MxMIndia

Tag: AAAI

  • Unveiling The Age of Adaptability as theme

    Day1@Goafest 2024: Sanjiv Mehta, Harit Nagpal, Sukhvinder set the stage afire

    Goafest 2024, the annual industry festival organised by The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), kicked off with a performance by Bollywood playback singer Sukhwinder Singh. This was followed with members of the organising committee lighting the ceremonial lamp. Prasanth Kumar, President of AAAI and CEO of South Asia at GroupM, then addressed the attendees, marking the festival’s 17th edition. This year’s event also celebrated the third year of collaboration between The Abby Awards and One Show. Under the theme ‘The Age of Adaptability,’ delegates were welcomed to Goafest 2024 with a champagne launch, setting a celebratory and spirited tone for the proceedings. This is Goafest, and even if it’s being held in Mumbai, tea, coffee, soft drinks and beer were available through the day. No questions and monies asked.

     

    In the first session titled Adapt To Thrive Not Just Survive, Harit Nagpal, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Play, stressed on the criticality of adaptability as a means to thrive. Delivering the keynote, Nagpal underlined the inevitability of disruption in our lives and the importance of resilience in the face of it. “Disruption can be caused by anything or anyone, but it becomes our responsibility to survive and thrive,” he said. After Nagpal, a keynote titled, Navigating The Age Of Adaptability: Leading with Vision, Flexibility, and Purpose, was delivered by  Sanjiv Mehta, former CEO of Hindustan Unilever and Executive Chairman of L Catterton India. “Learning happens when you have the humility to say, ‘I don’t know?’” – by admitting so, organisations and corporations open themselves to new knowledge and understanding, fostering a growth mindset that enables them to learn and develop from others’ expertise and experiences, not just myopically thinking of profit generation ,” he said.

     

    Later there was a session titled From Setbacks to Comebacks: The Power of Persistence presented by acclaimed writer and film director, Tahira Kashyap captivated the audience with her inspiring journey, moderated by Atika Farooqui, Celebrity Host & Actor. Kashyap shared personal anecdotes and professional experiences, illustrating how resilience and determination have been instrumental in her success. “Women go through multiple hardware upgrades; every day is so different for women, every hour is so different than the previous one,” she mentions, also candidly referring to the books she has written on womanhood and motherhood.”

     

    And then there was a session titled Lessons of Adaptability: Embracing Failure to Touch Success, featuring Indian actress Medha Shankr and actor Vikrant Massey, moderated by the multifaceted Actor, Producer & Entrepreneur, Neha Dhupia. Medha and Vikrant, the cast of the acclaimed film 12th Fail, illuminated the audience with their insights on embracing failure as a stepping stone towards triumph.

     

    Here’s what the Goafest 2024 leadership team said in a statement:

     

    Prasanth Kumar
    Prasanth Kumar

    Prasanth Kumar, President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and CEO of GroupM, South Asia: “The composition of the clients has been very interesting this year with a notable presence of tech specialists. It’s encouraging to see such diversity. It’s truly heartening to witness the growing number of partners, which not only strengthens and welcomes many newcomers into the Goafest fold. While we anticipated challenges, the dedication and support of all involved have exceeded our expectations, and for that, we’re immensely grateful. We’re excited to welcome many new faces and investors to Goafest 2024; we’re also looking forward to numerous tech sessions and integrations that will enrich the experience. Our goal is to institutionalise Goafest, constantly striving to improve. By completing 60% of the work early and refining timing, we’re making practical strides toward our vision for the next year.”

     

    Rana Barua
    Rana Barua

    Rana Barua, President of The Advertising Club and Group CEO of Havas India, South East and North Asia: “Through countless journeys together, we’ve always been driven by passion, not profit. This year, our commitment to not miss out has been unanimous. The whole team rallied together, united by our love for this industry, to make Goafest 2024 happen within our tight timeframe.”

