Cannes Lions showcased creative and technological brilliance combined

With a background in banking and finance technology, I expected a regimented series of discussions. But, thankfully, advertising’s flagship event had a lot more to offer.

Dynamism, innovation, celebration

The minute I arrived in Cannes, I was swept up in a whirlwind of creative energy. I could tell this was not just an event; it was also a convergence of global marketing, advertising and creative brilliance.

Pinterest’s beach activation stole the show for me. Old jerseys were repurposed into chic carrying bags and intricate, multi-layered flowers were crafted from specialty Lego bricks. The blend of sustainability and innovation on show was nothing short of genius, earning full marks from me for creativity.

When it came to informative panels, Stagwell Beach was unparalleled. The expert discussions were not only enlightening but also validated and perfectly aligned with the purpose of our own AI, Ellain. It felt like a powerful affirmation of our work and vision.

Set against the backdrop of the French Riviera, the festival was alive with a creative and innovative energy that my previous life in banking lacked.

One of the festival’s standout events for me was the Women in Sports session at Stagwell Beach. Thanks to the insightful panels – and a high-energy party – Stagwell was an epicenter of excitement. Sports celebrities mingled with guests to a perfect soundtrack of timeless anthems that created an electrifying atmosphere.

The recurring theme in my conversations with sports and fitness stars like Chloe Kim, Jess King and Megan Rapinoe was their commitment to building and amplifying their brands. These athletes are not just stars on the field; they are savvy brand architects. This enthusiasm presents an ideal opportunity for potential synergy between these dynamic personalities, data science and media.

By joining forces, we can create powerful brand-building partnerships that elevate sports personalities’ influence and help them reach unprecedented heights.

AI and Caesar salad

Artificial intelligence was the star of many conversations, dominating panels, beachside chats, and countless one-on-one discussions. Talking through our suite of AI products and receiving validation from the community was exhilarating.

Yet, the limited real-world AI applications presented highlighted a vast opportunity for innovation in our industry. I found most of the conversations lacking in substance and specifics.

With so many conversations around this important topic, I would have liked to hear more from actual AI experts on practical applications. What I heard were general takes on what could be or should be rather than anything actually being done.

Elsewhere, the festival embodied an “open bar, open minds, open wallets” philosophy. Magnum bottles of rosé vanished at a speed that would impress even the most extravagant of Romans. Conversations flowed effortlessly, delving deep into topics that fused creativity, AI (again) and real-time impact measurement.

Of course, the opulence of the French Riviera meant an open-wallet mindset was essential – $30 Caesar salads included. Yet with the amount of high-level executive conversations and interest around our data science offerings, I hope the expense will yield fruit.

All in all, for me, Cannes Lions was more than a celebration – it was an explosion of creativity, innovation and inspiration. From dynamic discussions to vibrant parties and the captivating beauty of the town of Cannes itself, this was an experience that left an indelible mark.

The festival showcased the limitlessness of possibilities when creativity meets technology, underscoring the importance of celebrating both. My first major foray into the world of advertising and media exceeded even this humble data scientist‘s expectations.