Dan Keene’s Post

On Cannes, Part One. I'm not attending Cannes this year (we've won some huge accounts quite recently and have arms full at the moment, in a good way). But I've attended in the past, countless times, and spoken/keynoted on several occasions. Career highlights, for sure. It's an amazing festival of creativity, run and managed by incredibly talented, kind humans (Philip Thomas Paul Kemp-Robertson Steve Latham and many more). Leading up to next week, I aim to post a few tips for ensuring a highly successful week, for those who plan to attend. Tip #1 - make sure you connect with the giants of our industry. They, like you, are there to listen and learn. Don't be shy. They have a treasure trove of knowledge and if you time it just right, they might even be willing to share. Here's just a few of our industry's giants, and a few personal heroes, that I had the pleasure to spend time with during a few stints at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity: Sir John Hegarty (a dear friend and former colleague, and the most brilliant thinker I know) Sir Martin Sorrel (a new introduction. was worth it) Michael Conrad (a former Burnett colleague, genius creative and the finest human alive) David Bell (a friend and colleague, and the most strategic, and decent, person you'll ever meet) SOCIALDEVIANT #connections #creativity #lessons

Its the eve of the opening of Paris 2024! Its difficult to express quite how much work goes into creating an event of this size, in a world city, across 35 competition venues (and probably another 100 less glamourous but vital non competition venues). Millions of visitors, and many more watching a festival of sport and culture on a completely unequalled scale. The challenges for hosting such an event are huge, it interfaces with virtually every facet of daily life in the host city..... and that needs to be planned probably 135 times over.... and look amazing.... oh and the tickets have been sold, the cameras are on, and the athletes are ready. There is no such thing and an extension of time so you'd better have a workable solution to that issue. Working on projects such as this has a habit of making anything else look "a bit on the small side". Building projects such as this has a habit of making anything else feel "a bit on the slow side" Having people engage and delight at the end result of years of hard work has a habit of making you smile. Hats off to the years of hard work, the late nights, the thinking, the solutions, the dedication, and the end result. At this stage, you probably deserve some caffeine. (nice merch by the way).

The Croisette is calling, and soon the creative world will descend on the Riviera for the annual pilgrimage that is the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. But with all the buzzwords, sponsored beaches and rosé-fueled networking, it's easy to lose sight of what really matters: standout creative work that delivers results and inspires. Whether you're attending the festival this year or, like me, back home watching the action from the virtual sidelines, I believe it's important to approach Cannes with intentionality. The week is noisy, and it's easy to get distracted. (IYKYK.) But this event is still about spotlighting the best creative output of the past year. At the end of the day, we ought to rise above the racket and focus on the work—work that pushes boundaries, sparks dialogue and connects with people on an emotional level. Of course, the top minds in the business will be there, and as always, I look forward to hearing what they've got to say. With all the conferences that have sprung up in our business, Cannes remains an unparalleled platform for addressing the most urgent issues facing marketing, media, tech and the culture. For one week every June, you can bet all eyes and ears are trained on this town. Cannes is ultimately what you take away from it. As for me, I plan to follow all the coverage I can devour and come away a little smarter and a whole lot more inspired. #CannesLions #Creativity #Innovation #Marketing #Advertising #Media #Tech #Inspiration #Impact

Some great advice for the mistakes not to make when buting a home in France. Another one : get your banking solutions sorted out early on. Speak to someone who understands you and your project! Contact us at CA Britline to see how we can help. #frenchbanking #internationalbankaccounts #frenchdream #projectinfrance #creditagricole

Everyone knows industry speak can be overwhelming. It’s a whole other language entirely when that corporate lingo is taken to the French Riviera. In case you need a refresher, here’s a cheeky digest of what people might say while they’re at #CannesLions — and what they actually mean. #CannesLions2024

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 🌟 Countdown to Cannes Lions: Week 5! 🌟 Are you a first-time attendee at Cannes Lions? Our latest blog is packed with insider tips to help you navigate the festival like a pro and make the most of every opportunity. 🌟🎉 Read the full article:https://lnkd.in/gFQrY93T #CannesLions #NetworkingLikeAPro #FirstTimeAttendee #InsiderTips

