My Advice for Future Canes in Cannes Students:
Stay hydrated. Cannes gets extremely hot, and you will spend most of the day walking between different beaches, talks, and events. Always bring water with you.
Bring a portable charger. You will use your phone constantly for the festival schedule, directions, networking, photos, and videos, so your battery will die much faster than you expect.
Do not be afraid to go on the trip alone. I did not know anyone before going, but I ended up making some of my best friends. Going alone pushed me outside my comfort zone and made the experience even more meaningful.
Spend time away from your friends at the festival. You will benefit so much from exploring alone and focusing on the talks that genuinely interest you. Being independent also makes it easier to meet new people.
Go to what you want to see—not only what your friends want to see. Everyone has different interests, and this is your opportunity to create an experience that connects to your own goals and future career.
Talk to everyone. You truly never know who you might meet in Cannes. Start conversations in lines, after panels, at the beaches, and while walking around the festival.
Be kind to everyone. The person standing next to you or listening to your conversation could be a celebrity, executive, creator, or future employer. Treat every person with kindness and respect, regardless of who they are.
Study the schedule before each festival day. Write down the talks and speakers you really want to see, including their times and locations. Popular sessions fill up quickly, so arrive early and have backup options.
Be open to new experiences, foods, and people. Some of my favorite memories came from moments I did not originally plan. Say yes, try new things, and make the most of every day.
If possible, travel around Europe afterward. You are already there, so take advantage of the opportunity. Bring some euros, plan ahead, and explore another city or country once the program ends.
Do not give in to peer pressure. Just because other people are going out or partying every night does not mean you have to join them. It is completely okay to rest, prepare for the next day, or do something on your own. The festival is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so prioritize the experience you came for and make choices that feel right for you.
Make your LinkedIn QR code your phone’s lock screen. This makes it so much easier to connect with people immediately without having to search for each other. Also, post on LinkedIn as much as you can before, during, and after the trip. Share the talks you attend, your biggest takeaways, and the people you meet while the experience is still current.
