TFWA 2026 Unplugged: That Was The Week That Was.

So, another TFWA has passed. I shall not dwell on the usual platitudes about networking, catching up with old friends, new learnings, etc. Last week provided all of that, and more. It was a very good event, very well organised, with excellent communications from the TFWA team. And it was especially good for business, with very clear support and recognition of TRunblocked.com from all quarters.

The focus here is what stood out to me during the week – the good and the not-so-good.

Pinkies Galore

On the day before the cocktail opening, a group of notables gathered to play a round of golf at the Old Course, Mandelieu. It was Pinkies Pairs time, featuring a host of new golf rules of engagement that would make traditionalists cringe with embarrassment and/or laughter. There were plenty of fines for all – for gloating, for wearing the wrong kind of pink, for not making it past the women’s tee etc – but all for a thoroughly good cause: The Royal Marsden Hospital Cancer Charity in London.

My playing partner was Michael Payne, and we were matched against the venerable Martin Moodie and Jonathan Holland. Anyone watching us play must have witnessed an art form, which included getting lost on the course (another fine), playing one hole at least twice by mistake, and losing more balls than I’ve had hot dinners this year. But it was a magnificent day and so good to see the charity benefit well.

Cocktailed Off

The TFWA cocktail was rather odd this year. The space appeared wider, but the tented roof was definitely lower than in all previous years, making the inside area extremely hot and uncomfortable. The food was somewhat disappointing, too. Only canapés and light desserts appeared to be on offer – how many of each can one return to? The ‘main’ was iberico ham. The assembled crowd muttered, sensing a significant budget cut was in play. If so, this was a poor judgement call and arguably should be rectified next year.

Equally, the bar area was clearly under-resourced – something that I am sure will be looked into. Maybe spend a little less on fireworks, and a bit more on making this short event more memorable with standout food, which we have all enjoyed in previous years?

Work and Play

As I said, this was an excellent working week for all. I personally managed to produce 17 films within a schedule of 51 meetings. I find you always have to train for Cannes – wear comfortable shoes, protect your voice and balance just how much you drink at the many parties you are invited to.

Managing your diary and personal welfare are pivotal to a successful week. So it was great to see Colleen Morgan and Claire Wates from the Trunblocked team find time to step up – literally – to PedalPower with Purpose. Here, TFWA invited visitors, delegates and participants to ride its static bikes in support of #KickCancerThon – a global, localised fundraising and awareness campaign for cancer research created by the late Sinead Moodie, COO of The Moodie Davitt Report.

Claire and Colleen each pedalled their way over 10 kms to raise 200 euros, with TFWA’s total going beyond 15000 euros. Bravo to all concerned!

And the parties? More this year than ever, and so many good ones – too many to mention here. The Jägermeister party on Monday was notable. A change of location to The Studio in Rue de Belges provided three floors of full-on entertainment – including an AI booth that produced throwback images to the 70’s, a Mexican piñata – no donkey this time, but featuring an unbreakable, huge replica of the core Jägermeister bottle instead, an airport carousel with food and gifts and the ebullient Alan, Jägermeister’s Global Brand Ambassador. It pays to get to this party early as there is always a queue and the attendance numbers are growing each year.

Noises Off

For the past three years, I chose to stay in Cap d’Antibes, taking the short train journey every day and returning via Uber at night. But, given two unfortunate Uber experiences last year, this year I opted for an apartment just behind the Carlton. Smart move, I thought. Sadly, not. Little did I know that the refuse collectors turn up at 0400 each day to pick up the empty bottles – crashing noises, ear-bashing stuff – followed by the general refuse collection two hours later and then the street sweeping machines at 0700. A symphony of sounds I would not wish on anyone. I actually felt sorry for all those residents staying on the Rue Canada side of this iconic hotel, paying the exorbitant prices that they do.

I know that Cannes is squeaky clean, and the municipality is justly proud of this. But 0400 in the morning is really just too early. Surely TFWA can use their best offices to influence a later start point?

Price Points

We all know that Cannes is expensive. Yes, there are some restaurants that offer value, and there appear to be more restaurants offering a fixed price menu. But did anyone notice a marked rise in the restaurant prices this year? I checked and two of the restaurants I visited this time last year had increased the prices for the same main course dish by 35%. I know of another case where, when presented with a 400 euros bill for what was limited food and no alcohol – a total expected to be around half that amount – the restaurant manager’s response was brief and to the point: “But, sir, this is Tax Free week!” Want to know the restaurant’s name? Vesuvio on the Croisette. Enough said.

Mixed Awards

You all know my general view on awards ceremonies. They always attract attention and support. That’s absolutely fine. But there are also politics and variables at play. This year in particular, I find it very odd that, at Frontier, Nestlé – with their groundbreaking, pan-global KitKat F1 activation – were not the outright winners, especially as the winning Bombay Sapphire campaign only had the one E1 activation. Some things make no sense to me at all.

What does make sense is the Outstanding Contribution award to Rowena Holland of Essential Communications PR, part of the Blue Dog Group. What a great contribution she has made to this industry over many years. This award is richly deserved.

And now back to catching up this week and looking forward to Cannes 2027!