     

    Jaideep Gandhi

    Jaideep Gandhi, Chairperson of the Goafest Organising Committee: “We aim to keep this festival relevant, as we’ve successfully done in the past two years, especially in the post-pandemic era. Each year, we strive to introduce new elements, constantly raising the bar.”

     

    Dheeraj Sinha
    Dheeraj Sinha

    Dheeraj Sinha, Group CEO – India and South Asia, FCB and Co-chair Awards Governing Council, Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show: “We’re thrilled to see a fantastic response from returning agencies, with VML, and McCann Worldgroup India, amongst others, making a comeback, along with many others. It’s a near-complete reunion, with only a handful of agencies not joining us this year!”

     

    Day One ended with Publisher and Media Abby being presented.

  • To host sessions with a focus on ‘The Age of Adaptability’

    Goafest 2024 update: Day 1 to host keynotes, Media & Publisher Abby

    Day One of Goafest 2024 is all set to being a little after noon with a some music and knowledge sessions. And since it’s Goafest, albeit in Mumbai, there’s also a Champagne Launch. Co-hosted by The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), Day 1 of the festival will feature key industry experts exploring the diverse aspects of the theme ‘The Age of Adaptability’.

    The opening session titled Adapt To Thrive Not Just Survive, will see Harit Nagpal, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Play, and this will be follow by a session on Navigating The Age Of Adaptability by Sanjiv Mehta, former HUL chief and Executive Chairman of L Catterton India.

    Then there’s a session titled From Setbacks to Comebacks: The Power of Persistence, with writer and film director Tahira Kashyap in conversation with Atika Farooqui. Concluding Day 1 with what adaptability means in real life, a session titled Embracing Failure to Touch Success, will feature actors Medha Shankr and actor Vikrant Massey chatting with Neha Dhupia.

    The evening will see the Media and Publisher Abby awards being presented.

  • Co-presented by Snapchat, along with WhatsApp as Technology Partner and Hindustan Times as Digital Partner

    Goafest 2024 updates: 50+ partners

    Goafest 2024 has unveiled the names of partners for its 17th edition. Scheduled to take place from May 29 to 31, 2024 at The Westin Mumbai, Powai Lake, supporting Goafest 2024 as the ‘Co-presenting’ partner is Snapchat along with WhatsApp as the ‘Technology Partner’, and Hindustan Times as the ‘Digital Partner’.

    Brands like Tata Motors, Mondelez, ITC Foods, Britannia, Guinness World Records, NoBroker, and MakeMyTrip, to platforms like ShareChat, Sony Liv, Flipkart Ads, Amazon Ads, Spotify, MiQ, The Trade Desk and Whisper Media are also associated as are broadcasters, publishers and content studios including ABP News, Amar Ujala, Dainik Bhaskar, Dainik Jagran, Dangal TV, Disney Star, Eenadu, Femina, Flowers TV, Goldmines Telefilms, Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhumi, News18 Network, Radio City, Rajasthan Patrika, Sakal Media, Sakshi, Sri Adhikari Bros, Sun TV, The Hindu Group, TV9, Viacom18, Vijayavani and Zee Media. Then there’s the bevereratwallahs: PepsiCo, Kingfisher, Pernod Ricard.

    Speaking on these partnerships and engagements, Prasanth Kumar, President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and CEO of GroupM, South Asia said: “We are delighted to have Snapchat as our Co-presenting Partner, WhatsApp as our Technology Partner and Hindustan Times as our Digital Partner, for Goafest this year. As South Asia’s largest creative fest, Goafest’s incredible significance continues to attract brands and advertisers, presenting them with an opportunity to deepen their engagement with the industry at large. On behalf of the organizing team, we welcome and are very thankful to all our partners and look forward to forging successful long-term associations that celebrate creativity, foster knowledge and thrive with adaptability.”

