MxMIndia

Tag: Goafest 2015

  • Melt-ing is the preserve of Goafest, industrypersons say. Unique alliance struck between Pratap Bose & Rajesh Kejriwal at a party late last year

    Kyoorius to partner Goafest?

     

    By Noor Singapuria

     

    Is the Kyoorius Melt Fest mulling a move to be part of Goafest?

     

    The annual extravaganza organised by the Advertising Agencies Association of India and the Advertising Club may have taken a decision to embrace Kyoorius Melt, the all-new festival of creativity that was announced by paper magnate-turned-media baron Rajesh Kejriwal yesterday.

     

    The idea reportedly came from a veteran advertising professional who has requested anonymity. His view: “When I first heard about an adfest called ‘Melt’, I thought it’s happening as part of Goafest. After all, in Goafest despite the beer and the babes and the beaches, you melt in Goa,” he said adding:  “Whether you are walking around in hardly anything or if you are wearing a black or green kurta like your boss, it’s damn hot.”

     

    According to the grapevine, the first talks happened at a party held late last year in New Delhi. As it happened, Advertising Club President Pratap Bose and Rajesh Kejriwal were standing at the bar. And after drinks were served to them, in a classic case of cigarette-lighting diplomacy, Kejriwal lit Bose’s cigarette, followed by his own and they got talking.

     

    Bose appreciated the gesture, a person close to the development told this writer. “This is the ultimate sign of humility in a man-to-man relationship,” she said referring to lighting of the cigarette. Plus for Goafest and the Abby and Kyoorius, it will be a win-win.

     

    It is learnt that Kejriwal is keen on organising the fest in January, just before the Republic Day. The weather is nice with a gentle breeze blowing over the Mandovi and the Arabian Sea. What grabbed the deal was the luxurious transportation on offer. “We are in discussions with a luxury cruise liner like QE3. The idea is to get everyone to celebrate the fest in Goa and then let it culminate in a cruise ride from Goa to Mumbai.”

     

    It is learnt that the original idea was to have the Creative Abby on the cruise, but then the security committee suggested that there is a risk. If an agency doesn’t win a coveted Abby, the NCD may want to dump himself or herself in the Arabian Sea. We don’t want all of this so our Awards Security Committee has suggested that you should conduct the awards inhouse. On his part, Kejriwal liked the fact that like him the Goafest folks also want to do their bit for the fraternity. “Right from the time the shortlists are announced, we now keep available a large number of shrinks. This year, we have tied up with a leading mental health hospital in South India. They will supply psychiatrists and counsellors  because people get awfully depressed and then mouth all types of expletives,” a committee member told MxMIndia. This is our way of giving back to the community. Click here to read the rest of this report.

     

  • The Knowledge Seminars will include a fusion of inspiring speakers on a cross section of subjects which delegates are generally not exposed to

    Goafest Knowledge Seminar committee announces additional speakers

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Organizing Committee of Goafest 2015 released the second list of speakers for the Knowledge Seminars. The names are: Chetan Bhagat, Author, Vikas Bahl, Indian Film Producer, Screenwriter & Director, Suhas Gopinath, CEO and Chairman of Global INC., East India Comedy, one of the most promising names in the comedy circuit. This year, the Knowledge Seminars will include a fusion of inspiring speakers on a cross section of subjects which delegates are generally not exposed to.

     

    Nakul Chopra
    M G Parameswaran

    Commenting on the list of speakers, Nakul Chopra, Chairman of Goafest 2015 & Vice President of Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) said, “In its 10th year we want Goafest to be spectacular. Our endeavour is to make the content of the festival even richer. We want the young delegates to have the fullest opportunity to learn, imbibe and celebrate creativity.”

     

    Dr. M.G. Parameswaran, President of AAAI said, “The diverse and stimulating line up of speakers will be a great learning for all the delegates. We look forward to great sessions with each one of these reputed speakers.”

     

  • The veteran adman and awards administrator on why the 10th edition of Goafest is a must-attend

    Ajay Chandwani: 6 reasons on what one can expect at Goafest 2015 (and why it’s a must-attend)

    By Ajay Chandwani

     

    Goafest has in the last decade become one of the world’s significant ad festivals in numbers and has weathered many ups and downs to retain its premier position of Asia’s most happening learning and awards platform. What can we expect from Goafest in its tenth year of operation?

     

    1.Some exciting presentations from high quality international speakers like Ted Lim of Dentsu, Alan Moseley of 180 Amsterdam, Niel Stewart of Facebook and also speakers from domains other than advertising like mythologist Devdutt Pattanik. Knowledge and learning is an equal partner with celebration of creativity and innovation. This will be amply displayed.

     

    2. For the first time, Youth Labs in Creative and Media will be introduced as a lively interactive platform aimed at keeping the young delegates engaged with more than just beer and sand. Industry stalwarts who are not easily accessible to the young delegates will conduct these sessions.

     

    3. Apart from an inclusive Conclave which has already been enlarged in audience reach and scope, there is a Leadership Summit on the last day which will address some critical issues in Marketing, Advertising and Communication by thought leaders from these domains.

     

    4. A smooth transparent judging process for Abbys which has already been appreciated by the juries and chairpersons involved last year in the annual feedback session. All the rigor introduced in sifting through any controversial or proactive “only for awards” entries will go through the auditors scanners before and during the jury sessions. The organisers have promised to honour all decisions of Jury after Awards have been decided.

