MxMIndia

Tag: Goafest 2012

  • Happy's Design Cell shall focus on offering services in the space of identity creation / Branding / Packaging and some amount of retail / environment design

    Happy launches Design Cell

    By A Correspondent

     

    Bangalore based boutique agency Happy just announced the launch of its Design Cell. This comes post the announcement of their Mumbai operations in January earlier this year.

     

    “We have been offering design services to many from the day we started. We’ve also been fortunate to win a few awards for our work in Design. We took our time to build a body of work and crystallize on a strategic design process that is our own. The design cell shall work as an independent unit with its own business targets and talent pool. We see a huge opportunity in this space and are confident we can inject new energy and excitement in this space” said Kartik Iyer, CEO, Happy.

     

    Happy’s Design Cell shall focus on offering services in the space of identity creation / Branding / Packaging and some amount of retail / environment design. It will be led by Shilpa Colluru in Bangalore and Pallavi Nayak in Mumbai. While business development will driven from these two offices, the objective is to serve clients from across the country with the creative delivery happening out ofBangalore.

     

    “Having a specialized design cell only seemed like a natural progression for us as it allows us to do a lot more for our clients. It also makes more sense for companies and brands that have been newly formed and are preparing for a launch,” said Praveen Das, CCO, Happy.

     

    “Design is more than just making things look pretty. There is science behind effective design.India is at a stage where her people have begun to develop a strong aesthetic sense and appreciation for design. We believe that this will play a strong ancillary role in shaping the way Indian businesses look at branding and design as a key to drive growth,” added Mr Iyer.

     

    Happy’s work in design has been well noticed and appreciated in the past. The Lee Never wasted Bag went on to win many awards including a Cannes nomination. The Skinny jeans packaging they created for Lee also won a D&Ad nomination. Happy was also behind the new logo of online fashion retailer Myntra.com. The agency also created the logo and worked on the store experience of fashion retailer, Basics Life.

     

    Happy’s inner wear packaging design for fashion brand Basics 029 has also been appreciated and featured on most leading design websites in the world. Happy also recently won 2 bronzes in design at Goafest 2012 – one for direct mail and the other for environmental graphics.

     

  • There have been a record number of registrations as the annual fest kicks off today with the Advertising Conclave

    All roads to a bigger, beerier Goafest!

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    It’s the time of the year when the adfrat congregates in Goa for the sun, sand and loads of learning. And may we add: gallons of beer. As Goafest 2012 begins at The Zuri White Sands in South Goa today with the industry conclave, one will see more than 3,000 people get together to celebrate creativity.

     

    Says an ecstatic Arvind Sharma, Chairman, Goafest 2012: “We were ourselves surprised with such an encouraging response. This year will see the biggest crowd gather in the history of Goafest.” If the number of registrations has skyrocketed, guess will so be the consumption of beer and assorted liquids. Remember, the excise levies are perhaps the lowest in the country in Goa!

     

    “Goafest 2012 is a brand owned by the advertising and marketing fraternity. The high numbers that will attend the festival goes to show that fraternity looks at it as an extremely responsible event that is representative of the industry. We have an outstanding line-up of speakers this year, the process of judging has been rule-based and transparent and the jury has been extremely happy with the quality of entries that have come in. I just hope that people will enjoy the Goafest, Mr Sharma adds”

     

    Goafest will start, as has been the norm, with the Advertising Conclave with the theme Ideas That Impact the Full Circle. The session will begin with the welcome address by Nagesh Alai, President, AAAI. Srinivasan K Swamy, Chairman, Goafest Advertising Conclave will give his address on the theme of the Conclave. This will be followed by introduction of speakers by Arvind Sharma, Chairman, Goafest 2012.

     

    Jean-Yves Naouri, COO, Publicis Groupe and Tim Love, CEO, APIMA, Vice Chairman, Omnicom Group will give a global insight to the theme of the conclave. Jayant Murty, Director of Strategy, Media and Integrated Marketing, Asia Pacific Region, Intel Corp will speak on building brands in the era of multiple degrees of freedom. The last session will be a panel discussion on the theme which will be moderated by Anuradha Sengupta of CNBC TV18.

     

    Post the Conclave, April 20-21would have seminars during the day and awards night. On Day 1, the sessions will start from 2.30pm and the speakers would include Lucas Watson of Youtube, Jonathan Mildenhall of Coca-Cola, Tim Love of Omnicom, Charles Wright of Wolff Olins. On Day 2, one would get to hear author and brand guru Prof John Philip Jones, Rishad Tobaccowaala of Vivaki, Erik Vervroegen, Publicis Worldwide and Simon Wardle. These sessions will begin from 11.30 am.

