How to Prepare for Cannes Lions: CEO Jamie McLaughlin’s 10 Insider Tips After 10 Years

Every June, the creative industry converges on the French Riviera for one of the most influential events of the year: Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. From global brand leaders and media executives to advertising agencies and tech platforms, Cannes Lions is where business, creativity, and culture intersect.

Monday Talent’s CEO & Co-Founder, Jamie McLaughlin, knows the festival well; 2025 marks his 10th year attending. Over the last decade, he’s learned exactly how to navigate the panels, networking, and late-night parties while still finding time for meaningful conversations. Below, Jamie shares his top tips for attending Cannes Lions - whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro.

1. Sign Up Early (and Strategically)

Registration can sneak up on you. The earlier you register, the more options you’ll have for main stage programming, key panels, and exclusive events that fill up fast. Jamie recommends identifying the core conferences and sessions that align with your business goals, whether that’s ad tech, brand leadership, media, or creative innovation.

2. Plan Your Schedule - But Leave Room for Flexibility

While it’s tempting to schedule back-to-back meetings and panels, Jamie advises building in open blocks of time. The best networking at Cannes Lions often happens organically at beach lounges, coffee meet-ups, or casual conversations along the Croisette.

3. Start Networking Early

Jamie networking at a previous Stagwell event in Cannes.

Jamie’s secret weapon? Outreach begins weeks, sometimes months, in advance. Build your target list and start scheduling touchpoints before everyone’s calendar locks up. And don’t forget: some of the best networking happens outside official programming. 

4. Know Who You Want to See

Between clients, prospects, and friends, it’s easy to overcommit. Jamie recommends identifying key contacts you want to prioritize at Cannes Lions and focusing your time accordingly. A few high-quality meetings often yield more value than dozens of rushed conversations.

5. Know What You Want to Do 

In addition to the official programming, some of the most valuable connections at Cannes Lions happen at brand activations and invite-only experiences throughout the week. Jamie’s can’t-miss list for 2025 includes: Spotify Beach, The Female Quotient Lounge, Sport Beach, Group Black Club Quarantine, Pinterest Manifestival, and Converge at Cannes. (Pro Tip: Many of these activations don’t require a Cannes Lions badge but do require early outreach or invites - so start planning).

Jamie with football star Saquon Barkley at a Sport Beach event.

6. Be Smart About Meals

Breakfast meetings, beachside lunches, and client dinners abound, but overscheduling meals is a rookie mistake. Jamie recommends reserving dinners for key clients or close industry friends and letting daytime meals stay flexible for last-minute meet-ups. Avoid overscheduling your evenings so you can remain open to last-minute invites or spontaneous opportunities.

7. Pack with Purpose

Packing for Cannes Lions is an art form. Jamie’s must-have packing list includes: lightweight, breathable clothing, casual daytime outfits and elevated evening attire, comfortable shoes (expect 20,000+ steps per day), sunglasses and sunscreen, a portable phone charger, small personal fan (for extra hot afternoons), workout gear for morning run clubs, swim sessions, or Sport Beach workouts. 

8. Stay Close and Travel Light

Cannes is a walkable city, and everything happens within a compact area. Carrying a large bag is unnecessary. Jamie’s advice: bring only the essentials so you can move easily between venues, beaches, and hop inside to attend any virtual meetings.

9. Balance Work and Wellness at Cannes Lions

With pool parties, brand activations, and late-night yacht soirées, it’s easy to burn out. Jamie keeps balance with morning run clubs, swim sessions, and even Sport Beach workouts. Bringing a few pieces of workout gear can go a long way toward keeping your energy up all week long.

A view of Cannes, France from a happy hour networking event captured by Jamie.

10. Make the Most of the Cannes Lions Experience

Jamie’s final advice after a decade of Cannes Lions? Show up with a plan, but stay open to the moments you can’t predict. The connections you build at Cannes Lions can shape your business and your career for years to come.