  • Less than a week to go Goafest 2024

    Less than a week to go Goafest 2024

    It almost didn’t happen, but the bravehearts in the Indian advertising, media and marketing ecosystem decided that it’s got to happen. The Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, which jointly organises Goafest, announced the 17th edition of the annual Goafest and 55th edition of Abby for May 29 to 31. In Mumbai, instead of Goa. Overlooking Powai Lake instead of the Arabian Sea. The venue: Westin Powai, what was called Renaissance earlier and host to Ficci Frames for eons.

    Prasanth Kumar
    Prasanth Kumar
    Jaideep Gandhi
    Jaideep Gandhi
    Mohit Joshi
    Mohit Joshi

    From the organising leadership of Goafest, Prasanth Kumar, President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India and CEO of GroupM South Asia, Jaideep Gandhi, Chairperson of the Goafest Organising Committee and Mohit Joshi, CEO Havas Media Network India and Goafest 2024’s Co-chair spoke with MxMIndia early on Thursday.

    It may be noted that the detailed agenda hasn’t been unveiled yet, but that’s understandable. All the Goafest folks have busy day jobs, and everyone is trying their damnedest to make it a runaway success. And this we know from reasonably close quarters. Even the naysayers are helping. In fact, Prasanth Kumar or PK, as he’s known to the world, is delighted that Goafest 2024 will see each and every association in the M&E ecosystem chipping in. This includes the newspaperwallahs, the broadcasters, the digital folks… everyone.

    Gandhi joined him in adding: “Visionaries like Sundar Swamy, Arvind Sharma, Colvyn Harris, Ambi Parameswaran, Nagesh Alai, Nakul Chopra, Ashish Bhasin, Sam Balsara and Shashi Sinha have been key pillars of shaping and scaling Goafest to this magnitude over the last 16 years. Each one of them made unique contributions that made the festival larger, and relevant each year.”

    Hmmm. So here’s what our conversation generated.

    On Goafest in Mumbai:

    The organising leadership had a logistical issue of doing Goafest in Goa. PK: “We didn’t want to take a break, especially in the context of the way the industry is evolving. We felt it’s important for the industry to get together.

    Hence, Age of Adaptability is the theme, and, said PK, “in the true spirit of adaptability, we are doing the event in Mumbai”.

    On delegates not staying over like in Goa affecting the spirit:

    The fact is that if you want to be in the fest, you’ll be there. This is regardless of it being in Mumbai or Goa. We have taken a lot of time and effort to make the three days very interesting. We are going to offer a lot of opportunities for people to network. This Goafiest is not only about Goa or Mumbai… it is the largest event for the entire industry

    On registrations:

    PK: Good registrations, excellent response.”

    Gandhi: Last year’s registration count was upwards of 1600

    PK: This year, given the conversations we are having, we could get close to 2000. We are going to see a lot of clients, media publishers, owners, media agencies… We had an early bird entry fee which had a cut of 20% instead of the usual 10%

    On Absence of clients/marketers at Goafests in the past, and this year:

    Lot of speakers are from client organisations, So we hope to see them at least for a day

    On the Agenda:

    Joshi: We have over 20 sessions with panel discussions and keynotes. There are close to 50 speakers, and each of them sticking to the theme of adaptability. Industry experts and leaders. We are really excited about the agenda and are sure that people will learn from it.

    PK: We are also going to have a large number of masterclasses – From D&AD, some of our own sessions

    Meanwhile, the Goafest committee has been able to attract a string of sponsors, and some of them are still being signed up, according to the information received. There is at least one more international tie-up that is being inked, but details of that have still not been unveiled.

  • Killer hoarding!

    Killer hoarding!

    In the marketing services arena, the outdoor media business is known to have reported questionable trade practices and governance in the past. Things may have improved much over the last decade-odd with international players and networked agencies entering the fray, but what happened in Mumbai on Monday was a shocker. Or perhaps not. Given reports of trees being poisoned trees to ensure visibility of a billboard.

    It’s all over the news media: a hoarding in Mumbai has caused the death of 14 people, and there are 74  who have been rescued from the spot where the hoarding crashed. Updates on this are still coming.