     

    This year, Goafest has included segments that would appeal and include the marketers to their fold. During the seminars, a leading marketer would pose questions to the speaker and also bring an Indian context to the entire session even giving his or her interpretation.

     

    Some of the marketers who would be part of the sessions include: N Rajaram of Airtel, Sanjay Behl of Reliance, Kainaz Guzdar of P&G, Rajesh Jejurikar of Zee, Viral Oza of Nokia, Gayatri Yadav of Star and Hemant Bakshi of HUL. Goafest has also introduced the Marketing Wizards encouraging marketers under 30 years of age to participate in the fest.

     

    In the case of the awards, the number of jury members in each category has been increased to give a better representation. The number of Grand Prix too has been extended to all 9 categories (10 if film and film craft is considered separately).

     

    The focus has been to make the awards bias-free (as they ought to be!) and the Goafest Committee has brought in many filters to ensure that awards are held in high esteem by the fraternity. Also there are entries and delegates from Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh this year.

     

    On April 20, the Media Abbys Night will be held where Digital, Design and Direct Abbys will also be presented and on April 21, the rest of the awards will be given including the coveted Creative Abbys.

     

    On the downside, while Lowe continues to skip the awards, among the bigger agencies, McCann too did not send any entries though it is learnt that folk from the agency will attend the fest.

    Click here to view all Goafest 2012 stories

     

  • Goafest is a good break from day to day drudgery. I would like to see cultural activities go hand in hand with the learning, says Mr Kamath

    6 Days to Go-Goafest: I would like to see less of scam, says Subhash Kamath

    By Subhash Kamath

     

    There is the advertising awards night and then there is Goafest, difference being that the latter is a three-day affair and is a festival of advertising. The Festival sees more than two thousand people from the fraternity congregate at one place to celebrate Indian Advertising. Its three day outing of learning, networking, meeting, fun and party.

     

    What I would like to see at Goafest? Well, less of scam for sure. Over the years, I have become disillusioned with the amount of scam one sees at awards and this is the case not just peculiar to Indian advertising but across the globe. What used to be an exception has become a rule now. It is like creating a parallel culture comprising real work v/s work created just for awards.

     

    I don’t really know what the solution is for this but the number of scams surely brings down the credibility of any awards.

     

    Another thing that I would like to at the Goafest would be speakers from outside our industry. I know that the biggest challenge at the Fest is to get an impressive line of speakers. If you get a big name, then it ensures a full house but lesser known speakers warrant an empty hall. I say, why not get Nandan Nilekani who is a great speaker and people would love listening to him, MS Dhoni could talk on how to motivate a team or Aamir Khan on creating different identity. They would surely be worth listening to. The whole idea should be to make Goafest bigger, popular and global.

     

    Goafest is a good break from day to day drudgery. I would like to see cultural activities go hand in hand with the learning. It would be great if one sees parallel activities like a music fest, or a stage for impromptu standup comedy or street theater. At ASCI, I had initiated to engage people in installation art or mobile film making, like these there are several creative options one could explore. There is a lot of talent in our industry and giving a platform to showcase these at Goafest would add a new element to Goafest.

     

    There should be an amalgamation of learning, fun and work shop at the Fest and let people choose what they would like to go for.

     

    Bottom line being that lets take Goafest beyond the place to network, meet people, listen to speakers and just enjoy being there. Let’s do all the things mentioned above but let’s also strive to add more to the Fest and truly strive to make it a Festival that’s helps in bringing the passion back to advertising.

     

    Subhash Kamath is the Managing Partner at BBH India

     

    Photograph: LinkedIn profile

    Click here to view all Goafest 2012 stories

     

  • Where else are the essentials of a brief: the product, the TG and the market in one place says Rajan Narayan

    7 Days to Go-Goafest: Rajan Narayan on why Goafest is a hub of creativity

    By Rajan Narayan

     

    Because our clients do not allow us to say interesting things on their behalf.

     

    Because where else would you find people who’ve chucked high paying jobs for peanuts?

     

    Because Goa is far, far better than Gokul. Because we’re too honest to do financial scams.

     

    Because Cannes is beyond reach.

     

    Because we aren’t dull boys.

