Call it networking, call it learning, call it whatever you like, but at the end of the day growing is what it’s all about. So far I’ve attended many seminars, seen hundreds and hundreds of great pieces of work, and connected with new people.
Did one seminar stand out? All I can say is that my mind is still processing all the thoughts. There are snippets here and quotes there and insights everywhere. I think the best seminar is the one percolating in my head, which is a mixture of many seminars.
Robert Redford said some pretty basic but profound stuff. Even though he’s from outside our business, as a creative man he understands the need to embrace change (please note, clients).
I heard where Google will be taking us in the not-too-distant future, and how Time Warner is going to change our view of the medium of television.
I listened to tech talk and creative talk and some, I must admit, self-serving talk from agency groups who like to think their work is the bees knees.
The real interesting fact, and it’s so fundamental to the essence of Cannes, is that it’s not about the cool code or the latest tech device — all of which is nothing short of amazing — it’s about the compelling idea. Think about the great story a brand can offer now with the added bonus of actually involving the user. Brands have come a long way, and the brands of the future have to be real and honest and sincere. These are the brands that will create trust, and in trust there is shareholder value.
That’s what I’ll be taking back to Canada, along with a bunch of business cards from people and organizations I want Blammo to align with to help keep us on the cutting edge of this business.
Please excuse me now as I have to go back to my hotel room and grab a handful of business cards to hand out tonight at one of the parties I’ve been lucky enough to be invited to.
Alan Gee is co-founder and chairman of Toronto-based ad agency Blammo.