    We are basing our reports on what has appeared in multiple newspapers.

    Here’s what Mumbai’s Free Press Journal has reported:

    The death toll after a big hoarding collapsed in Maharashtra’s Ghatkopar area has risen to 14 on Tuesday. According to the National Disaster Rescue Force, 74 people have been rescued alive from the spot, while 14 have been declared dead.

    The count of total victims stands at 88. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been conducting rescue operation for those trapped since Monday evening, when the incident happened due to heavy rains and strong winds.

    The incident is said to have happened at 5pm on Monday.

    Meanwhile, another report in FPJ notes:

    “… an FIR was registered at Pant Nagar police station against Bhavesh Bhinde, owner of the hoarding (Ego Media Company) under section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) among other sections of the Indian Penal Code. A case under section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering personal safety of others), 337 (causes hurt to any person by doing any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code was filed against Bhavesh Bhinde by Mumbai Police.”

    As per the FPJ, it had first reported about this illegal hoarding last Friday. “The Pant Nagar police, who were conducting the investigations on who poisoned the trees on the land owned by the Government Railway Police, said they have received complaint in the name of the company which owns the hoarding and now will proceed with the investigation,” a report adds. “As of now (Monday evening) we are in the rescue operation of over (expected) to be around 100 plus people, trapped under the hoarding that fell. Immediately after, along with the BMC, a new FIR will be registered in the matter and stringent action will be taken against the offenders under relevant sections,” an official said. He added, “If the company who owns the hoarding is the same as the ones who poisoned the trees, a supplementary FIR shall be registered.”

    According to a report in The Times of India, the hoarding size was a problem. It was illegal. “Not only was the hoarding illegal, but it was also far bigger (120×120 sqft) than the maximum size (40×40 sq ft) allowed by the civic body.”

    Now if you see a hoarding that’s illegal, why allow it to be there in the first place? Demolish it instantly. Yes, what happened on Monday — ‘Acts of God’, as they are called, happen once in a blue moon, but it’s not just enough to damn the hoarding firm. The civic authorities and all those who are responsible must also be booked.

    It’s also important for the various industry associations – the Advertising Agencies Association of India and the Indian Society of Advertisers chief among them to be vigilant. The Ego Media website boasts of some discerning corporates as its clients. It’s time they also crack the whip.

    Cleanse the system, or get cleansed!

  • 'The Age of Adaptability'

    Goafest 2024 unveils theme

    The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club have announced the theme for Goafest 2024 – ‘The Age of Adaptability’. The three-day fest is scheduled to take place from May 29-31 at Westin Powai, Mumbai.

    Said Jaideep Gandhi, Chairperson of the Goafest Organising Committee: “The theme for Goafest 2024, ‘The Age Of Adaptability’, was chosen to reflect the current ethos of our industry. Adaptability is at the core of what we do – from adjusting to new media platforms to adopting innovative marketing strategies,” adding: “This festival will not only celebrate creativity but also the ability to pivot and thrive amidst challenges.”

    Added Rohit Ohri, Chairperson Goafest Content Committee: “This year, at Goafest 2024, our central theme ‘The Age of Adaptability’ has a chameleon as a mascot. The chameleon is a creature known for its remarkable adaptive prowess. Like the chameleon, which adjusts its colors to match its environment, our industry too must continuously evolve its strategies and creative approaches to thrive in changing landscapes. This year’s festival will celebrate and cultivate the chameleon-like ability to adapt swiftly and effectively, ensuring our practices remain on the cutting-edge of creativity and relevance. The Age Of Adaptability concept has been created and designed by the young and very talented team at Abnormal Design Studios.”

  • Goafest 2024 & Abby Awards to be held in Mumbai

    Goafest 2024 & Abby Awards to be held in Mumbai

    If the Indian Premier League can happen in South Africa or the UAE, why can’t Goafest take place in Mumbai? Point, and the wise folk at the Adveritsing Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, have chosen to organise the 2024 edition of Goafest and the Abby Awards in Mumbai, from May 29 to 31. The venue: Westin Powai, the same place that plays host FICCI-Frames. And was earlier called Renaissance.

