark Ronson may not be everyone’s cup of tea but we do have a choice. In fact, lots of choice.

Bring it on.