     

    Because where else are the essentials of a brief: the product, the TG and the market in one place?

     

    Because even if we don’t have a heavy bank balance or a heavy address at least we’ll have a heavy brass trophy.

     

    Because it’s a low-cost, self-paying method for the big seths of advertising to humour their underlings.

     

    Because only so many drunks will listen to the gyan of old men.

     

    Because client deadlines can wait at least one weekend in a year.

     

    Because we need better memories than staring bleakly as our best ideas are thrashed about by lesser men.

     

    Because if not an award, at least there’s a chick waiting in the white sands of Goa.

     

    Because in one shot, in one place we can show our peers, our metal.

     

    Because pure art needs a gallery.

     

    Because there are only some who’ll get it.

     

    Because we want to spend some time with people with our abilities and frailties.

     

    Because if a salesman and a banker can get an award, we can too.

     

    Because we need to do a pilgrimage at least once a year.

     

    Because even if no one cares and no one applauds our work, it should not mean that we can’t.

     

    Because indeed, we’re worth every bit of it.

    Click here to view all Goafest 2012 stories

     

  • Ajay Kakkar lists reasons why a client should rather than not attend GoaFest 2012

    8 days to Go-Goafest: Ajay Kakar on why the client frat should not attend Goafest!

    By Ajay Kakar

     

    I do believe that as a client/marketer you should definitely not waste your valuable time attending the Goafest…

     

    …if you believe that agency partners have no role to play in the building, nurturing and success of your brand

     

    …if you believe that the output of your agency partners is mere creatives

     

    …if you believe that your agency partners do not value your presence and encouragement

     

    …If you believe that your agency is a mere vendor

     

    …If you have not certified the entries made by your agency as your work, actioned by you

     

    …if you believe that agency partners do not want to share their success and joyous moments with you

     

    …if you feel that it is ‘their’ win and you have had no role to play in it

     

    …if you do not feel a sense of ownership and pride to see your agency win

     

    …if you do not want to partake in their success celebrations

     

    …if you do not feel the need to be by the side of your agency team, holding their hand – in case they do not win

     

    …If you do not hope and aspire that some day your agency will do work that is worthy of industry recognition

     

    …if you feel that there is nothing that you have not seen, or there is nothing left for you to learn from

     

    …if you do not feel inspired by work that has won the recognition of a distinguished panel of jury

     

    …if you do not feel the need to be inspired by speakers who have proved their mettle against the best of the best – in India and abroad

     

    …If you believe that the only place for good creatives to be displayed at is the Jehangir Art Gallery

     

    …If you would not like to see all the best work done, from across the country, from across agencies, across the year, at one place – at one time

     

    …If you do not like to meet your peers from the advertising, media and marketing fraternities

     

    …If you believe that the 3000+ people who went last year have wasted their time

     

    …If you….

     

    Rather than think, procrastinate and defer the decision, come and experience the learning, the networking, the inspiration, the bonding….kuch din to gujariye Goafest men. And I can assure you that you will come back for more. Take it from a client who has been there every year, with a contingent size that could be the envy of many an agencies.

     

    Ajay Kakar is CMO – Financial Services, Aditya Birla Group

     

     

    Click here to view all Goafest 2012 stories

     

  • Sinha is upbeat on crossing the first hurdle of judging and promises that this year the work showcased at the Fest will be high quality

    9 Days to Go-Goafest | Shashi Sinha on the judging process

    Shashi Sinha, President of Ad Club Bombay and Chairman of Awards Governing Council has played a critical role in the cleaning up of awards at the Goafest which has come under a scanner post the incident of self voting and leaking of award results. Having started the process last year to bring credibility to the awards, Sinha is now upbeat on crossing the first hurdle and promises that this year the work showcased at the Fest will be high quality. Here’s Sinha throwing some light on the judging process.

     

    Yesterday evening, as I stepped out from the Direct jury discussions, I must admit that I felt overwhelmed by the quality of conversation this year. We have been encouraging the jury to engage in long discussion as that is the only way to understand the nuances involved in the work. More the discussion, more the clarity in judging the works.

     

    In fact, this year we have increased the number of jury in each category from 6 to 8 in the last year to 10 to 12 this year, thus having a better representation of people. We have fine-tuned the judging process and added more categories. We have also increased the number of Grand Prix that will cover all the 9 verticals (10 if you consider Print and Print Craft separately) where again role of conversation will play a critical role in finding ‘the work’. We have also moved to secret voting thus allowing the jury to make their choice without worrying about upsetting anyone from the fraternity which was the case when voting happened by show of hands.