     

    The reason, as per a communique issued: the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. The decision, conscious and collective as it has been described, is to host the 17th edition of the festival on the same dates that it was scheduled to happen in Goa. It may be noted Goafest will continue to be held in Goa in future, and this, as of now, is just a one-off.

     

    First let’s read the statements. Later, do read our two-bit.

     

    Said Prasanth Kumar, President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and CEO of GroupM, South Asia in a communqiue: “We’re excited to announce that Goafest is happening in Mumbai this year, despite a few logistical challenges. Our collective decision reflects our unwavering commitment to this esteemed event, which has evolved into a cornerstone platform for shaping the future of our industry. It’s become a vital platform for industry, becoming a nexus where industry leaders converge to explore, innovate, and chart the course for a progressive journey. We’re committed to maximizing participation, curating insightful sessions, and ensuring attendees leave with invaluable knowledge. Plus, mark your calendars: Goafest returns to Goa in 2025! Join us for an unforgettable experience at Mumbai Goafest 2024!”

     

    The communique also adds Rana Barua, President of The Advertising Club and Group CEO of Havas India, South East and North Asia, as saying: “The Abbys has always been a platform dedicated to recognising and celebrating outstanding achievements in the advertising and marketing industry. We look forward to honoring the best work of 2023 at the Abby Awards Powered by One Show 2024 this May, in Mumbai. With Westin Powai as the venue we are working towards putting together a dynamic agenda that  will be announced in due course. We are grateful and thankful to the entire fraternity for their continued support and enthusiasm.”

     

    The agenda, speakers, the sessions and the all-important sponsors will be announced shortly.

     

    While all of this was what we gleaned from a communique issued on Friday morning, there’s a little more to what has been issued. According to the info we have received, a cross-section of the powers that be felt that it should perhaps be put off. Yes, no Goafest 2024. That was around the first week of April. When we heard about it and asked some of the Goafest top brass via WhatsApp, there was no clear affirmation or outright denial. However, what we were told was that talks were on to salvage the situation.

     

    For, Goafest and Abby are meant to be for/of/to/by the industry, and aren’t being organised for profit, save the salaries of the secretariat and build a reserve for the rainy day. The organiser-in-chief doesn’t buy a fancy car after the conduct of the festival. It’s meant to be community service. And of course access to some fun in the sun, and loads of booze in the closed confines of sunny Goa.

     

    This year, as per our information, there is a problem. The media economy is in bad shape. Look at the number of empty billboards on the Western Express Highway in Mumbai. With just so many days where no government ads happen due to the Election Code of Conduct, and this year twice over given elections in Maharashtra and elsewhere, it’s not exactly ‘achche din’ for media biggies, the primary sponsors of Goafest.

     

    Colors/Viacom18 has reduced its trade spends. The news channelwallahs (Aaj Tak was one of the main sponsors last year, Times Network before that) are too busy with the elections than humouring agency folk.

     

    Also, the entire advertising agency business is being rewritten. No longer is there enough money in the bag to fund aircraft-loads to Goa. Even if 50% was being paid by the employee.

     

    Net-net: there was pressure.

     

    Abracadabra! All of this can be eliminated if the event happens in Mumbai. Yes, the alcohol is expensive, but one can also ask the Delhi officefolk to airlift those five litres of liquids from Haryana.

     

    Plus the chances of marketing folk being present is very high, as that number is not really very significant when the event is held in Goa. With the event being in Mumbai, albeit in Powai, the likelihood of people doing the trek to Goafest is good.

     

    We tried to gauge the sentiment on the decision from some of our connects. While there is an overall happiness that it’s happening and is not cancelled, there is dismay that it means no official fun in Goa. They said you can’t do that in Mumbai.

     

    And what about all those floral shirts and shorts we bought for Goafest, one regular mused.

