This week, I’ve been challenging myself with Cannes prep.
Preparing for a major festival and market like Cannes is its own undertaking for anyone attending, but even more so when I’m there representing Stage 32 as an official education partner of the Marché du Film.
Just like anyone else attending should be doing, I’ve been deep in research, looking into companies, executives, and creatives who will be attending, setting meetings in advance, and thinking strategically about how to make the most of every in-person interaction. These are connections that are often impossible to replicate outside of a space like Cannes, so preparation matters.
At the same time, I’m also getting ready for everything Stage 32 has planned, events, panels, and meetups around the Palais. We’ll be sharing all the details on the Stage 32 blog over the next few weeks, so definitely keep an eye out for that!
And then there’s the practical side of it all, travel prep.
Cannes is a tricky beast, especially when you’re there for just over a week and constantly on the move. Here are a few essentials I’ve learned to prioritize:
- Comfortable shoes, truly non-negotiable. Closed-toe, sandals, and something formal, all with as much arch support as possible. Your feet will thank you. When you're at Cannes, you're on your feet for days. The shoes you're wearing have the power to make or break you within a matter of hours!
- Business casual and professional layers. The weather can shift quickly, and you rarely have time to go back and change during the day. Looking professional and put together is so important, but being able to remove or add layers depending on the temperature changes is key.
- Sunblock, sunglasses, and hand sanitizer.
- Power banks. Your phone will be working overtime. Make sure you have extra power banks charged each night and at the ready with you every day.
- Compression socks. I’m serious, they make a difference. Again, your feet will thank you.
- At least one formal outfit for premieres or black-tie events. Cannes has strict dress codes, and you want to be ready if the opportunity comes up.
- Business cards, digital or physical, to stay connected.
- Good headphones for travel days.
There’s a lot that goes into it, but the goal is to set yourself up so you can be fully present once you’re there.
If you’re attending Cannes this year, I would love to know! Jump into the comments below and share your Cannes goals with us. And be sure to RSVP for the Stage 32 Meetup here:
https://www.stage32.com/meetups/2070/Cannes-Film-Festival-2026-Stage-32-...
Now I want to hear from you. What are you doing this week to challenge yourself to learn and grow?
2 people like this
This. Is. Awesome. And, honestly, should be a blog that lives on the site forever! You missed a KEY one....WATER. It appears that the Croisette is powered by rose, so water is key!
1 person likes this
Amanda Toney "WHERE IS THE WATER?!" LOL!
taking notes
Ashley Renée Smith! This is an excellent, high-value post that combines personal insight with genuinely useful, actionable advice. It strikes a strong balance between professional preparation and practical experience, making it especially engaging for anyone attending Cannes Film Festival or aiming to in the future.
The tone is confident and informative without feeling overwhelming, and the checklist of essentials is particularly effective it adds real-world credibility and makes the post immediately helpful. The emphasis on preparation, research, and intentional networking also reinforces a professional mindset that resonates well within the industry.
The call to action at the end works nicely to invite engagement and community interaction. If anything, you could tighten a few sections slightly to maintain momentum, but overall the depth and clarity are a big strength here.
Overall, a polished, insightful post that offers both inspiration and practical guidance, and positions you as someone with real experience and authority in this space.
Comfortable shoes is a must, especially if I'm on my feet all day. Flats are my go to for shoes most of the time as they are more comfortable than high heels. Also sandals. Also like Amanda said, water is essential. I don't go anywhere without a stainless steel water bottle.