“I feel the most important thing for organizers to embrace moving forward is options, so that we are all able to enjoy and maximize the unique Cannes experience safely, in a way that works for everyone,” said Fiona McKinnon, CEO of mental healthcare specialists The Moment Company. “I have experienced Cannes week as a drinker and a non-drinker, and I have to say my best experience was sober. It wasn’t easy the first time, the peer pressure is real, however, I took the week to fully immerse myself in being there — really there.”

Here are a few recommendations for ways to have fun at the event — sober style.

Mocktails for the win

If you’ve never asked for a mocktail in Cannes, try it, you’re in for a massive treat. The bartenders are all prepped and ready and usually have amazing tastes planned, said Tom Jenen, chief revenue officer at measurement platform Brand Metrics. He added: “I remember a Hawaiian blast at the RTL Beach and a classy drink on the Smart yacht.”

For those who want a cute response to the question “why aren’t you drinking?” look no further than these lowkey workarounds. If you want something that looks like rosé without close inspection, try half Pellegrino Blood Orange and half soda, suggested Jenen. Hopefully, however, it won’t get to the point where people feel compelled to know what you are and aren’t drinking — at least based on Jenen’s previous experience. “In my experience, nobody cares what’s in your glass, they just care that you came to have fun with old friends and make new connections,” he added.

Stock up on fresh, local produce

Make sure that you stop off at some fruit vendors at the beginning of the week to stock up, advised Anthony Lamy, vp of client partners for VidMob’s EMEA business. The melons, strawberries and peaches are particularly excellent in Cannes at this time of year, he continued. Doing so saves you scrambling around each morning for something quick to eat. If you do have time then you could always start the day with a good coffee on a terrasse behind the croisette. There is plenty of shaded seating where you can take in the bustling morning atmosphere, said Lamy.

There’s also more emphasis on ‘eating like a local’ among those execs who plan on having a sober Cannes. Cherries and apricots are in-season and make for an easy vitamin-packed snack to have while advancing those conversations, said Virginie Dremeaux,  vp of marketing and communications for FreeWheel’s international markets at FreeWheel. …read more

Source:: Digiday

Author: Aaron