Hub Culture kicked off aboard the C Squared yacht for their opening party on Monday evening where our Social Ros wine was in full flow. The 'Super Yacht Sundown', hosted by C Squared and Exchange Lab, was the perfect way to start the week and made for a great networking opportunity for fellow marketers and media luminaries. Guests carried on through the night aboard the Celtra yacht, welcomed by Cote d'Azur's star DJ Aurore and electric violinist Katharina Pustka.

Tuesday we explored beautiful Cannes and experienced the hustle and bustle of the festival. The streets were overflowing with an eclectic mix of locals, attendees and VIP's all soaking up the summer sun and super charged atmosphere. After an afternoon of exploring the Croissette and beach installations from social media giants, it was time to head to one of the hot events of the week - the M&M Global Party.

Again, our Social Rose was being enjoyed along with numerous cocktails and great canap s. The party was hosted in association with AdParlor, Wayin and CNBC and was a great success - over 100 people attended with countless media and adtech executives. We then continued into the night aboard the very exclusive Daily Mail yacht where we were treated to a performance by the one and only Craig David.

Wednesday we brushed off the cobwebs and headed to the Diversity Disrupted party hosted by The Fusion Media Group where we were treated to a night of World Music and Multicultural mixology. After being entertained by a great local band, myself and friends CNN headed to the Teads party where we discussed latest trends and developments in the video advertising ecosystem with some of the best minds in the industry. They topped it off with a special performance by another music legend - Rev Run!

Thursday was filled with one on one discussions with agencies and partners, focused on planning for the upcoming calendar of Hub Culture Pavilions in Los Angeles, Marrakesh, New York and Davos. While the focus of the week is definitely on networks and connections, the Cannes Lions Festival offers more than parties - its the place to connect with industry leaders, take the pulse of innovation, and to lay the foundations for future deals. It's inspiring seeing industry leaders coming together and celebrating the amazing work done across the advertising landscape, and Cannes itself offers the glamourous backdrop for lasting relationships across the board.

Jess Southall builds agency and creative media relationships with Hub Culture.