MxMIndia

Tag: Jaideep Gandhi

  • 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.

  • 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.”

     

  • Abhishek Karnani, President, Free Press Journal Group, will be Vice President, Nandini Dias, now an independent advisor will be Secretary and Jaideep Gandhi, Founder, Another Idea, will be Treasurer

    Avinash Pandey re-elected IAA India President

    By Our Staff

     

    At its Annual General Meeting held on September 27, 2023, Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP Network, was unanimously re-elected President. Abhishek Karnani, President, Free Press Journal Group, will be Vice President, Nandini Dias, now an independent advisor will be Secretary and Jaideep Gandhi, Founder, Another Idea, will be Treasurer.

     

    The following five members were elected as voting members: Srinivasan K Swamy (Chairman & Managing Director, R K Swamy Ltd), MV Shreyams Kumar (Managing Director, Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing Co Ltd)

     

    Prasanth Kumar (CEO-South Asia, GroupM)

    Anant Goenka (Executive Director, The Indian Express Pvt Ltd)

    Janak Sarda (Director, Blue Logic Systems)

    Megha Tata, CEO, Cosmos-Maya will continue as an ex-officio office bearer as Immediate Past President

     

    Apart from this, five more members will be co-opted in the upcoming managing committee meeting along with other special invited members.

     

    Avinash Pandey
    Avinash Pandey

    Said Avinash Pandey: “The India Chapter of the IAA is arguably the most active industry Association of its kind in the country. Its initiatives cover a wide spectrum of areas including saluting excellence in Marketing, Creativity and communicating Sustainability. In the year gone by, we also started Tech Pulse to cater to the growing digital market. The IAA has always maintained that what is good, is good for business and in that spirit it has converted its Voice of Change initiative into a nation-wide movement aimed at breaking the gender bias in advertising and the entertainment industry. In the year ahead we will also be spearheading two initiatives where we walk the talk that Communication is a Force for Good, and will also once again lead a group of CEOs to the US to study the latest developments in communication. I look forward to a very meaningful term ahead.”

     

  • Also scheduled is the 54th edition of the Abby awards

    So what’s the hottest thing set to happen in Indian media? Goafest 2023, May 24-26.

    By Our Staff

     

    The images you see here give us the weather on May 24, 2023 in Goa and also what it has been in the past. Thirty-odd degrees is nothing. What we see in Mumbai and Delhi is worse. But look at the humidity: 74%. Numbers may not give a good indicator of things, but the fact is that Goa in May can be horribly hot. Or let’s be positive and say: fantastically hot. Except if there is an early onset of the rains, which is also not unlikely (note to Ramu kaka: please remind us to carry chhaata).

     

     

    All of it builds the excitement around the region’s biggest (and hottest) advertising festival: Goafest. Co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and the Advertising Club, Goafest 2023 is scheduled to take place on May 24, 25 and 26 in Goa. At the Grand Hyatt in Bambolim. Also scheduled is the 54th edition of the Abby awards. In addition to the awards, there will be presentations and sessions by leading industry experts, plus 10 knowledge-sharing masterclasses.

     

    Announcing Goafest 2023, Prasanth Kumar, CEO, South Asia GroupM and President, Advertising Agencies Association of India: “Goafest has cemented its position as the most admirable creative festival in South Asia that truly brings together the best of creative and marketing professionals. Our goal is to offer our industry colleagues three power-packed days of learning, engagement, interactivity and curiosity. We are confident that this year’s edition will be the biggest and best yet, leaving each attendee with valuable learnings and benefiting the industry as a whole.”

     

    Added Jaideep Gandhi, Chairperson Goafest 2023: “Year after year, Goafest has evolved and innovated, making it the most relevant advertising festival in India. From knowledge-sharing sessions to exclusive speakers, we are certain of having guests from across the globe that will benefit the industry, especially younger professionals, this year as well. For the first time, various committees involving senior industry leaders have been formed thus making the event all-inclusive and broad-based for the entire advertising industry. We look forward to curating a festival that drives participation and empowers the fraternity thus positioning India as a sharper contender in the global advertising landscape.”

     

    Said Partha Sinha, President, The Times of India group and President of The Advertising Club: “We believe it is imperative that we celebrate the industry and Goafest enables us to do exactly this. The festival empowers the industry to push creative boundaries and think beyond existing possibilities. We look forward to another year of firsts at Goafest 2023 and encourage India’s creative economy to participate actively.”

