What the? A livestream from Cannes? What’s up with that? Isn’t the entire point to waste shitloads of money traveling to Cannes, France for a week to bask in the sunshine and drink Rose on the Carlton Terrace (and shitty beer at the Gutter Bar) on the company dime? How the hell are brands and agencies going to waste all this boondoggle money if we don’t even have to go?
Well now don’t be stupid. Cannes Lions will not be livestreaming the entire thing and even if they did the experience would never come close to actually attending — which we can say from experience.
As part of a deal with YouTube and Mindshare, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has announced it will livestream one session per day on a specially branded YouTube channel. Beginning May 24, people will have the chance to vote on which sessions they would like to see livestreamed.
Of the move, Lions Festival CEO Philip Thomas said, “Every year Cannes Lions brings global speakers to its stage and showcases outstanding content that is thought provoking, inspirational and forward-thinking. We’re excited to be taking this live, offering a taste of the Cannes experience to those that are unable to make it to the South of France.”
If you work in marketing or advertising, you should attend Cannes Lions at least once in your career. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that you will never forget.
