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As the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity comes back to the French Riviera, creatives from around the globe are preparing for a week of high-energy action packed with panels, parties, awards, and intense networking opportunities. With the Olympic Torch relay generating additional excitement this year, here’s advice from Cannes veterans on how to get the most out of your experience both professionally and enjoyably.

Dos: What You Should Definitely Do

Respect the City and Its People
Rob Reilly, Global Chief Creative Officer at WPP, reminds attendees: “It’s their town you’re a guest.” Treat Cannes and its locals with courtesy and gratitude.

Take Judging Seriously
If you’re a judge, understand the gravity of your role. Reilly emphasizes that your decisions will help shape the industry’s creative legacy.

Prioritize Creativity and Effectiveness
Jamie Shuttleworth of Dentsu Creative encourages visitors to concentrate on ideas that break rules and create an impact.

Plan Ahead, Stay Flexible
Silmo Bonomi of Campbell Ewald recommends booking your events in advance but keeping an ear open for those impromptu moments. Cannes lives for spontaneity.

Celebrate the Craft
Win or lose, Bonomi encourages all to visit the awards”the energy is inspiring.”

Soak in the Atmosphere
From walking the Palais to visiting the iconic Gutter Bar, Lindsay Bennett (Gale) and Nick Miaritis (VaynerMedia) suggest immersing yourself in the creative spirit of Cannes.

Be Prepared and Comfortable
Dress for the heat, pack smart, stay hydrated, and wear reliable shoes especially ones you’ve already broken in, says Bennett.

Set Clear Intentions
Grace Teng of Zambezi recommends setting three priorities be it networking, specific panels, or meeting collaborators.

Stay Professional and Present
VML’s Kaleeta McDade reminds the attendees that Cannes remains a business trip. Your next great opportunity could be sitting right beside you.

Don’ts: Pitfalls to Avoid

Don’t Be Entitled
Rudeness or disrespect towards local norms will boomerang fast, says Reilly.

Don’t Lobby or Manipulate Judging
Let judging remain clean and transparent.

Avoid Wasting Time in Lines
Use your wait time to network with those around you.

Don’t Turn Chats into Job Pitches
Bonomi recommends saving recruitment discussions for post-festival.

Avoid New Shoes and All-Nighters Early On
Bennett recommends going slow at the beginning of the week and reserving your energies for the long term.

Avoid Over-Networking
McDade recommends communicating with peers just as much as senior execs.

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Proximity is Key
Proximity to the Palais makes the whole experience easier, according to Miaritis.