     

    We had tackled these issues last year, but I would say that last year at the Fest the focus was to get the process right and clean up the issues that had marred the awards. We were focusing on bringing transparency to the entire judging process and make it tight and fair. The AGC and KPMG are now familiar with how things ran last year hence there is more comfort with the procedure and protocol.

     

    Now with process in place we are working towards improving the quality of work being showcased. I must admit that we have achieved this seeing the quality of discussion we have been having, I feel proud to be part of the industry.

     

    We have also been giving a week’s break after the R1 of judging just so that there is a gap and judging happens with a fresh perspective, without any preconceived notions. Also, while shortlists were announced earlier, we are not doing this now, so that even for judges as they walk in for R2 there is an element of surprise to see the shortlist, paving way for fresh conversation. As earlier, where all the shortlists were showcased at Goa, now we will only showcase the finalists, resulting in a better quality of display as the works would have gone two filtering process.

     

    In fact, we are finished with the R1 in all categories this year and almost in the last leg of judging with 3 categories left. Today, we will judge the interactive which I am looking forward to. It is an upcoming category and I am sure it would be fun being a part of it. This year, we have also had entries from South Asian countries and even though the number is not much but it is good beginning that will give the fest a larger footprint.

     

    We have also split the award to two days as that was a feedback we got from people. So the 3Ds- Direct, Digital and Design will be given on the night of April 20, the rest will be given on April 21.

     

    In my mind, the judging process may have become complicated and is time consuming but the changes have happened for good. Goafest is here to stay and each year we have bettered it, like this year we have an impressive list of international speakers, given the fact it’s been a rough year for the industry. We have also managed the location issue as the Zuri White Sands is a better location as opposed to the beach. I think we have got the formula right for the Fest now. Just keeping my fingers crossed.

     

    Click here to view all Goafest 2012 stories

     

  • MxMIndia kicks off its countdown to Goafest 2012 with an interview with the organising committee chair

    10 Days to Go-Goafest! It’s all about celebrating ideas: Arvind Sharma

     

    As the countdown begins for Goafest 2012, Arvind Sharma, Chairman Goafest 2012 and Chairman, India Sub-continent, Leo Burnett, speaks to MxMIndia’s Tuhina Anand on the festival this year and why it is truly the celebration of creativity at its best.

     

    What can one expect from Goafest 2012? How will it different from last year?

    The Festival will stay true to its fundamental vision. It is a platform for celebrating creativity and a source of inspiration. Most importantly for the entire fraternity comprising young and not-so-young, Goafest is the preparatory ground for the industry to gauge where and how to go forward. I feel that the core, sometimes, is forgotten in the bid to do something new.

     

    I mean, we live in a world which is changing rapidly, so having something new is inevitable. If you look at successful festivals around the world 90 per cent remain the same. Similarly, at Goafest, we have defined categories and 95 per cent remain the same in terms of predictability of entering, judging, Awards Governing Council and Goafest Committee. There is consistency in that format and our effort of providing conversations. All this is same as what one had last year.

    Having said that about the predictability factor, let me also add that moving forward is equally important.

     

    So, what’s new?

    This year we are looking at ways to involve clients in a meaningful way. The fact is that, there would be no advertising if there were no clients. The business of advertising is about partnering with the marketers. We, at Goafest, believe in evolving vision that doesn’t really mean evolving identically, but in evolving together. We look at bringing in more opportunity for conversations and that’s the reason why we have brought clients this time into the seminar.

     

    There is a slight change in the format. So far, there have been series of international speakers, while some of these presentations have been received well, some weren’t, and there have been questions on the relevance of those to India. Changing that, we have brought in senior Indian clients to raise questions after the presentation. So there will be 30-35 minutes for the speaker followed by 10-15 minutes of Q&A led by a senior Indian client. He or she will be the voice and mind of the audience and bring in the Indian perspective to the entire presentation by agreeing, challenging, bringing contextual light and interpreting the whole presentation.

     

    We have also brought the Marketing Wizards to Goafest. This is calling the under-30 staff of the marketing community. We have had a good response and we expect overall 70 to 80 major advertisers to participate, which include team of two people representing to some even registering team of 30 people even though we have a limit to numbers.

     

    Why this whole idea of bringing in Grand Prix to all verticals?

