Staying safe at Cannes Lions

Following a strategic review of our approach to safeguarding at the Festival, as well as a review of logistical challenges within the Safe Zones, and the gathering of internal and external feedback, we tendered for a specialist safeguarding consultancy and a new on-site safeguarding team to support us at Cannes Lions 2026. We have now completed this process, and both partners have been appointed.

Our commitment is to create a safe, inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves at the Festival. We are making this happen by implementing a comprehensive safeguarding strategy that addresses the needs of our diverse, global community.

We are working with leading safety and welfare professionals from the Good Night Out Campaign and X2 Consult to implement a robust framework that supports all delegates and maintains the collaborative, engaging spirit that defines Cannes Lions, where people share ideas, celebrate achievements, and build new connections. We will provide further updates on our safeguarding strategy in the run-up to the Festival.

In short, we expect respect. Every delegate, representative, or partner attending one of our events or interacting with our brand – as well as every member of the LIONS team – is expected to behave in a decent, fair, responsible, and reasonable way towards one another, our staff, company property, customers, and suppliers. Everyone has the right to feel safe, welcomed and supported. We are focused on positively reinforcing our core messages that we expect respect and ensuring, through our policies and structures, that there will be clear, consistent consequences for any inappropriate behaviour, by anyone, at any time.

The Festival is no place for inappropriate, disruptive, threatening or abusive behaviour – either in person or online, to other delegates, partners, speakers or our Staff.

Whilst 76% of delegates were satisfied with the Festival's safety measures at our most recent festival, 14% weren’t aware of them, and we found several operational challenges arose with the Safe Zones.

Good Night Out Campaign

Comprehensive Policy Review and Development Good Night Out is conducting a thorough audit of our existing safeguarding strategy and policies, helping to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement, providing insights from hundreds of global festivals and event organisers.

Culturally Competent Ways of Working

The approach will integrate intersectionality and cultural competence, recognising that Cannes Lions’ unique blend of cultures is a strength, not a challenge, and that it requires a robust, intersectional approach to ensure everyone can access the type of support that works for them.

X2- Consult

Professional On-Site Safeguarding Presence

Trained roaming safeguarding officers will be present throughout the Festival, in addition to operating the Safe Zones, providing immediate support when needed. These professionals are specifically trained in trauma-informed responses.

Proactive Behaviour Detection and Monitoring

Specialised behaviour detection officers will be deployed throughout the Festival, including during the evening and early morning hours, 24 hours a day, when incidents are more likely to occur, so we can identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

Accessible Reporting Infrastructure

We are implementing advanced reporting software and confidential reporting solutions accessible via QR codes at each location and throughout Festival areas, enabling quick, safe, and anonymous reporting of concerns and removing barriers that might prevent people from seeking help.

Transparent Communication and Accountability

Daily reports will be shared with our Head of Security, ensuring continuous monitoring and rapid response to emerging issues, allowing us to track patterns, measure effectiveness, and continuously improve our safeguarding measures