A Cannes Lions story with a surprise twist
Every June, I trade office life for yachts, rosé, and sun-soaked streets in the South of France. It sounds luxurious—and it is—but it’s also one of those work trips that always finds a way to surprise me. Last year, it came with a side of Emma Chamberlain.
The Glamour of Cannes
One of the major perks of my job is heading to the French Riviera each June for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. For one glorious week, Cannes becomes a playground for the advertising and tech world. The yachts are filled with execs, the beach clubs buzz with energy, and the rosé flows freely.
Everyone’s after the same coveted invites—Spotify’s beach concerts, where we all hold our breath to see who will headline, and iHeart Media’s ultra-exclusive party at Hotel Du Cap, attended by a curated crowd of CEOs and CMOs. These are the events people scramble for.
But me? I’ve learned to sneak away.
My Quiet Ritual
While the city parties into the night, I often wander off to the quieter corners of Cannes. Down cobblestone alleys, past vintage storefronts and sun-washed balconies, I find an outdoor table, order a crisp glass of rosé, and people-watch. It’s simple. It’s peaceful. And in the middle of one of the busiest weeks of the year, it’s everything.
Last year, after a long day of client meetings and panels, I was doing just that—strolling Rue Meynadier, looking for a quiet spot for dinner. That’s when it happened.
The Emma Moment
I saw her.
Emma Chamberlain. Just casually walking down the street with her dad, as if she hadn’t taken over the internet or built an empire from her bedroom.
Now, living in Los Angeles, I’ve seen a fair share of celebrities. But something about Emma struck a different chord. Maybe it’s because I’ve watched her rank french fries from every fast food chain or narrate her Paris Fashion Week trips with hilarious commentary. She feels like your internet BFF—and in that moment, I lost all chill.
I turned to my friend, heart racing, and screamed:
“EMMA!”
I don’t even remember what came next. I blacked out in full fan-girl mode.
What I do remember is that she was so kind. So humble. She smiled, thanked me for supporting her, and took a few photos with me—genuinely sweet and gracious. It was surreal.
“Funny how sometimes the most unexpected things end up being the most memorable.”
A Moment That Stuck
I didn’t stop talking about it. Not that night, not for the rest of the trip. My friends were both amused and slightly concerned by how starstruck I was. My youngest sister—who introduced me to Emma’s vlogs in the first place—still laughs every time we bring it up.
And honestly? Out of all the glamorous, over-the-top moments during Cannes Lions—this random, spontaneous encounter is the one I keep coming back to.
It’s the little things. The unexpected ones. The ones that make you feel like a teenager again, screaming in the street over someone who unknowingly kept you company through a screen.
Have you ever had a celeb run-in that totally made your day?
Drop it in the comments—I live for these stories.
xoxo
Travel. Beach. Love.
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