    Grand Prix, traditionally, has been awarded in Print, TV and Integrated. This year, we have expanded the Grand Prix to cover all the 9 verticals. This was not an easy decision and the step was debated. We believe that the time has come for specialists in area to move to the centrestage. I don’t really know if the jury will find works worthy enough for Grand Prix in each of the vertical, but this would help in finding worthy advertising and celebrating it around India and even around the world.

     

    For a young designer who is always on the periphery of an agency, winning gold is good but winning the GrandPrix might help in moving the same person to leadership position. We hope that the move will catalyze long term fundament change in the way we create advertising.

     

    We hear this year there are entries from other South Asian countries?

    Yes, we have entries from Sri Lanka and Pakistan and we will have delegates from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. In South Asia, we have different cultures but there are more similarities than differences within those cultures and we can learn a lot from each other. Unfortunately, the politics of the subcontinent is more difficult. We had planned a road show in various countries but our passports got stuck and this could not happen.

     

    Can you throw some light on the conclave and the seminar?

    We have put together an enviable list of names and these are speakers who really are worthy of listening. Jean-Yves Naouri, COO Publicis Group spends almost 150 days in flight. He knows what is happening in the business around the world and will share his valuable insight. Tim Love has been involved with theCannesand he played important role in the shaping of the future of Omnicom Group. Jonathon Mildenhall, VP of Global Advertising Strategy and Creative Excellence, CocaCola promises to be stimulating session. Steven King, CEO, ZenithOptimedia will also be on panel. Anuradha Sengupta, who loves throwing challenge, will be part of the session.

     

    On the seminar speakers, Amir Kassaei, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Worldwide, Rishad Tobaccowala, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, VivaKi and Prof John Philip Jones, Emeritus Professor at the Newhouse School of Public Communications,Syracuse University,New Yorkwill be speakers. While the world is talking video as the future, Lucas Watson, Vice President, Global Sales and Industry Marketing, YouTube will tell us how and Simon Wardle, Chief Strategy Officer, Octagon will be worth listening to for all the planners in the industry. Erik Vervroegen, International Creative Director, Publicis Worldwide will give his take on creativity. We will announce one more name in this list soon. From the Indian marketers side who will be part of Q&A, we have Sanjay Behl from Reliance, Kainaz Gazder from P&G, Viral Oza from Nokia, Gayatri Yadav from Star India and Hemant Bakshi from Unilever.

     

    Awards have been under the scanner, do the controversies surrounding it mar the event in anyway?

    Awards show will have criticism. What is driving us is the celebration of creativity and look at this Fest as a platform to prepare ourselves for the way industry will go forward.

     

    Why did the Goafest Committee decide the theme – Magic of Ideas?

    Everything that happens at festivals is ideas. While advances in technology and database is important, but what we celebrate is ideas. If we add everything on an excel sheet, we will see that when a brand gets a lot of traction or if it is ignored, it is all to do with ideas. No client launches a product with the intention of not succeeding, so getting it right is important. For a product to be embraced, it has to connect with people and this cannot be reduced to a formula but has to do with the magic of ideas.

     

    The awards have been leaked in the past, losing some of its credibility, how do you ensure that this doesn’t happen this year?

    We believe that awards will not be leaked. In this, the media as well as the organizers have a role to play. There is a symbiotic relation. We do our best to avoid any such incident. Some information has to be shared with the media beforehand, but there is an embargo on release information and last year journalistic fraternity showed a sense of responsibility. I will add that the media has equally a big stake in the Fest.

     

    What will you say to the agencies that have decided to stay away from the fest?

    Whether to participate or not is an agency’s decision. We on our part, including the AGC, have been ensuring that our job that includes category, rules, audit and the jury does their job well. Let creative minds debate as for us touch wood, thing are going as per planned.

     

    If you have to send a formal invite to the industry for the Fest what would you say as to why must the fraternity attend?

    You will get to see the best of work and see the best creative minds judging what they think is worthy of awards. You get to interact with seniors and bright creative minds which many times is impossible in the busy schedules that we lead. Besides you will get to hear exceptional speakers’ line-up.

     

    Goafest creates the space for debate with peers and youngsters, which includes large group discussions and one-on-one interaction. We are expecting around 2,500 people to attend Goafest this year. Not to forget that Goafest is not heavy-handed like training sessions but good learning place where you also have loads of fun.

     

    Personally for you, how has it been plugging all the gaps before the festival?