     

    So, are we headed to Goa? Of course, we are. As always.

     

  • The Leo Burnett Group was Creative Agency, Famous Innovations was runner-up

    Goafest 2022 ends with some partying, a new Creative Agency winner & some stars in the house

     

     

    By Our Staff

     

    Saturday, May 7 saw curtains drawn on the 15th edition of Goafest. The three-day fest saw several marketing and glamour stars, master classes and parties and of course awards on each of the evening. Around 1500 delegates are reported to have been in attendance.

     

    Day 3 began with Mithali Raj – Indian women’s cricket captain in conversation with Sharlene Lobo, Anchor, Mirror Now.  This was followed by a digital conclave an introductory address by Gowthaman ‘Gman’ Ragothaman, CEO, Aqilliz & Co-Founder, Web3 Marketing Association. And then there was Sandeep Bhushan, Director and Head of India GMS for Meta.

     

    Later, there was a fireside chat on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with Rathi Gangappa, CEO, Starcom India, Dheeraj Sinha, CEO & Chief Strategy Officer, South Asia, Leo Burnett, Rohit Ohri, Chairman & CEO FCB Ulka and Suhela Khan, Country Program Manager, We Empower Asia, UN Women on the panel. Post the lunch break, actor and comedian, Aiyyo Shraddha regaled the house with her stand-up act.

     

    Later then was a session on influencers with Ranveer Allahbadia, Niharika NM, Raj Shamani, and Madan Gowri moderated by Viraj Sheth, Co-Founder & CEO of Monk Entertainment.

     

    There was also Rujuta Diwekar, Nutrition Expert and Author in conversation with Anupriya Acharya, CEO-Publicis Groupe, South Asia.

     

    The highlight A&M session of the day was by Kash Sree – Executive Creative Director / Writer who was later engaged in a Q&A by Rana Barua.

     

    The last session for the day had actor Madhuri Dixit in conversation with actor Tisca Chopra.

     

    The mastercasses through the day were conducted by Keigan Pinto, Chief Creative Officer, FCB Ulka, Amaresh Godbole, CEO, Digital Technology Business, Publicis Groupe India, Ram Cobain Creative Shop, Meta, Prakash Jha, Indian film Producer, Actor, Director, and Screenwriter in conversation with Mayank Shekhar, journalist and film critic. The last of the masterclasses on YouTube Shorts by Google.

     

    At the Creative Abby, a total of 32 Video Craft ABBYs, 2 Radio Craft ABBYs, 29 Branded Content ABBYs, 13 Brand Activation & Promotion ABBYs, 4 Diversity ABBYs, 17 OOH ABBYs including 1 Grand Prix, 19 Still Print and Still Craft ABBYs, 4 Still Digital ABBYs, 20 Audio Visual TV/Cinema ABBYs, 41 Audio Visual Digital ABBYs, 1 Young ABBY, 2 Red ABBYs, 11 Integrated ABBYs and 3 Green awards ABBYs were handed out to deserving winners.

     

    Speaking about Goafest 2022, Anupriya Acharya, President – Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) said, “Goafest 2022 had an electrifying start by celebrating the superpower within. It has grown to become the magnum opus event for the industry. With meaningful sessions and evenings filled with entertainment and fun, the last 3 days of the festival and the ABBYs, truly celebrated excellence and creativity, making Goafest a unique and enthralling experience. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed towards making Goafest 2022 a huge success with their encouragement and moral support. I’d also like to congratulate all the participants and winners in making the ABBYs’ an eventful evening at all three days.”

     

    On awarding the ABBYs at Goafest 2022, Partha Sinha, President – The Advertising Club said, “Goafest has once again proven itself to be an extravaganza that brings together the entire media and creative fraternity. Reinvigorating Goafest after a break of two years was a challenge that we successfully sailed through. After months of dedication and relentless work by the AAAI and The Advertising Club teams, bringing international jury and the enthusiasm witnessed from all has resulted into yet another marvellous festival this year. Our collaboration with The One Show this year proved to be a game changing proposition, making the ABBYs’ even more aspirational. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and also thank the jury for their meticulous and fair evaluation that makes Abby Awards more globally recognised.”

     

    Added Jaideep Gandhi, Chairman, Goafest 2022 Organising Committee: “After two difficult years, Goafest 2022 came together to celebrate the true essence of happiness and cheer amongst the industry. Over the last three days, not only did we witness some of the best speakers deliver insightful and encouraging talks, we also witnessed stories of empowerment and futuristic innovation. We also saw some of the brilliant creative minds engage and interact with each other, reiterating the true spirit of the festival. I’d like to congratulate each and every one for their incredible win.”

