Cannes Lions and TimeTo create sexual harassment guidelines

TimeTo and Cannes Lions have joined forces to offer guidance and education around sexual harassment at industry events ahead of the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

The guidelines are designed to create and foster a supportive environment of respect, well-being and accountability, where anyone attending an event feels secure and can enjoy themselves safely.

The campaign will include a “significant presence” on the ground in Cannes. Out-of-home ads will run at Heathrow Airport, with original work created by Lucky Generals and ad space donated by JCDecaux.

Ads will also run on digital screens outside the Palais in Cannes, and water bottles will be handed out to delegates at the festival with TimeTo messaging.

The key asset for the campaign, developed in partnership with Nabs and Wildstorm PR, is Celebrating Safely. This is a guide that includes advice for before, during and after the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity this year.

The “During Cannes” section of the guide covers areas such as practising self-awareness, respecting boundaries, obtaining explicit consent and safely challenging harmful behaviour.

“Safe intervention can encompass various actions, such as offering a disapproving look, interrupting, or diverting attention, addressing the person’s inappropriate behaviour in a non-confrontational manner and refraining from laughing at inappropriate jokes,” the guide outlines.

“Centring the person being harassed, you can check in on their wellbeing and see what support they would like from you. Intervening does not have to be aggressive or confrontational. If it’s feasible, firmly speak out against the harassment.

“Should the situation escalate, or intervention on its own be insufficient, seek assistance from colleagues or authorities. It’s essential to document timing and incident details for reporting purposes."

Pippa Glucklich, chief executive of Electric Glue and TimeTo chair, said: "TimeTo’s collaboration with Cannes Lions cements the shared commitment of both organisations to ensure the Cannes Lions Festival remains a place where creativity thrives and everyone feels safe and respected.

“Through this inaugural partnership and via our bespoke guide, our collective aim is to increase awareness of this important initiative and end sexual harassment in our industry once and for all. Sadly, sexual harassment in the industry still remains a live issue, and it is essential that everyone, from industry leaders to employees, is vigilant, well informed and feels safe wherever they are.”

A printed version of Celebrating Safely will be distributed across Cannes, including the Wacl Empower Cafe. During the festival, it will also be available digitally through a QR code.

Frank Starling, Cannes Lions' chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer, added, “We are delighted to partner with TimeTo and support their vital mission to eradicate sexual harassment.

"The festival is a time to celebrate the incredible talent and achievements of our industry, but it's also important to recognise that sexual harassment is not a thing of the past. This guide is a proactive step towards ensuring that everyone, from industry leaders to employees, feels informed, supported and safe at the Cannes Lions Festival.”

TimeTo was founded by Nabs, Wacl and the Advertising Association with support from ISBA and the IPA.