    We have a very big team working across agencies. There is a sense of joy and shared sense of purpose to make Goafest a success. We are in it together and there still is a fair bit of work to be done. However, it’s been an enjoyable experience.

    Click here to view all Goafest 2012 stories

     

  • The Goafest Committee has announced the names of three renowned speakers for Goafest 2012 Knowledge Seminars. Amir Kassaei, Rishad Tobaccowala and Prof John Philip Jones will impart their knowledge and expertise at the Goafest 2012 Knowledge Seminars on April 20 & 21.

    Amir Kassaei, Prof John Philip Jones & Rishad Tobaccowala to speak @ Goafest

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Goafest Committee has announced the names of three renowned speakers for Goafest 2012 Knowledge Seminars. Amir Kassaei, Chief Creative Officer, DDB Worldwide, Rishad Tobaccowala, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, VivaKi and Prof John Philip Jones, Emeritus Professor at the Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University, New York will impart their knowledge and expertise at the Goafest 2012 Knowledge Seminars to be held on April 20 and 21.

     

    Commenting on the exciting lineup of speakers for Goafest 2012 Knowledge Seminars, MG. Parameswaran, Member of GoaFest Committee said, “We have lined up a galaxy of globally renowned speakers with an interesting mix of creative, branding, digital and media experts for the Knowledge Seminar this year. We conducted a survey last year and realized that the young delegates wanted Goafest 2012 to cover all aspects of communication at our seminars. Hence we left no stone unturned to get the best speakers to enrich and enlighten young minds this year.”

     

    “To reiterate our promise of having a bigger and better Goafest 2012, we have brought the best minds from across the globe to be a part of the fest and engage in conversation through their thought provoking ideas and discussions. I am certain that these speakers will add immense value to our event,” added Arvind Sharma, Chairman, Goafest Organizing Committee.

     

    Amir Kassaei is the Chief Creative Officer DDB Worldwide and one of the most lauded creatives in the world. Born in Iran, raised in Austria, and educated in France, Amir settled in Germany in 1997, gaining experience early in his career in a variety of roles ranging from Account Manager to Strategic Planner to Art Director and Designer at agencies such as TBWA, Barci & Partner and Springer & Jacoby. At Springer & Jacoby, Amir advanced from Copywriter to Creative Director and finally to Executive Creative Director on the global Mercedes-Benz and smart accounts. In 2003, Amir joined DDB as Chief Creative Officer and Associate Partner of DDB Germany, where he quickly helped reshape the agency. After joining the agency as the youngest DDB Chief Creative Officer in Europe, he quickly transformed it into one of the most creative and successful agencies in Germany. Under Amir’s leadership, DDB Germany has also been ranked the most awarded German agency in the Gunn Report. During his tenure at DDB Germany, Amir founded and established Tribal DDB Germany as a modern and multichannel agency. Amir and his teams are the recipients of more than 2,000 national and international awards, including 40 Cannes Lions in the past five years.  He was named TheBig Won Report’s Top Chief Creative Officer” in 2009, and has been one of TheBig Won’sTop 3 Chief Creative Officers for each of the last three years.

     

    Rishad Tobaccowala helps guide strategy and serves as a catalyst to innovation efforts across Vivaki – a Publicis Groupe entity that combines the collective scale, clout and talent sitting inside of Denuo, Digitas, Razorfish, Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) and ZenithOptimedia. Working closely with brand CEOs and VivaKi Country Chairs, he helps VivaKi’s companies show clients the way forward in an exciting and changing time for marketing.

     

    Prof. John Philip Jones was born and educated in Britain and graduated with the Economics Tripos from Cambridge University (BA with Honors and MA). He spent twenty-seven years working in the advertising agency business, mainly in branches of the J. Walter Thompson Company in Europe and as a market researcher and manager of the advertising for major international clients. For eight years he was international account director on Unilever’s Lux Toilet Soap, the largest-selling bar soap in the world. He has also published sixteen books and 100 articles in professional and academic publications: all on branding, marketing and advertising.

     

    Goafest 2012 is being organized by AAAI and Ad Club Bombay in partnership for the 5th year. Over the years, specialist areas like Out of Home & Ambient, Design, Digital & Mobile Advertising, Direct, and Integrated Advertising have been growing in importance. In recognition of this phenomenon, in 2012, Abbies at Goafest will have provision for Grand Prix in all the nine verticals- the Grand Prix is being introduced in the media awards as well.

