Inspirational. Authentic. Diverse.
Just some of the words that sum up Cannes Lions 2024. The Propeller team had their boots on the ground throughout the week, splitting their time between servicing clients, attending insightful panels and (of course) soaking up the sunshine.
With Cannes now firmly in the rearview mirror, we thought we’d take a moment to share our team’s key takeaways from one of the most talked-about events on the advertising calendar.
“When an American shows up in Cannes, you know they really want to be there. Between the long-haul flights and the expense, there’s an energy of “we’re not simply invited here,” but “we really want to be here, in every sense of the word.” There’s a craving to be part of the creative energy and buzz that thrives there—a craving to be in the room where the conversations that matter happen. So my prime takeaway from Cannes 2024 is that while those infamous Lions will always matter, Cannes is about more than just those lions—which are afforded to so few—and more about the people you meet in the most serendipitous of ways, and the conversations which ensue.”
Mary Cirincione, Associate Director, Vice President of US
“There’s lots of great thinking around how to get our industry to a better place on sustainability, but only if you know where to look. Thematically, it’s on the decline, which is understandable in the current economic climate but ultimately an oversight around what will drive long term growth. Shout out to those working hard to keep it in the conversation – Conscious Advertising Network and Good-Loop among many others!”
Gill Browne, Associate Director, Strategy
“I enjoyed spending time with UK Advertising, meeting fellow members and attending the GREAT Global Dinner with guest speaker Munya Chawawa. The UK continues to play a central role on the international advertising stage, with record exports of £18bn in 2023. Thanks to the UKAEG team for creating an excellent programme of content and shining a spotlight on the UK’s contribution globally.”
Kieran Kent, CEO
“Empower Café brought together a constellation of authentic women unafraid to show vulnerability and are mindful of those who come after them. We talk about banishing Imposter Syndrome from our vocabulary, but as all of the female leaders on our panels throughout the week showed, we just need to face it, deal with it and kick it out of the way.”
Rose Bentley, Chief Client Officer
“Armed with the Propeller Group Fringe Events and Parties list, I felt prepared for this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, but Cannes comes at you fast, and sometimes you have to go with the flow. Despite the challenging year, it was inspiring to see our industry unite to celebrate creativity, diversity, and success. The positive atmosphere fostered openness, new connections, and mutual learning, with some of the best moments coming from unexpected talks and chance encounters.”
Jody Osman, Chief Growth Officer
“Propeller’s powering of the WACL Empower Café gave women at the festival an inclusive space to listen to content, and most importantly find a central hub to network. The feedback during the week showed this provided respite from the sometimes overwhelming nature of the festival. Seeing so many inspirational people share their stories throughout the week is what I enjoyed most about the week.”
Louise Watson, Associate Director