How to Host an Event at Cannes Lions (Without an Internal Events Team)

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is one of the most important gatherings in the global marketing, media and creative industries.

But while thousands attend every year, only a small percentage actually stand out.

And the difference?
They don’t just attend - they host.

Why Hosting Matters

At Cannes, the enhanced value happens outside the conference rooms:

• Private meetings

• Community events

• Brand activations

• Experiences

Hosting your own event gives you:

• Control over your audience

• A reason to invite prospects and purpose in attending the conference

• A platform to build relationships

The Problem Most Teams Face

Most companies:

• Don’t have an internal events team

• Have event managers unfamilar with cannes / Don’t know where to start

• Underestimate the complexity

• Large enough budget for the event they envision

This leads to either:

• Doing nothing

• Overspending on the wrong format

The Best Event Formats for Cannes

1. Private Breakfasts or Dinners

   Small, curated breakfasts and dinners are often the highest ROI format.
   

2. Co-Hosted Events
   Sharing costs and audiences makes this ideal for smaller teams.
   

3. Activations & Cannoise Inspired Experiences
   Best for brands with larger budgets, and clear messaging.

How Much Does It Cost?

Typical ranges:

• Dinners: €9k–£27k

• Co-hosted: €10k–£45k

• Activations: €25k+

Key Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving planning too late

• Inviting too many people

• Focusing on scale over quality

• Selecting the wrong format and time of day

Final Thoughts

Cannes is not just an event, it’s an opportunity. For most teams, the smartest move isn’t going big. It’s going strategic.

If you’re attending Cannes and considering hosting something, start simple, or speak to a team who can guide you through it.