    Click here to view all Goafest 2012 stories

     

  • Present the ‘ASCI Mobile Movie Challenge’ to promote the idea of ‘Creativity with a Conscience’

    ASCI, Goafest come together on self-regulation

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Advertising Standard Council of India (ASCI), in a bid to encourage self regulation in Advertising, has announced its unique association with Goafest 2012. As a part of this partnership, ASCI will be a conducting a one-of-a-kind contest to promote responsible creativity, under the theme “Creativity with a Conscience” during Goafest 2012.

     

    The ASCI Mobile Movie Challenge contest, which is open for advertising, marketing and media professionals, revolves around creating short films using a mobile phone.  As per the contest, teams of 3 young professionals, under the age of 30 years, will be asked to create a short film (between 30 and 60 seconds), using their mobile handsets.  Each team will be assigned a mentor film-maker who can guide the team members on the nuances of film making. The teams will create the art forms on one of the four briefs provided by ASCI.

     

    The teams will create the art forms on the four tenets of ASCI’s code of self-regulation: Honesty & truthfulness in advertising; Decency in advertising as per generally accepted societal norms; Safety & avoiding exploitation of vulnerable sections of society, especially children; Fairness in competition.

     

    To register, one has to log onto http://www.ascionline.org/goafest2012/ and last date for registration is March 22.

     

    According to, Subhash Kamath, ASCI Board Member: “The theme ‘Creativity with a Conscience’ goes hand-in-hand with ASCI’s objective of responsible advertising. Our aim is to inspire professionals to abide by the guidelines set by ASCI and to take up self regulation on an individual level as the only other alternative is governmental censorship, which is, not desirable for a creative industry like ours.”

     

    He added: “By reaching out to young professionals, we’re ensuring that our efforts towards self regulation are understood by the people who will be implementing the work. Through this initiative, we want to instill the message in the mind of young professionals to always remember that with great creative power, comes greater responsibility.”

     

    These films will then be showcased at Goafest 2012 and will be uploaded on youtube.com and select online portals to inspire professionals to understand the importance of self-regulation in advertising. The entries will be judged by a jury of top creative directors and film makes of the industry.

     

    Four winning teams, one per brief, will be selected and each team member will be awarded during the Creative Abbys. Alongside, there will be a ‘Popular Choice’ award for the winner of a shortlisted best 16 film, which will be voted via SMS by over 3,000 participants at Goafest.

     

    Advertising Standards Council of India is a self regulatory voluntary organization of the advertising industry. The role and functioning of the ASCI and its Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) is in dealing with complaints received from Consumers and Industry, against advertisements which are considered as false, misleading, indecent, illegal, leading to unsafe practices, or unfair to competition, and consequently in contravention of the ASCI Code for Self-Regulation in Advertising.

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  • It is an interesting initiative wherein each ISA member can nominate two people under the age of 30 years to experience the highs and thrills of Goafest 2012.

    Goafest launches “Marketing Wizards” for young clients

    By A Correspondent

     

    Keeping up to the promise of a ‘bigger and better; Goafest 2012, the organizing committee on Monday announced the launch of “Marketing Wizards” open to the Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) member companies for delegates under the age of 30.

     

    Marketing Wizards is an interesting initiative wherein each ISA member can nominate up to two rising stars from their marketing teams under the age of 30 years to experience the highs and thrills of Goafest 2012. This offer is available at a discounted fee of Rs 6,000 only. This amount will covers two nights at a five star hotel, food & beverages, local transportation, seminars, award shows and much more with no further costs.

     

    Speaking about the programme, Arvind Sharma, Chairman of Goafest 2012 said: “This year we are focusing on getting clients to Goafest 2012. We hope to see many more senior marketers and a large contingent of young advertisers at the festival. Marketing Wizards has been created as an initiative to drive young advertisers’ participation and ensure that everyone is aware of what is in store for them at Goafest 2012.”

     

    Mr Sharma added: “There are many firsts for Goafest 2012. The inclusion of SAARC nations, Grand Prix’s across categories. The latest addition, Marketing Wizards, will be an ideal platform for marketers to reward their rising stars. Goafest 2012 will not only help them widen their advertising horizons they will also have a great time at the event.”