     

    Another point posed to us is that if the elections are the reason and since this is the 17th edition of the fest, why didn’t it get pushed to Mumbai all these years when there were elections. Hmmm.

     

    Well, right now the story is that Goafest 2024 (and Abby) are happening. We don’t know if that’ll mean Ogilvy will participate, but we do hope it does.

     

    Meanwhile, a few days before Goafest and Abby, the Zee-sponsored Kyoorius Creative Awards are scheduled to take place. The date is May 24. But that, as we are constantly reminded, is not organised by industry bodies.

     

    For more information on the festival, follow the Goafest handle at @goafestlive and for ABBY Awards Powered by One Show, follow The Advertising Club at @theadclubindia.

    Better still, read it all on MxMIndia.com.

     

    Entries for ABBY Awards Powered by One Show 2024 can be submitted at https://abbyawards.com/

     

  • Ogilvy’s Shagun Agarwal and Chaitali Mane announced winners

    AAAI announces Young Lotus Contest winners

    The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) announced the winners of the AAAI Young Lotus Contest, 2024. The winning team comprises  Shagun Agarwal and Chaitali Mane of Ogilvy. Their work stood out among more than 40 entries received from talented young professionals across India, a comunique informs.

    Said Rohit Ohri who spearheaded the 2024 edition of the AAAI Young Lotus Contest: “The AAAI Young Lotus Contest provides a platform for young minds to use their creativity to make our world a better place. This year, it’s been encouraging to see the participants’ enthusiasm to tackle one of the burning issues of our time – the need for clean air.”

    Notes a communique: “Under the theme ‘Breath of Change: Innovating for Clean Air in India’ contestants were tasked with conceptualising integrated campaigns advocating for cleaner air and environmental sustainability. Shagun Agarwal and Chaitali Mane’s winning entry demonstrated ingenuity and a profound understanding of the theme, earning them the opportunity to represent India at the Young Lotus Workshop during Adfest 2024.” The jury members for the contest were Romit Nair, NCD, FCB Ulka, Moumita Pal, Creative Head, Enormous and Kartikeya Tiwari, NCD, FCB Kinnect.

    The Young Lotus Workshop at Adfest Pattya happens from March 19 to 21. The duo will also participate in Adfest 2024 from March 21 to 23.

  • Or the Abby One Show Awards, as they are called now

    Awards Governing Council announced for for Abby 2024

    The Advertising Club and Advertising Agencies Association of India have announced the Awards Governing Council (AGC) for the 2024 edition of the annual awards.

    Representing Advertising Club:

    1. Ajay Kakar, Chairperson, Awards Governing Council, Abby One Show Awards 2024 and Managing Committee Member, The Advertising Club
    2. Dheeraj Sinha, Group CEO – India and South Asia, FCB, and Co-chair Awards Governing Council, Abby One Show Awards 2024
    3. Ajay Chandwani, Managing Committee Member, The Advertising Club
    4. Alok Lall, Executive Director, McCann World Group India
    5. Sonia Huria, Head Communications – APAC, Prime Video
    6. Subramanyeswar S., Group CEO, MullenLowe Lintas Group & Chief Strategy Officer – APAC, MullenLowe Global

     

    Representing Advertising Agencies Association of India:

    1. Prasanth Kumar, President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India and CEO of GroupM, South Asia
    2. Jaideep Gandhi, Chairperson, Goafest 2024
    3. Mohit Joshi, CEO, Havas Media
    4. Sam Balsara, Chairman, Madison World
    5. Rohit Ohri, FCB Global Partner
    6. Anupriya Acharya, CEO South Asia, Publicis Groupe

    Speaking on the AGC, Rana Barua, President of The Advertising Club, said: “Over the years the Abby One Show Awards has not only honoured creative excellence but has helped strengthen South Asia and especially India’s position in the global arena. It is imperative that we turn the spotlight on work that is deserving, innovative and socially and culturally relevant with creativity at its heart. The awards has encouraged talent and brought to light work that was impossible to even imagine. We are excited for this edition and are certain that the Awards Governing Council has a tough task at hand given the level and amount of work showcased over the last year.”

