Cannes Radar: Dave Henderson

Dave Henderson is the chief creative officer at DLKW Lowe London and this year set up the Executive Creative Director's Councel in London. Below he tells us more about that initiative, why he's trying to spend less time online and how, now, there's only one way to fly.

You recently set up the Executive Creative Director’s Council; tell us a bit about what that is?

I set it up after realising that there were a small group of people in the UK, about 75 of us at the last count, that we're responsible - by and large - for the content of about £14 billion worth of advertising in the UK alone.

At least half of this group have either worked with each other in the past or know each other, yet have very little contact during the year. It was time we got together, which we plan to do again at an event in September.

Why does the industry need the ECDC?

Well, to be honest I think it's us, the ECDs that need it. And I would contend that we're the most important part of the industry. This job has very unique pressures and it's incredibly helpful being with people going through the very same experiences.

You can't help but pick up useful and interesting stuff. And already there's some practical issues in the industry we can help tackle now we're a body. Already there are initiatives on creative placements and women in creative roles that can now happen because we're together.

Will the ECDC be doing anything in Cannes?

Cannes is actually one of the very few places where you will manage to catch up with opposite numbers from other agencies, so when you spend a week constantly bumping into the same people I'm not sure there's a need for it at this time of year. Maybe next year!

What piece(s) of work are you tipping, or would you like to see win, in Cannes this year and why? 

I'm a huge fan of the Always Like a Girl campaign from Burnett's, and it's obviously going to win lots of shiny things. I was impressed most by my daughter telling me the headmistress had shown it at school in assembly. How about that for earned media?!

I'd also like to see a big win for a fantastic piece by our office in the US for American Greetings, called Worlds Toughest Job [above].

What website(s) do you use most regularly and why?

I'm consciously trying to spend less time online during the working day... if TV is the opium of the masses, then the internet is pure, 100 per cent crack.

Like most addicts I probably visit all the main news sites several times a day. Then there's FB, Twitter....

What’s the most recent piece of tech that you’ve bought and why?

My wife gave me a pair of those Bose noise cancelling headphones as a gift at Christmas. Honestly, if you don't have a pair, you are missing out in a major way. There are now only two classes of air travel... with or without your Bose.

What’s app do you use most regularly in Cannes and why?

I'm not sure I will actually, there's too many other interesting things going on. Google maps perhaps, to help me find the way home in the early hours.

How has Cannes changed in the years that you’ve been visiting the Festival?

Strangely enough, I don't think it's changed that much... more people for sure. More clients for sure. But the location makes it a unique event and the whole town has a great party atmosphere.

What do you hope to take away from Cannes this year in terms of progressing your business or personal development and learning?

We've just welcomed our new US office, Mullen, into the Lowe family so it's going to be a great chance for us all to get together in the sun.

I really value being with the leaders of our offices around the network. There's some breathtaking talent and I will be trying to get some of it to rub off on me.

What tips do you have for the week of Cannes Lions – either in terms of getting through the week or soaking up the inspiration?

It can be a real marathon that's for sure. I'd recommend one night on, one night off. And remember, Champagne and super-yacht steps are a dangerous mix.

If you're lucky enough to have a delegates pass, then spending a morning walking around the winners' displays can be quite humbling but ultimately very inspirational. As they say, there's always next year.