"Inspiration from the Planet's Most Avant-Garde Thinkers"

Conny> As we gear up for Cannes Lions 2024, I am really excited about the opportunity to meet and engage with creative pioneers, innovators, and game-changers from all corners of the world. It is an opportunity for me to break free from the everyday, gain fresh perspectives and soak up inspiration from the planet's most avant-garde thinkers. At the same time, it is a unique opportunity to meet with our global partners and marketing colleagues from around the world.

Ultimately, I hope to return with fresh ideas on how we can better serve our customers and make a positive impact. Because when we embrace creativity, challenge conventions, and dare to dream big, we can achieve extraordinary things!

Conny> I'm excited about the line-up of events and sessions at Cannes Lions 2024. I look forward to engaging in debates, sharing experiences, and learning from others – there are seemingly endless opportunities to stay ahead of the curve in this fast-paced marketing world. One of the highlights for me will certainly be participating in panel sessions with industry giants like Bain and Ogilvy.

Each brings a unique perspective and expertise that I believe will spark stimulating discussions and generate innovative ideas.

Conny> I very much looking forward to Kara Swisher’s ‘On with’ session with John Legend and Chrissy Teigen. Hearing from the husband-and-wife duo about how they’ve built up their brands across multiple consumer passion points will be fascinating. Plus, it’s not every day that you find yourself in the presence of an EGOT winner – it certainly adds a unique touch to the event. 

Elsewhere, Patagonia’s ‘Let’s get unfashionable’ panel is sure to be an eye-opener. It’ll explore how instead of chasing the new, we should lean in on quality and making things that last for years. I genuinely believe that we can apply Patagonia’s principles to our own insurance solutions – providing lasting value to people and the planet, challenging ourselves to think outside the box, and embracing unconventional ideas.

Conny> Cannes is always bursting with insights into future trends and projections. While I expect there to be a strong focus on the impact of technology, economic shifts, and global events, in my view, customer experience should take centre stage. As we navigate an increasingly complex world, it’s more important than ever for brands to understand what customers really need and create meaningful, personalised experiences that resonate with them.

Conny> The challenge lies in navigating the vast array of sessions, events, and networking opportunities within a limited timeframe. It can feel a little overwhelming! To set yourself up for success, you’ve got to make strategic choices to ensure you’re gaining the most valuable insights and connection. And in the spirit of the event, maybe break away from ordinary and push yourself to explore topics you wouldn’t usually be your first choice. However, these challenges are far outweighed by the opportunities. Attending Cannes is an exciting prospect for any marketer. It’s a melting pot of creativity and innovation, providing a unique platform to learn from global leaders across various industries.

Conny> For first-time attendees, my advice would be to come with an open mind and be ready to absorb as much as you can. Plan your schedule wisely to make the most of the sessions, but also allow time for spontaneity, make connections, meet other marketeers and learn from their experiences. Inspiration at Cannes extends beyond events – it's found in the chance encounters and the spontaneous conversations, and the collaborative connections forged in passing. See you in Cannes!