     

    Said Rana Barua, Chairman, Abby Awards Governing Council 2022 & Vice President of The Ad Club: “As we come to the conclusion of Day 3 and of Goafest 2022, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the speakers and delegates for taking out time in to make the conference and the awards a great success. This year, we have witnessed an overwhelming response in terms of participation but what is heartening to note is that agencies are making their presence felt, showcasing some brilliant work.”

     

  • Day 1 saw the Media & Publisher Abby. Mindshare bagged the Media Agency of the Year title

    It’s Goafest time again…

     

     

    By Our Staff

     

    Goafest 2022 started on high energy. Singer Sukhbir electrified the auditiorium to kick off the 15th edition which happened after a two-year Covid pandemic-led hiatus. The festival started with the lighting of the lamp and the unveiling of AAAI’s new logo. The underlying theme being of celebrating The SuperPower Within.

     

    AAAI’s new logo has been created created by Tempest Advertising’s art director, Lohidasu. The agency’s design was chosen amidst 200 entries. The logo effectively brought the past, the present and the future of both AAAI and advertising in unison. The official unveiling of the redesigned logo at the Goafest, was done by Rohit Ohri, Chairman and CEO of FCB Ulka and film star, Yami Gautam.

     

    Further, the Industry Conclave presented by ABP Group marked the beginning of the festival with the first session of the day, witnessing actress Yami Gautam in a one-on-one conversation with Rana Barua, Chairman, Abby Awards Governing Council 2022 and Vice President of The Ad This was followed by a keynote by Vineeta Singh, Co-founder and CEO, SUGAR Cosmetics & Shark, Shark Tank India, who highlighted the importance of building a brand with quality products and content before focusing on advertising. She also emphasized the power of empowering a team, which mirrors the ethos of Sugar, passionately stating, “Empower them and let them go rule the world!”

     

    The next session saw Ankush Sachdeva, Co-Founder & CEO, Sharechat & Moj, in conversation with Vikram Sakhuja, Group CEO Madison Media & OOH at Madison World.  Following this was a session in partnership with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), where Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary (CA), Ministry of Consumer Affairs & Food Distribution spoke with Piyush Pandey, Chairman of Global Creative Ogilvy Worldwide & Executive Chairman, Ogilvy India discussing the importance of consumer protection and its responsibility that we have as professionals. The session was moderated by Subhash Kamath, Chairman, ASCI & CEO, BBH, India. Singh ended the session on an impotant note: “If we don’t look after the interest of the consumer, who will?”

     

    After that Kiran Bedi, Former Lt Governor Puducherry and one of India’s best known retired IPS offices, highlighted the importance of leadership, emphasising: “Leadership is internal – you start with yourself; if you can’t lead yourself, you can’t lead people.”

     

    This year, for the first time ever,  after over 50 years of being solo, the Advertising Club collaborated with The One Show.

     

    Speaking about Goafest 2022, Anupriya Acharya, President, Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) said, “It’s been a tough two years, and it’s great to be back on-ground not only in terms of organising the festival but also where achievements are concerned. We are thrilled to  have everyone back, bonding and celebrating this festival.”

     

    Added Jaideep Gandhi, Chairman, Goafest 2022 Organising Committee: “Goafest has undoubtedly grown into one of the most prestigious conventions in South Asia, bringing together some of the most talented and brightest creative geniuses from all walks of life to celebrate the ad-land spirit. We are looking to keep the overall exuberance of this year’s festival about enjoyment, about people coming together to celebrate and connect. As a result, we will be able to understand the true essence of organizing a festival after experiencing two major setbacks in the past. The Goafest festival gives young talent the chance to interact and learn from some of the industry’s stalwarts. These people have played a crucial role in paving the way for them, making the event worthwhile. In addition to these benefits, it serves as a place where young people can engage and network cohesively with the entire media and advertising fraternity.”

     

    Discussing the ABBY Awards at Goafest 2022, Partha Sinha, President, The Advertising Club said, “2022 is definitely a landmark year because of the collaboration of the Abby  Awards with The One Show, and this is a game-changing proposition. It gives a platform to a plethora of agencies, enabling it to become more global. We owe it to the industry to bring something of global standing especially when we are one large world.”

