We gathered some of the top experts from media agencies to talk about the future of the industry – you can read about their thoughts here. We couldn’t resist asking them about their Cannes experiences – and what they’re planning to do this year...
What should you make time to do at Cannes?
Hilary Umeh, senior account executive, The Trade Desk: Take on board those opportunities to meet people – and then act on it afterwards. It’s great for networking, it’s also the next steps that are really important.
Ed Cox, managing director, Forward Media: Get up, go and see something. Don’t just hang out with the people you normally hang out with; it’s so tempting to go down to the Croissette and see all your old mates. Don’t be a Brit abroad – it’s a networking event, there’s amazing creativity that comes from all over the world, from Brazil to Saudi Arabia. So go out there and check out what the best of the industry has to offer.
Adam Ray, head of programmatic, Partner, Mindshare: Definitely get out and get into the mix. See what’s out there, there’s so much going on at the moment. Have a lot of fun and enjoy the parties as well – but obviously not too much!
Sacha Berlik, managing director EMEA, The Trade Desk: You should join one of the rooftops, and go to one of the yachts! But seriously, try to spend some time at the beach, not just in meetings.
What do you regret doing at Cannes?
Adam Ray, head of programmatic, Partner, Mindshare: Getting sunburn!
Matthew Davies, managing director, ACCESS, MEC Global: Following too many clients around when you should be having fun!
Ed Cox, managing director, Forward Media: In the previous years that I’ve been I regretted that I didn’t see enough of the talks. I’ve been looking at the Innovations programme, checking out all the talks and sessions for this year. This year I’m definitely going to go to more. I think it’s a real missed opportunity if you don’t actually go there and hear and check out all the sessions from the festival itself.
Sacha Berlik, managing director EMEA, The Trade Desk: All the time, it’s the same thing in Cannes – I shouldn’t have partied that much, but I did…
What should you pack in your suitcase?
Fern Potter, head of search & biddable EMEA, Mediacom: Having English skin… plenty of sun lotion!
Matthew Davies, managing director, ACCESS, MEC Global: Dignity. If you can package it, stick it in your bag, just remember to dip in and put it on every now and then.
Sacha Berlik, managing director EMEA, The Trade Desk: Sunglasses!
Ed Cox, managing director, Forward Media: It’s got to be your mobile phone charger. I know everywhere’s got little chargers that you can plug into, but they never have enough space, they never have the right connector.
Where will we find you at Cannes?
Fern Potter, head of search & biddable EMEA, Mediacom: Where the best conversations are happening!
Sacha Berlik, managing director EMEA, The Trade Desk: At a rooftop terrace, in a penthouse – which will be The Trade Desk’s location!