    Added Prasanth Kumar, President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India: “The Abby One Show Awards has evolved, becoming a level playing field not just for India but the entire South Asian region. We have witnessed agencies and brands of all sizes put their best foot forward, and have been humbly surprised with the kind of work that this region is home to.  We are confident that the awards will continue to empower the creative community and provide them with a global stage to showcase innovation and insight behind their creative communication.”

    Said Ajay Kakar, Chairperson, Awards Governing Council, Abby One Show Awards 2024: “The Abby One Show Awards continue to bring the spotlight on great ideas that manifest into great work. I am humbled by the opportunity to Chair the Awards Governing Council, that comprises stalwarts of our industry. An award, I believe, is as good as the Jury that judges it. So, the AGC is committed to have a stellar line-up of jury chairs and jury members, who have earned their spurs at a global and local level. They will help identify and recognise the best of best that the industry has created, this year. The Abby One Show Awards 2024 will continue to encourage, empower and accredit work to find its rightful place at a domestic level, and as a stepping stone to the global stage.”

    Added Kevin Swanepoel, CEO of The One Club for Creativity: “It is with great enthusiasm that we continue our association with The Advertising Club for the Abby Awards. What The One Show brings to the Abby ABBY Awards is a legacy of integrity, a reputation that resonates worldwide. Last year’s collaboration with the Abby Awards has pushed the creative envelope further, setting new benchmarks in recognising and celebrating creative excellence. We are delighted to be a part of this property that fosters a culture of excellence in the creative industry and are excited to witness deserving campaigns being honoured with an Abby.”

    Said Jaideep Gandhi, Chairperson, Goafest 2024: “Goafest and the Abby One Show Awards have over the years crafted a premiere position bringing together the industry to learn, unlearn and celebrate. Like past editions, this year too we are confident of witnessing work that goes on to set new benchmarks of their own. While we are looking forward to a diverse creative showcase, we are confident that the task won’t be as easy for our jurors and AGC given the level of competitiveness.”

    Jointly organised by Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, Goafest 2024 will be held on May 29 to 31, 2024 at Grand Hyatt hotel, in Bambolim, Goa.

  • To be co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club

    Goafest 2024 to sizzle from May 29 to 31, 2024

    By Our Staff

     

    The 17th edition of Goafest, the biggest advertising festival in South Asia, will be held from May 29 to 31, 20024 at the Grand Hyatt, Bambolim, Goa. Co-hosted by The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club, Goafest 2024, the fest will showcase knowledge sessions, masterclasses, networking opportunities, partying, and of course the Abby Awards.

     

    The fest was held from May 24 to 26 last year, and while one thought it would be horribly hot, we thought it was pretty bearable.

     

    Prasanth Kumar
    Prasanth Kumar

    Said Prasanth Kumar, President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India and CEO of GroupM, South Asia: “Goafest has firmly established itself as the pinnacle of creative celebrations in South Asia, uniting the foremost talents in the creative and marketing realms. Our goal is to offer our industry peers an immersive experience over three days filled with learning, meaningful engagement, interactivity, and curiosity.”

     

    Rana Barua
    Rana Barua

    Added Rana Barua, President of The Advertising Club and Group CEO of Havas India, South East, and North Asia: “Every year, The Abby One Show Awards at Goafest stand as a testament to the biggest and most prestigious awards in the Indian advertising industry, celebrating innovative and groundbreaking ideas. Once again, I invite the brilliant minds of Indian advertising to join the celebrations and embark on an exciting journey at Goafest 2024, where creativity takes the spotlight.”

