ILTM Cannes 2015
“And I like large parties. They’re so intimate, at small parties there isn’t any privacy.”
ILTM Cannes, where do I even begin…
This trip was rather a spontaneous decision for me, so firstly a big thank you to the crew at ILTM for facilitating me because boy am I glad I went!
For those of you who don’t know, i.e. me about two months ago, ILTM Cannes is one the largest luxury travel trade shows in the world. Every year thousands of people across the globe come to buy, sell, and report about all things luxury travel.
The show itself is 3 floors of exhibition stands and meeting areas much like this one
I went under the reporting banner as part of the media. At first I was a little worried as this was my first solo trip but everyone was so friendly that it wasn’t an issue at all.
With Nikita from TNT at the Cheval Blanc Party
In my previous post about Le Negresco Hotel I mentioned how I quickly changed after lunch and headed out to the Opening Party…
Read about my stay at Le Negresco here
I didn’t know what to expect but it definitely wasn’t my very own red carpet moment at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres de Cannes! How cool!
ILTM 2015 was kicked off by some excellent speeches at the International Forum, it was then on to the Opening Party which was hosted by the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
There was champagne a plenty, and the pink and purple lighting made for a very funky atmosphere.
Before the party I ran in Byron from Talking Stick Marketing, we arrived slightly early so we made our way to the bar then did a lap to take in all the chin wagging and business card swapping.
After admiring the DJ’s cube shaped booth we spent the rest of the night chatting to people who are involved with luxury hotels and tours all over the world.
On the second day of ILTM I moved from Nice and set up camp at La Bastide Oliveraie. A cute little hotel about 20 minutes walk from the centre of Cannes.
For my purposes it would have perhaps been better to stay in the city centre itself but La Bastide Oliveraie is an ideal spot if you have a car.
All the rooms even have a small kitchen and I just loved the french countryside feel of the place even, very peaceful! In all honesty I didn’t spend long in the hotel as I raced down to the congress to make in time for various meetings.
At lunch I ended up talking to an Australian man who owned a travel agency. He firmly stated that ILTM was not about the parties they were just a side distraction, the real deal was what goes on inside the show and in fact he didn’t plan on attending any of the evening events.
Well Sir, I admire your attitude and work ethic but you were totally speaking to the wrong girl… few things make me happier than a glass of champagne an cute miniature desserts!
One of the dessert trays at the Cheval Blanc Party
Speaking of, the first one of the night was at the penthouse of the Majestic Barriere Hotel hosted by the Barriere Hotel group.
Presentation to the press by the Barriere Hotel Group
They announced their exciting new ultra luxurious hotel in Courcheval and there was champagne and bitings all round.
Next up Cheval Blanc hosted a party in the Dior suite of the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes.
On the Balcony of the Dior Suite – and no I did not edit myself orange, I think it was the lighting!
The suite had been beautifully decorated with glowing white candles everywhere. I was also delighted to run into Jean Newman Glock, an expert in travel and social media and someone that I have followed keenly since I started Liakada Travel.
Entertaining the guests were a fabulous, and I dare I say very good looking band called Jonny and the Walkers.
They were not the only distraction at the party though! My friend Nikita and I had at this point placed ourselves perfectly between the bar and the food.
I was amazed by how well thought out Cheval Blanc’s party was, they had a full on dinner chef carving up roast meat and potatoes.
Then came dessert!
Between the band, the chocolate treats, and the free flowing champagne I could have happily stayed here all night.
Actually come to think of it, Nikita and I were pretty much that last people to leave… when we finally did leave we made our way to the Official ILTM Party at the Grand Hyatt Hôtel Martinez.
Famous for its champagne tower and the revolving dance floor, which was “back by popular demand”!
We sipped Hendricks cocktails, munched on doughnuts, and danced late into the night until eventually our feet gave up.
What a night!!
Sadly I had to leave the next day and wasn’t able to stay for the rest of the ILTM, but before I left for my flight I meet up with the lovely Suze from the Luxury Columnist!
I have been following Suze’s blog for over a year now so it was great to finally get to meet in person! We swapped travel stories over very tasty fruit cocktails from The American Juice Company, a cool start up selling all natural juice mixes that you can use to make your cocktails extra tasty.
Also I just started using snapchat: add me on ashkenya
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