The list of speakers is literally a veritable who’s who from… well, every walk of life. There’s Presidents, World Cup winners, artists, pop-groups, shop owners, CEOs, scientists – and me!
If you’re lucky enough to be spending your week in the South of France this week, it might be difficult to choose the best stuff to go and visit. So to help you out, here’s my suggestions for the sessions you really should visit each day.
MONDAY – K-POP LIVE ON STAGE: 2NE1
South Korea’s most famous all girl pop group come to Cannes for the first time. Yes – that’s THE 2NE1!!! Well… I’ve never heard of them either, but it’s got to be worth checking out and apparently it’s the next big thing. The talk will focus on how interest has grown organically through social media and other channels without huge amounts of money going behind the marketing. If you miss the session, definitely google K-pop.
TUESDAY – YOUTUBE: How Online Video Powers Creative Innovation
Remember OKGO and that video? Well, the lead singer will be joining YouTube to talk about how creatives, innovators, and everyone else is using YouTube to reshape the way we create and share video.
WEDNESDAY – MICROSOFT ADVERTISING: DEVICE LOVE: WHERE TECHNOLOGY AND CREATIVITY CONVERGE
The guys from Microsoft will be talking about the way we interact with the world around us and how emerging technology changes the way we do pretty much everything. They’ll also be looking at some of the cool stuff being developed for Windows 8, Xbox and Skype will continue to change the way we interact with the wider world.
If you don’t manage to make this session, make sure you head to the Microsoft Digital Lounge. Why? Because the Nokia Gift Machine is in there and is waiting for you to come and win some cool Nokia prizes. And if you notice a guy standing next to it – it’ll be me. Come say hi!
THURSDAY – BILL CLINTON: HOW TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD
There’s a standout choice here. So obvious it hurts I know, but you’d be mad to miss former US president Bill Clinton’s speech. He’s been keeping himself busy on the speaker’s circuit since leaving the White House and has gained a reputation as one of the most engrossing orators of our time. Bill will be talking about the part advertising can play in building a better world.
FRIDAY – GREY’S MUSIC SEMINAR – DEBORAH HARRY OF BLONDIE HEADLINES
The legendary Debbie Harry will be giving an exclusive talk on her career and her approach to creativity. Not much more to say really other than this is another one you’d slap yourself for missing.
SATURDAY – YOUNG LIONS + CLOSING GALA
The final event of the festival. If you’re in Cannes, you’ll already be going to this. My one word of advice is that you should really get there early – if you get there after 17:45, you’re most likely going to find yourself stuck out on the beach. Which isn’t necessarily a bad place to be, but you’ll miss the grand finale!
Even if you’re not going to Cannes, keep an eye on the Nokia Connects blog as we’ll be bringing you all the latest from Cannes and the best of the cool stuff that’ll be happening throughout the week! Also, make sure you head to @Nokia_Connects for more event coverage.