Gabby’s Word 22 May 2013

We’re nearing the end of May, which means one thing and one thing only – Cannes preparation. If it’s not the endless emailing with far-flung contacts, the decisions over Palais events, party invites, party invite jealousy, muffin top-reducing workouts or the countless diary reshuffles, then it’s the paranoia that you’re not planning enough. This year marks my fifth Cannes. Not that many considering I attended my first back in 2004, but enough that my liver is already remonstrating and I’m wise enough to book a ‘shower and change’ slot into my calendar. 

As many of you will know or will have heard, the festival has changed. For one, it’s a hell of a lot bigger and although excessive, gone are the days of sipping champagne on the beach, surrounded by Diptye candles and listening to Sir Norman Jay mix. There are more clients than ever before attending and the Palais schedule keeps expanding. But is the decadence truly over? It’s hard to say that’s the case when you’re sipping a cold rosé at the Carlton or cluttering up the pavement around the Gutter Bar in the wee small hours.

What are the plans for LBB? The editorial team have split the Palais events between us. We’re currently fighting over who can attend what party and we’re scrambling to make time for all the wonderful interview and meeting options that have been sent to us. Believe me, the excel worksheet that is my life from the 16th – 22nd June is already starting to look like a Rubik’s cube. Never fear though, there’s still time available to meet and greet some of you fine folk – so please email us if you’d like to spend time with us: gabby@lbbonline.com / laura@lbbonline.com / addison@lbbonline.com 

When we’re not running up and down the Croisette like a trio of crazy cats, you will find us at the LBB beach with the rest of our team. Located between the Carlton and the Martinez, ‘La Plage Courage’ is open from 10am ‘til 6pm, Tuesday ‘til Friday.  Anyone can attend; just drop your business card in our bowl and come hang out either in the shade or out on a sun lounger. Meetings on the sand or paddling in the sea are so much more civilized, don’t you think? It’s a relaxed, friendly environment - much like the LBB team - and so we like everyone to feel welcome. Meetings are encouraged, as are swims and laughter. Between 4pm and 6pm Tuesday ‘til Friday there’s a ‘Happy Hour’ where you’ll find most of the team catching a breath before the evening’s events. We’d love to see you and we encourage you to not only come check us out, but bring your friends and colleagues. Details can be found on the La Plage Courage Facebook page.

In the meantime, there’s a ‘Black rain’ warning here in Hong Kong which means no one is allowed to commute into work and everyone has been told to stay in bed – sorry, I mean at home…. And people wondered why I moved out here?! 

Hope to see as many of you as possible in the south of France.

Until next week

G