Memories and Inspirations - Cannes Lions

So my trip to the festival has ended. I spent alot of money but i gained alot of experience and knowledge. I attended many workshops, seminars, and master classes. I have a few chances to get dolled up just to attend award ceromonies that feel like the grammies. But I must say that overall the trip was a success.

i didnt know what to expect when i arrived in cannes, exspaecially after have a 5 hour delay at JFK due to weather problems. But, I must say that the weather was great,and the people were for the most part very friendly. The cars were small and so were the roads. But the ldeas and creative work that I got to see were out of this world. I was inspired and amazed everyday that i showed up to the festival. The people that you meet here I would have never known existed unless I would have had this opportunity.

The addition of the young lions area and activities to the festival this year was a wonderful Idea, I just wish that there were more opportunies for others to be able to network. I would recommend that many other students or young professionalss take this opportunity to attend the festival in the future. The experenice is like no other.

Also if you think that you shouldnt go because you don't speak french, I would tell you thats a lame excuse- most of everyone in and around the festival understand some to alot of english and if you learn some basic simple phrases you'll be just fine. It was also a great idea to bring business cards, besause the people that you want to meet up close don't always have alot of time so it's alot easier to just drop them your card or even pick theirs up. The main point of this whole blog- of this whole trip really came down to networking. Everyone in this industry wants to to work witht he best of the best. So if you have a great idea don't be afraid to tell the world. If it is really great then people will really come to you.

I would like to sum up this by speaking breifly on the some of things that stood out to me. All of the world changing projects. These campigns range from as large as "Tap water" to the "ACT" posters and even the "Bondage for Freedom"- this was a real favor of mne, were all very powerful to me. It was a great feeling to know that there were others in this world that are taking a stand aginst unjust powers of the world. That knowledge led me to know that my own aspirations to help and save others in the world will not go in vain. I plan to take my new knowledge and put it to good use.

Thanks to all that helped me get to Cannes I promise that this trip was a life changing experience.

signing off

Stephanie Hankins