     

    Jaideep Gandhi
    Jaideep Gandhi

    Said Jaideep Gandhi, Chairperson of Goafest 2024: “Persistently, Goafest has progressed and pioneered, solidifying its status as the foremost advertising festival in India. From insightful knowledge-sharing sessions to featuring distinguished speakers, we are confident in welcoming global guests who will significantly contribute to the industry, particularly benefitting younger professionals. I would also like to mention that Mr Mohit Joshi, CEO of Havas Media has very kindly agreed to join me as Co-Chair and contribute immensely to take this event to greater heights.”

     

  • … on January 18, 2024 in Mumbai

    Sudhir Sitapati to deliver AAAI Subhas Ghosal Memorial Lecture…

    By Our Staff

     

    The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and the Subhas Ghosal Foundation (SGF) have announced announce that the Subhas Ghosal Memorial Lecture will be delivered this year by Sudhir Sitapati, Managing Director and CEO, Godrej Consumer Products Private Limited. The event will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024 in Mumbai.

     

    On behalf of SGF, Sam Balsara said: “We live in a world where Brands play a very important role in consumer lives and have become money spinners for those members of India Inc. who know how to create and nurture them. Sudhir, with his extensive experience of building Brands at Unilever and now at Godrej Consumer Products Limited will deliver, I am sure, a very insightful talk that will be invaluable for all of us in the Marketing, Advertising and Media World”.

     

    Ahead of the lecture, Prasanth Kumar, President, AAAI said: “Sudhir is an experienced and proven brand builder and AAAI is delighted that he has agreed to deliver the Subhas Ghosal Memorial Lecture.”

     

    The Subhas Ghosal Foundation was set up decades ago, soon after the passing away of the veteran adperson, by a band of senior professionals, who knew Ghosal and admired him as a man and as a professional. The Foundation has published many books like “The Making of Advertising”, “Dominance of Advertising”, “Creative Judgement” and “Brands Under Fire”.

  • Rana Barua, was unanimously elected Vice-President of the Association

    Prasanth Kumar re-elected AAAI President

    By Our Staff

     

    Prasanth Kumar, CEO – South Asia of Group M, was re-elected President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) for the year 2023-24 at the Annual General Meeting of AAAI held on December 1.

     

    Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Worldwide India was unanimously elected Vice-President of the Association.

     

    Other elected members of the Board are (in alphabetical order):

    Sam Balsara (Madison Communications Pvt Ltd)

    Tanya Goyal (Everest Brand Solutions Pvt Ltd)

    Vishandas Hardasani (Matrix Publicities and Media India Pvt Ltd)

    Mohit Joshi (Havas Media India Pvt Ltd)

    Kunal Lalani (Crayons Advertising Ltd)

    Chandramouli Muthu (Maitri Advertising Works Pvt Ltd)

    Sridhar Ramasubramanian (Beehive Communications Pvt Ltd)

    Vikram Sakhuja (Platinum Advertising Pvt Ltd)

    K Srinivas (Sloka Advertising Pvt Ltd)

     

    Anupriya Acharya, Chief Executive Publicis Group South Asia will be the ex-officio member of the AAAI Board for 2023-24 as AAAI’s immediate past president.

     

    On this occasion, Kumar said: “I am deeply grateful to the members of the AAAI for re-electing me as President, a role I accept with great honour and responsibility. Our collective vision is to strengthen an inclusive environment, actively engaging with all stakeholders to shape a dynamic and future-ready organization. Our commitment is steadfast in strengthening unwavering support for every member, recognizing that while we have achieved few milestones together, there is still a considerable journey ahead. This prospect excites us; it fuels our motivation. When we collaborate and exert our combined efforts, we not only enhance each year for everyone involved but also solidify our resolve to be architects of change within our industry. We stand dedicated to not just witnessing but actively creating a transformative era, steering our organization towards new horizons of innovation and impact.”

     

    On his appointment as Vice President, Barua added: “I am passionate about policymaking that leads to impactful and positive changes to the advertising industry, that benefit all the stakeholders, including, media, consumers, and advertising agencies. I believe in the potential of advertising to foster economic development and enhance meaningful social changes. I look forward to collaborating with the AAAI members to bring these shared goals to life.”