Once an incident is reported, professionals have three options based on its severity: offer counsel; work with on-site festival security to help manage the situation appropriately and discreetly; or involve local authorities if the matter needs escalating.

As in previous years, Cannes organizers will collaborate with partners on a dedicated anti-harassment campaign that will launch during the festival and run across its key venues and media.

In 2024, TimeTo and Cannes Lions partnered to launch Celebrating Safely, a guide providing advice and education on sexual harassment for all festival attendees.

This year, Starling said the campaign will encourage delegates and partners to consider their “own behavior and the impact it can have on others.”

“We’re asking everyone to pause, reflect, intervene safely, and take responsibility for creating a respectful, inclusive experience for all,” he explained.

Bystander intervention training

In the run-up to Cannes Lions, TimeTo will deliver dedicated bystander intervention training, available to all. Starling said information on this training will be provided to delegates ahead of the event.

“We want our community to feel empowered to safely and effectively intervene if they witness inappropriate behavior,” Starling said. “By offering this, we hope to educate participants on how to identify problematic situations, choose appropriate intervention strategies, and support those affected so that collectively, we can create a festival environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported.”

The two students who shared their experiences with ADWEEK in 2024 described being groped and told to accept men’s “forwardness,” in full view of other people. However, they said no one seemed to notice, as everyone was in their own “bubbles.”

At the time, the women said they shared their experiences to spur more “safety and accountability” for women and students at the festival.

This year, Cannes Lions is under new ownership following events and services business Informa’s $1.6 billion purchase of parent company Ascential.