Insider top tips
Advice and top tips for attending Cannes Lions
Attending Cannes Lions for the first time? Here’s the insider’s guide on everything you need to know to make the most of your time at the Festival.
“This Festival was equal parts fun, educational, and inspirational. I can’t explain how much my mind has been catalysed by being surrounded by such great work and teams. I sincerely wish this experience for all my colleagues because, even though my feet were tired and swollen, I couldn’t wait to begin journaling about some of the ideas and concepts my brain latched onto, or in some cases, was boldly inspired by being a part of the amazing atmosphere.”
– First Time Attendee, Junior Manager, JCDecaux
Pre-arrival checklist
- Book your flights and accommodation. We recommend arriving Sunday 21 June and leaving on or after Saturday 27 June so that you don’t miss Monday’s content or the closing party on Friday.
- Download the app once it launches in May to plan your personalised agenda and connect with other delegates in advance. Top tip: we’ll have free Wi-Fi available onsite at the Festival.
- Locate your badge barcode in your emails or the app – available a few days pre‑event. You’ll collect a physical badge on arrival, displaying your name and headshot from registration.
- Pack a recyclable water bottle to use at the Festival. You’ll find water refill stations signposted on the Map.
- Feeling overwhelmed or just need a place to reset? You can find all our quiet and shaded places here.
- Not sure what to pack? We’ve got a handy list for you.
Festival checklist
- We’re open all week for badge collection, but we recommend you collect your badge early on Sunday 21 June, any time from 8am to 8pm.
- Want to find your way around in a group? Join a tour of the venue in English, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese or Spanish, and make friends. Simply search ‘first-timer’ in the app or drop by the Tour Booth located by the red carpet stairs.
- Share your experience on social media and connect with other delegates using the hashtag #CannesLions2026.
What not to miss at Cannes Lions 2026
- The Lounge is great for networking. You can invite other delegates to meet you there by messaging them directly in the app.
- Attend a First-Timer Tour, scheduled on Monday and Tuesday of the Festival.
- Welcome Reception for first-timers: Join our welcome meet-up on Monday. It’s a relaxed chance to connect with fellow first‑timers over tea, coffee and mimosas – the perfect way to kick off the week. You’ll be able to sign up for this via the app in June.
- Explore Cabana row to discover exciting activities from our Partners. Cabana row is a lively area within the Festival grounds where companies showcase their work in cabanas – offering a relaxed space for networking, meetings and discussions.
- Dive into our daily networking Meet-Ups where you can connect with industry legends in interactive sessions and workshops. You can find these in the app.
- Experience creative excellence in the Basement. Head downstairs in the Palais (main Festival venue) to explore work that defines innovation and inspiration.
- End your Festival experience in style at the Closing Party – located at Carlton Beach on Friday from 9pm to midnight. Complimentary drinks and food will be provided.
More top tips and guides to help plan your trip
Solo traveller top tips
Travelling on your own? Read our guide for useful info that'll help you as a solo traveller in Cannes.
Inclusivity & Accessibility
All the information you need on inclusivity and accessibility in and around the Festival and Cannes.
What to pack top tips for the Festival
Not sure what to bring? We've got you covered.
The practical guide to Cannes
Sticking to a budget this year? Here are our top tips for a cost-effective Cannes Lions.
Family top tips
All the best advice and top tips on how to have the best experience if you’re bringing family.
Got any questions?
Get in touch with the Delegates team so we can further assist you. We’re available via phone, email and live chat and will get back to you within one working day.
+44 0 20 7046 1155
delegates@canneslions.com
Contact us via live chat
You may also find our booking support, help & FAQs useful if you have questions.