Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity’s Post

Super excited for Cannes Lions next week, who's planning to be out in the French Riviera next week? DM's are open and i'd love to meet with connections at the event to talk all things: - #InfluencerMarketing - #SocialMediaMarketing - #SocialCreative - #CreatorEconomy #CannesLions #CannesLions2024 #CannesLions24

Before you rush to enter the 2024 Cannes Lions competition, you should know what you’re getting into. I counted last year's #CannesLions entries so you don’t have to! See the breakdown below. Last year, they received 26,994 entries. My back-of-the-envelope math suggests that was north of $40M on entry fees, alone.  The juries make decisions, but the organizers have recommended percentages for shortlists and hardware. On average, 10% of entries and are shortlisted in each category and 3.25% of entries win an award. Other interesting stats: % of entries that won grand prix: 0.13% % of entries that won gold: 0.50% % of entries that won silver: 1.02% % of entries that won bronze: 1.59% % of shortlist that won awards: 32.20% It’s a glorious boondoggle and the industry’s need to pat itself on the back is over-the-top grotesque. BUT, the best creative work IS inspiring. (It would still be inspiring without the millions spent on self-congratulations, but nobody is going to stop this party.) If you ARE going to play the game, you might as well understand what type of entries (and what type of case studies) earn the gold. I compiled all the case studies for the 2023 Grand Prix winners on one link; see them here: https://lnkd.in/en6kUb9K You can see links for all the 2023 award winners here: https://lnkd.in/emnqDsSc I put the 2023 shortlist lists and winner lists on a drive here: https://lnkd.in/gcCJqEAt 

Only creativity can make a real change

In the evolving landscape of brand influence on Gen Z, the quest for authenticity stands as a guiding principle. The desire for intimate, behind-the-scenes glimpses into the lives of athletes has become a defining feature of this generation's engagement with sports culture. To capture the attention and loyalty of Gen Z, brands must spotlight authentic stories and moments that resonate with their values and aspirations. Collaborating with athletes who embody authenticity and showcasing their personal journeys can forge deep connections with the upcoming generation of sports enthusiasts. Unfortunately, some brands overlook the potential to dive beneath the surface of athletes' experiences, missing valuable opportunities to authentically connect with both the talent and the passionate fanbase. This oversight inadvertently reinforces the perception that brands seek community without a genuine understanding of its culture. At EssenceMediacom UK we understand to genuinely resonate with Gen Z, brands must exhibit a sincere interest in the cultures they aim to engage with, inviting fans to the table as cherished participants rather than mere sources of currency. Credit to founder Dean George GAUCHOWORLD for his recent interview with Arsenal's Reiss Nelson who last year self-funded a football pitch where he grew up in South London. Quote: “I want the kids to know that the pitch they will be playing on was built by someone just like them" #sportsmarketing #sportscontent #football #arsenal #google #googlepixel8 #essencemediacom

Former American Football Coach Vince Lombardi often emphasised the importance of making "The Second Effort" highlighting that success, whether in football or sales, often demands going beyond the first attempt with even greater determination and persistence. Each setback should ignite a renewed commitment to persevere with even more resolve. This principle was the focal point of a 1968 sales training tape featuring Lombardi. Although the film is short (25 minutes) and very basic in nature, it has been used by countless coaches, including the legendary Jack Gibson, who once cancelled training at Kogarah to show it to his team. The result? An unbeaten 7-game streak that led them to the 1971 Grand Final, where they narrowly lost to South Sydney, 16-10. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend watching it, with several implications for leaders across industries. This year, the Bulldogs have fully embraced Lombardi’s "Second Effort." Both on and off the field, our staff have gone the extra mile, demonstrating grit and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I am incredibly proud of them all—across every department, the entire club has embodied this relentless pursuit and a refusal to settle for anything less than our best. As I reflect on this season so far, it's evident that organisational progress extends beyond just talent or strategy; it’s also about having infinite determination. #SecondEffort #RelentlessPursuit #Bulldogs2024 #Character #Grit #Determination https://lnkd.in/gcW55TdN

#TeamSPB's Wayne Barnes and colleagues set out their five top tips for conducting effective #sportsinvestigations. Click below for their insight,

#TeamSPB's Wayne Barnes and colleagues set out their five top tips for conducting effective #sportsinvestigations. Click below for their insight,

#TeamSPB's Wayne Barnes and colleagues set out their five top tips for conducting effective #sportsinvestigations. Click below for their insight,

#TeamSPB's Wayne Barnes and colleagues set out their five top tips for conducting effective #sportsinvestigations. Click below for their insight,

#TeamSPB's Wayne Barnes and colleagues set out their five top tips for conducting effective #sportsinvestigations. Click below for their insight,