     

    Mr. Bharat Patel, Chairman, ISA said: “We welcome this initiative from AAAI & Goafest to increase participation of our members, and specifically their rising stars. Successful partnerships between advertisers and their advertising agencies are fundamental to the success of brands. In many ways, Goafest and the Abbies are a celebration of this success. Equally, they are opportunities for our bright young marketers to imbibe and learn. I believe our rising stars will benefit immensely by actively participating in this opportunity. The ‘Marketing Wizards’ initiative is indeed very attractive and I am sure our members will make the most of it.”

     

    Goafest 2012 is being organized by AAAI and Ad Club Bombay in partnership for the fifth year and will be held from April 20-21 at the Zuri White Sands in South Goa. It will be preceded by an advertising conclave on April 19th. The festival is themed the ‘Magic of Ideas.’

     

    Over the years, specialist areas like Out of Home & Ambient, Design, Interactive Digital Advertising, Direct, and Integrated Advertising have been growing in importance. In recognition of this phenomenon, in 2012, Abbies at Goafest will have provision for Grand Prix in all the nine verticals – the Grand Prix is being introduced in media awards as well.

     

    Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) is the official, national organization of advertising agencies, formed in 1945, to promote their interests. The Association promotes professionalism, through its founding principles which uphold sound business practices between advertisers and advertising agencies and the various media. The AAAI is recognized as the apex body of the advertising industry at all forums – advertisers, media owners and associations, and even government, as the spokesperson for the advertising industry.

     

    The Advertising Club Bombay, incorporated in the year 1954, is arguably the biggest Advertising Club of its kind in the world, and, according to many, also the busiest. It has over 1,400 members drawn from media organizations, marketing companies, advertising agencies and allied professional bodies.

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  • The advertising festival is now calling for creative ideas and delegates from South Asian countries.

    Goafest 2012 brings S Asia into ambit

    By Robin Thomas

     

    Goafest 2012 has been extended across South Asian countries. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal have been invited not only as delegates, but also as award entrants. Specialist agencies have been encouraged to participate in Goafest 2012, and Grand Prix have been introduced in more categories. These were some of the announcements made by the Goafest Committee. The advertising festival is scheduled to be held from April 19 to April 21, 2012 at the Zuri White Sands in South Goa. The theme this year is ‘Magic of ideas’. Goafest 2012 has been presented by AAAI and Ad Club Bombay.

     

    Since specialist areas like Out-of-Home, Ambient, Design, Interactive Digital Advertising, Direct and Integrated Advertising have been growing over the years, Abbies at Goafest 2012 will have a provision for Grand Prix in all nine verticals. Last year the Grand Prix was given only in Film, Print and Radio verticals. Grand Prix will also be introduced in the media awards.

     

    Goafest 2012 is said to be looking at strong client participation with senior clients expected to be an integral part of knowledge seminars. The Goafest committee is also said to be looking to attract young client delegates in large numbers. It is offering special packages for under-30 marketers.

     

    In order to spread awareness about Goafest 2012, the committee has decided to conduct roadshows across South Asian countries.

     

    In conversation with MxMIndia, Arvind Sharma, Goafest Committee Chairman said, “The theme is inclusiveness, we clearly present what value each one will get by participating at the festival. We haven’t really reached out and marketed ourselves. We have not sent out a clear message about inclusivity and the importance of participation. It is said the nature of business is changing, and that there are a whole lot of specialist areas to be ventured into. By allowing Grand Prix in each of the verticals Goafest 2012 has highlighted the importance of each of the verticals. Goafest is a property like no other else therefore it is important to bring in specialist agencies that have traditionally not been part of Ad Club.”

     

    On his expectations from Goafest 2012, Shashi Sinha, President, The Advertising Club Bombay and Chairman of the Awards Governing Council said, “With Grand Prix opening up and more organizations participating, hopefully even from other countries, expectations are quite high. This time although the delegates are much higher, there will be a lot of fragmentations because of increased participations from different agencies.”

     

    The decision is also expected to encourage many more specialist agencies to come forward and enter their work in the show. This is likely to give a further impetus to the trend observed over the last few years. Consistent with its growing importance, digital will find a place at Goafest 2012. Digital Awards will be held on April 20, 2012 as will Media Awards. Design, Direct Awards will also be held on April 20, 2012 and as in past the rest of the Creative awards will be held at the awards night on April 21, 2012.

     

    In line with the overall festival theme, Goafest 2012 Conclave theme is ‘Ideas for impacting the full circle’. The Conclave aims to help the entire industry gear up for opportunities that lie ahead. The festival is said to be inviting global leaders from major clients as well as major communication groups to participate in the Conclave.

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