Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity – the clue to fulfilling the brief is in the title. To add a creative approach to every aspect of what we do. From designing and building ten activations and providing boutique furniture from our own collection to the practicalities such as logistics and project management. All seamlessly controlled by our dedicated team. This was the second year we were asked to create areas at this amazing event… here’s why
Bespoke design
10 activations at the same event does not mean the same design…. Not on our watch anyway. We treated them as individuals, listening to what each client wanted and understanding their brand values, this allowed us to create activations that reflected the specific company’s needs. For a complete overview of our 10 tailored designs, click below, but a few examples include a bespoke ‘whale’s tail’ branded entrance for Whalar that picked up on this client’s logo. Chase, whose company colours are blue and white, wanted a beach vibe, so we ensured these colours were present through rugs, cushions and home décor items. Finally, Ibotta wanted to make a vibrant splash, so we created a standout centre logo piece, which also doubled up as a lovely backdrop for their outdoor catering feature.
Build & Production
It’s no good the designs just looking good on paper, they’ve got to work on a practical level at the event itself. Thankfully our talented team is highly skilled at transforming our creative ideas into the functional and the useful. BCG was keen for their activation to hold private meeting sessions, not an easy task at a busy event like Cannes Lions, so we built six soundproofed meeting pods. We are also proudly technical, an important skill for those clients who want to put onimpressive presentations. Kroger was such a client, so we fitted out their cabana with all the AV tech, screens, speakers and handheld mics; our team also assisted in facilitating the sessions.
Project Management
With 10 separate clients, our project management teams were our secret weapon. Seven production managers oversaw a 70-person crew. This included 40 carpenters, six AV technicians, four furniture installers, a local crew and six vegetation installers.
Furniture Hire
You may already know that we have our own boutique furniture collection, but did you know that it boasts an enviable collection of pieces designed for outdoor use? These items come into their own at Cannes Lions. However, some clients, Total, for example, needed that beach vibe inside. Luckily, our furniture shuns the obvious, so we had some such loungers, chairs, and tables to fulfil their brief.
Planning & Logistics
Vevo’s LED wall and Scripps’ digital tickers, bespoke Emmy award and branded football & basketball net didn’t just happen to arrive at the right place at the right time. It was planned, just like the design; the build and running of each activation, even if we say so ourselves, takes some skill, which we just happen to have. Teams were involved to ensure nothing was forgotten, left to chance or didn’t work, six mega cube trucks were employed to deliver everything, all of which ran on palm-free HVO fuel – we’re planning for a greener future for events as well.
Overseas Events
Having a physical presence on the ground in Cannes was really beneficial. You may have heard that we have opened up a Showcase office in the South of France and Cannes Lions was proof that this decision was the right one. Language barriers were erased, communication was improved and the proximity of our Cannes office to the event before and during the event was invaluable.