     

    5. New companies participating in Abbs from diverse fields like Public Relations, Branded Content, Brand Activation, Publishers, Broadcasters, apart from Design and the fast growing vertical of Digital and Mobile advertising.

     

    More than anything else, Goafest is a young ad person’s dream platform as it offers more than just a heavily subsidised festival that lays out competition, learning from the gurus, fun on the beach and the ultimate social lubrication that takes networking to a new high.

     

    It’s not surprising to meet people you have worked with years ago in different companies and often different cities after many years of disconnect.

     

    CXOs find themselves aged and surrounded by young turks who are the new generation of a profession that refuses to get old, often discussing the new rules of engagement and making the digital communities of today come alive.

     

    Last year, a record 275 companies participated which is expected to increase further this year as E-commerce, M-commerce and Mobile has already ushered in a whole new breed of players and participants.

     

    6. A slicker, exciting, entertaining and professional show as we have partnered with experts in the event business.

     

    All in all , expect more than just paragliding, volleyball on the beach and the very Goan twist in the rain dance that has become a festival property.

     

    The writer is Director, Percept Ltd and Member,  Award Governing Council, Goafest Abbys and Joint Secretary, Adclub Management Committee

     

  • They are introducing for the first time Youth Labs for young delegates

    Plans unveiled for 10th edition of Goafest

    By A Correspondent

     

    L-R Dr. M.G. Parameswaran-President of AAAI, Mr. Nakul Chopra- Chairman of Goafest 2015 & Vice President of Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI), Ajay Chandwani, Managing committee member of the Advertisement

    The Organizing Committee of Goafest 2015 recently shared the roadmap for the event to be held from April 9 – 11 at The Grand Hyatt, Bambolim. The Committee also announced key initiatives and released the first list of speakers at the event.

     

    In its 10th year, efforts are being made to make the event distinctive and grand. Nakul Chopra- Chairman of Goafest 2015 & Vice President of Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) said, “It is our endeavour to make Goafest 2015 better and superior. While the Advertising Conclave will be held on Day 1; the Knowledge Seminars will be held on Day 2 & 3. There will be a Leadership Summit on 11th April, which will bring together best minds in the field of advertising, communications, marketing industry to discuss, debate, interact, offer thoughts & experiences, share ideas and questions on our industry. These programmes are augmented with a series of presentations from leaders in their respective fields and panel debates.”

     

    Chopra further added, “We are also introducing for the first time Youth Labs for young delegates. These Youth Labs will have a separate Creative Lab and Media Lab. The aim of these Youth Labs will be to provide a platform for youngsters to interact with stalwarts in the industry and get them to sharpen and hone their skills.”

     

    The Organizing Committee also released the first list of speakers for the Knowledge Seminars: Ted Lim- Chief Creative Officer, Dentsu Aegis Network Asia Pacific, Alan Moseley- President and Creative Officer, 180 Amsterdam, Neil Stewart- Head of Agency, APAC Region, Facebook, Guy Abrahams- Worldwide Strategic Marketing Officer, Zenith Optimedia and Devdutt Pattanik- Author & Mythologist.

     

    Dr. MG Parameswaran-President of AAAI said, “Goafest 2015 will have a great mix of speakers this year. Our effort is get the 2500+ participants to listen to and interact with the best, the world has to offer. As in the previous years, we will have stimulating Q&A sessions moderated by senior marketing professionals.”​

     

    For the eighth year that AAAI and The Advertising Club will come together to deliver Abbys, India’s definitive awards that celebrate creativity. Pratap Bose- President of The Advertising Club & Chairman of The Awards Governing Council (AGC), said, “The initiatives introduced last year were widely appreciated by all the stakeholders. We will continue to follow the stringent and now well accepted norms for Abbys. An exciting feature that we introduced this year is that the Campaigns that have been released till February 15, 2015, are now allowed to submit their entries at this year’s Abbys.”

     

    Continuing with the changes that were inducted in 2012 – there will be a Grand Prix for Film, Print, Radio, Outdoor, Design, Interactive Digital, Direct, Media and Integrated. This year too there will be awindow of ten days before the final judging round. During this window, shortlisted entries will be available for the entire industry to review. However, Abbys once awarded will stay awarded.

     

  • – CE0, Publicis South Asia & Vice President of The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) will be the Chairman of Goafest 2015

    Dates for Goafest 2015 announced

    By A Correspondent

     

    Nakul Chopra
    Pratap Bose

    The Organizing Committee of Goafest 2015 have announced the dates of the event.Goafest 2015 will be held on April 9th, 10th and 11th. The venue will be Grand Hyatt, Bambolim and the event will be open for all the delegates on all the three days. The ABBYs will also be held on all the three days.

     

    The Committee also announced that Nakul Chopra- CE0, Publicis South Asia & Vice President of The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) will be the Chairman of Goafest 2015 and Pratap Bose- President of The Advertising Club will be the Chairman of the Awards Governing Council.

     

    Goafest 2015 will be in its 10th edition and this is the 8th year that AAAI and The Advertising Club will come together to deliver ABBYs, India’s definitive awards that celebrate creativity.