CANNES — In an epic example of corporate mixed messaging, Snapchat banned guests from taking photos at its Cannes Lions party.
While the company looms large over the festival after erecting a giant Ferris wheel on the Croisette, its “After Dark” party was quite the closed affair.
Snapchat held the party at a specially constructed greenhouse filled with flower decorations and chandeliers, well that was all the media could see because reporters were also banned.
Then the company upheld its no photo policy with prominent signs warning guests not to snap away.
One attendee told us, “Snapchat is about sharing photos, what a ridiculous policy at a party. Some guests were joking that this secrecy might mean the party could be the real wedding for Evan Spiegel and Miranda Kerr.” Sadly the newlyweds did not emerge.
One partygoer, @bmorrissey tweeted, “Snap party protocol: I took a photo w/an old colleague & within seconds security rushed in to distort it w/a flashlight and middle finger.”