Cannes Lions and Accenture Interactive Launch New Cannes Networking Initiative

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has today announced new networking opportunities to enhance the delegate experience for its 15,000 global attendees.

 

Cannes Lions has joined forces with Accenture Interactive as its Connections Partner to launch a series of initiatives that combine digital technology with real-world networking, creating innovative ways for festival goers to connect throughout the week.

New this year, the Connect Band is a piece of wearable technology designed by Accenture Interactive to make networking easier. Attendees can pick up their Connect Band throughout the festival to facilitate digital data exchange. Once a delegate registers their wristband, they simply ‘bump bands’ with other wearers to swap contact information, and download it through a smartphone app. Just meet, bump, and connect.

Braindates, also in partnership with Accenture Interactive, is a new and highly innovative networking and peer-learning platform to support delegates from across the Cannes Lions global community to meet and learn from each other. Taking place at the new Connections Beach just outside the Palais, Braindates, powered by E-180, allows attendees to connect with the right people and book one-on-one networking sessions based on shared passion and knowledge, regardless of career level. All those who buy a Cannes Lions pass will receive access by email to book Braindates and can log in to the Braindates website to “Offer” their experience, or “Request” knowledge on subjects of interest. The Cannes Lions Connections Beach will have onsite ‘Matchmakers’ to help facilitate 1-on-1 connections between 10am to 3pm daily throughout the festival.

 

Jose Papa, Managing Director of Cannes Lions, said “Cannes Lions is all about driving ideas and fostering new partnerships and we’re delighted to be able to blend digital and real world connections with both Braindates and the Connect Band this year.  It’s an opportunity for our global community to be challenged and inspired – we can’t wait to get started.”

 

Anatoly Roytman, head of EALA at Accenture Interactive, added, “Cannes Lions welcomes 15,000 of the industry’s best and brightest and while many cite networking as their top reason for coming, the process can be overwhelming. Through the Connect Band and Braindates, we’re helping to remove barriers and connect people for meaningful conversations in a fun, easy to use way. We’re excited to be the Cannes Lion’s Connections Partner and help bring the industry together.”

Other Festival networking highlights include twice as many Cannes Lions ‘Meet Ups’ than in 2016. This year’s 24 Meet Ups are hosted by hand-picked industry experts, who facilitate conversations, generate ideas, and help make lasting connections. The series of curated networking sessions, themed around a particular area of interest, are a chance to connect with a global community focused on a common goal.

About Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity

The International Festival of Creativity, also known as Cannes Lions, is the world's leading celebration of creativity in communications and encompasses Lions Health, Lions Innovation and Lions Entertainment. Founded in 1954, the Festival takes place every June in Cannes, France. As the most prestigious international annual advertising and communications awards, over 40,000 entries from all over the world are showcased and judged at the Festival.

 

The eight-day Festival is the only truly global meeting place for professionals working in advertising and communications. A community of 15,000 attendees from nearly 100 countries attend eight days of workshops, exhibitions, screenings, master classes and high-profile seminars presented by renowned worldwide industry leaders.

 

Winning companies receive the highly coveted Lion trophy, a global benchmark of creative excellence, for Creative Data, Creative Effectiveness, Cyber, Design, Digital Craft, Direct, Film, Film Craft, Glass: The Lion for Change, Health & Wellness, Innovation, Entertainment, Media, Mobile, Music, Outdoor, Pharma, PR, Print & Publishing, Product Design, Promo & Activation, Radio, Titanium and Integrated Lions. The Festival is also the only truly global meeting place for advertisers, advertising and communication professionals. Cannes Lions is an Ascential event. www.canneslions.com