This opening ceremony has evoked strong reactions, both positive and negative. Such polarizing responses are typical for grand, innovative productions deviating from tradition. While some may view it as a departure from the expected grandeur of past ceremonies, it’s essential to recognize that it was designed to engage a new and diverse audience, bringing fresh elements to the stage. Indeed, previous opening ceremonies, such as those in London and Beijing, set high standards with meticulous coordination and cohesive storytelling. This latest event, while controversial, undeniably sparked conversation and interest. It’s a testament to its ambition and attempt to redefine the spectacle for a modern audience. Although it may not have resonated with everyone, the fact that it stirred such debate indicates its impact. Embracing innovation, even when it challenges conventions, can be a way to push boundaries and explore new possibilities. Let’s use this opportunity to reflect on how we can balance innovation with tradition. This balance is crucial in crafting future ceremonies that captivate and inspire all viewers, ensuring a bright future for opening ceremonies. https://lnkd.in/eyszZhjb #OpeningCeremony #InnovativeEvents #EventDesign #Olympics2024 #CeremonialSpectacle #ModernEntertainment #AudienceEngagement #CreativeVision #CulturalImpact #EventProduction #TraditionVsInnovation

PJ Pereira, you KNOW I agree. ...to an extent. BUT, I think we all have to come to terms with the fact that Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is now three things simultaneously: 1) A global creative awards show. Or, rather THE global creative awards show. 2) A global Media and Marketing conference. 3) A global celebration of and for the advertising, marketing and media community (with the big players all flexing their big budgets to throw big parties). In my opinion, none of these exist to the detriment of the other. I also think ALL OF US could do a better job of engaging in all three aspects. If you're in the Palais to give or accept awards, set some business meetings that broaden your knowledge, expand your relationships, and stretch your understanding of what's possible. If you're at MediaLink Beach to open or close deals, walk the twenty-five yards to the Palais and catch a panel or an awards ceremony. If you're just here for the pickleball at Stagwell Sport Beach, or to see Arcade Fire at Spotify House, how do I get your job? But if your job has you here for awards and meetings, don't be shy about rewarding yourself with some of the fun. Let's not fight what Cannes has become, let's make the most of it. See you all on the Croisette, and in meetings, and in the Palais, and, yes, probably at the bar. p.s. I think it's worth noting that while scheduling conflicts are real, in my 20+ years of attending awards ceremonies in the Palais, I have never once seen it at any less than way over capacity, standing room only.

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As I prepare for another Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, I am filled with anticipation and excitement. If not for the pandemic pause, this would be my 25th year attending this incredible event. Like all of you, I am so happy the festival is back and bigger and better than ever, and I can’t wait to hear from some of the industry’s sharpest minds and most creative thinkers this week. Cannes is the perfect place to see everyone and do everything, all at once. From servicing DiGennaro Communications’s global roster of leading brands. publishers, platforms and agencies to swapping ideas with journalists and industry peers, it is a hub where connections are made and ideas come to life. With so many of our clients and other friends on the ground, Cannes is that rare chance to engage face-to-face—and the collective power of the guests at Cannes, like at the annual POSSIBLE conference this past April in Miami, means lots of opportunities for deal-making. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed about it all (and who isn’t?), here are a few tips I’ve come to find useful over the years: 1) Survey the Croisette Early. Do a dry run before it gets too crowded. Check out all the activations and set-ups. This year will bring some changes due to construction, so it’s essential to stay updated. 2) It’s All About Logistics. Cannes is a very walkable city, but staying on top of all the where’s and when’s will save you a lot of time and hassle. 3) Go Off the Beaten Path. While everyone at Cannes seems to compete for the same five restaurants, I encourage you to be adventurous. The side streets offer fantastic dining options—after all, you can never go wrong with frites, profiteroles and, of course, rosé! 4) Be Prepared. You never know whom you’ll run into or find yourself sitting by. While old-school business cards might seem a relic of the past, they still do the trick when it comes to rapid-fire networking. 5) Embrace Spontaneity. While it’s tempting to overcommit, the most magical moments very often come from simply bumping into people. Be sure to leave space in your calendar for those spontaneous opportunities. This is shaping up to be the biggest Cannes Lions ever. If you can’t make it, be sure to follow #TeamDGC’s live coverage on Instagram and Twitter, Inc. X, and daily recaps of all the highlights here on LinkedIn. And if you are going to be on the ground, I look forward to seeing you there. Bon semaine! #CannesLions2024 #Innovation #Creativity #Marketing #Advertising #Media #Tech #Brands #TeamDGC #DGCannes2024