c:lynk creative network | c:lynk at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival 2009

In the turbulent times we're going through, what does the advertising industry have to say about it all?

The main repeated message was that the crisis isn't actually one really, but rather an opportunity to "reset" and redefine the way the industry works. Do more with less, find new ways, explore new avenues...

During the whole week, and within very different debates and contexts, "digital" is probably the single word that came out the most, but to which the least concrete answers were attributed. Basically, the integration of digital in the business and creative models is still searching it way.

Despite the industry's "soul-searching" and an attendance of -40% (submitted work entries were -20%), we still managed to enjoy a great festival experience and view some pretty amazing pieces of work (such as the Outdoor Public Services Gold for Dentsu - simply mind-blowing in our opinion!).

With guests such as Eric Schmidt (Google), Steve Ballmer (Microsoft), David Plouffe (Obama campaign), Spike Lee (talking about UGC), or even Kofi Annan and Bob Geldoff (Time for Climate Justice foundation), the quality of the seminars was truly inspiring.

Quality of sand, cocktails, and free-booze flowing parties (even though a sector also hit by the crisis) was rather enjoyable too.

Palais des Festivals, Cannes

Seminar by 180 Amsterdam

links:

> canneslions.com