Cannes Lions is back. And as well as excitement, great creativity and catching up with people we haven't potentially seen for three years, so is the apprehension, poor behaviour and the very real prospect of being sexually harassed, because behind this visage of frivolity and career progression lies a side of the industry that needs to be addressed. 

I am heading to Cannes for the second time, but for a lot of people it will be their first experience, and there will be a lot of eagerness and enthusiasm. However, many Cannes-goers will be unaware of the dangers they might put themselves in. 

In late 2020, as workers prepared to come back into the office, timeTo carried out research into whether they were worried about sexual harassment returning with them. Almost half (49%) said they had concerns with many worried that a lack of contact with people might mean drinking and socialising may get out of hand.

We have to believe, and be prepared for the possibility, that this bad behaviour will be transplanted to The Croisette. And most likely exacerbated, because it is the first Cannes since lockdown, with rosé fuelled events becoming one potential danger zone. Many who have been before will no doubt feel anxious about the antics of powerful people who will be holding court, and the uninitiated might not recognise the pitfalls of the week. 

At timeTo we have been working hard to get messaging to senior leaders about how they can ensure the safety of their staff, but as allies on the ground, you can also help keep one another safe across the week. 

Firstly, everyone going should realise that the drinking culture is rife, and rosé flows readily and rapidly at many an event. Combine that and the hot sun and it is easy to get more inebriated than you would expect. That means your friends and colleagues might become more vulnerable to inappropriate behaviour. 

Look after each other, watch out for your friends and see how they are doing. Check in regularly. It is very easy to not eat enough and drink too much. 

If you see someone in an uncomfortable situation, intervene if you can and try to diffuse it. Firstly you can simply join the conversation and steer it away from anything uncomfortable. If this doesn't work, be calm but firm and move your colleague or friend away. 

Make sure your people know how they are getting home, and they know who they are getting cabs or walking home with - cabs ideally. Travel in pairs or groups. 

If you can, ensure everyone you are with has a cab number, cab money and someone you trust to share that cab with. 

Form a WhatsApp group and be aware of it at all times as a way for members of your group to contact you or each other quickly.  

If you see bad behaviour, say something. Don’t let seniority take precedence over other people’s safety.  

Sad to say, but finally, also watch your glass and those of others. In January a Parliamentary enquiry into the problem said that drink spiking had reached “epidemic” levels with 15% of women and 11% of men saying they had been spiked. So, don’t take a glass from a stranger unless they are obviously staffing an event. There has been a huge increase in the reports of spiking in the past year. 

Ultimately, look after yourself, each other, be aware of the dangers and stay safe. But more importantly, have a great, safe Cannes Lions. 

Read the timeTo code of conduct and share with your team. Click here to access the code.