     

    Speaking about the Abbys Awards, Rana Barua, Chairman, Abby Awards Governing Council 2022 & Vice President of The Ad Club said, “A staggering number of participants has been witnessed, surpassing all previous records. In addition to agencies that have participated since our inception, we have also seen those returning every year. Overall, the numbers are higher this month since we had to package everything together in one month. This year and henceforth, Goafest will be considerably bigger and more extravagant.”

     

     

  • Goafest will be held on May 5-7, 2022

    Times Network back as Presenting Sponsor of Goafest 2022

    By Our Staff

     

    The Goafest Organising Committee has announced that Times Network has come on board as Presenting Sponsor of Goafest 2022. Goafest will be held on May 5-7, 2022.

     

    Speaking about partnering with Goafest 2022, M K Anand, MD & CEO, Times Network said “We are truly excited that after a gap of a couple of years Goafest is coming back. And I’m sure it will be the biggest yet, considering the fact that most of us have been restrained by the pandemic all this while and are literally straining at the leash to be let out. I am particularly looking forward to the event as Times Network is once again returning as presenting sponsor of this most awaited advertising festival in South Asia.”

     

    Added Prasanth Kumar, Vice President, AAAI and CEO South Asia, Group M Media Pvt Ltd: “It is wonderful to have Times Network as presenting sponsor yet again. Goafest is a platform where great work is reflected and thought leadership is demonstrated. Having such an opportunity to be inspired and learn is incredibly valuable to all of us. We look forward to having yet another wonderful Goafest.”

     

    Said Jaideep Gandhi, Chairman, Goafest 2022 Organising Committee: “Times Network has been associated with almost every edition of Goafest from its inception, in some way or the other. It is our pleasure to welcome back Times Network as presenting sponsor in the 15th Year of the festival.”

     

     

  • It was earlier scheduled for Apriil 7-9

    Goafest now on May 5-7

    By Our Staff

     

    The Goafest Organising Committee has announced a change in dates for Goafest 2022, postponing it from the April 7- 9 to May 5-7, 2022. This change will also facilitate extra time for ‘One Show’ which has collaborated with the Abby awards.

     

    On the rescheduling of dates, Goafest Chairman Jaideep Gandhi said: “Ad Club joining hands with ‘One Show’ will truly take the Abbys – India’s premier and longstanding tradition of creative excellence, to the world. However, keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic situation, we believe the celebration of this unique, game-changing partnership would be better experienced with the 15th edition of Goafest scheduled in May, 2022. After all, a celebration of creativity and innovation gets even better when the world around us is safer.”

     

    Speaking on the tie-up, Anupriya Acharya, President, Advertising Agencies Association of India added: “I would like to congratulate Ad Club for the tie-up with ‘One Show’. The One Show is one of the most reputed advertising shows globally and further adds to the significance and the excitement around the festival that is returning after two long, eventful years. And similarly, the 2022 edition of Goafest provides a perfect platform for the redefined Abbys. There is much for everyone to come together and share at the festival.”

     

  • STACA is the apex body whose operations arm is the Advertising Council of India (ACI)

    Jaideep Gandhi joins STACA Board

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Standing Committee on Advertising (STACA), at a meeting of their Board of Trustees inducted senior adperson Jaideep Gandhi, Founder of Another Idea, onto their Board of Trustees. STACA is the apex body whose operations arm is the Advertising Council of India (ACI).

     

    Jaideep Gandhi

    Said Pradeep Guha, Chairman of STACA: “Jaideep Gandhi has been a veteran advertising person associated with prestigious industry Associations such as the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) for many years. His understanding of industry matters will be an asset to STACA and ACI, under whose aegis the AdAsia has been held in India. ACI also sponsors six young professionals every year to the prestigious FastTrack program in Malaysia.”

     

    STACA was set up in 1981 as a Public Charitable Trust. Its main object is to impart education in advertising, marketing and allied subjects. Besides, the Trust organises various activities to promote growth & development of advertising and marketing and to promote better understanding amongst all the constituents in the field of advertising.

     

     

  • Jaideep Gandhi as Co-Chair of Goafest 2020 organizing committee with a 11-member Awards Governing Committee appointed to make Abby 2020 a success

    Goafest 2020 on April 2-4. Nakul Chopra & Shashi Sinha at the helm

    By  A Correspondent

    The 16th edition of Goafest, the marquee eent of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club will be held from April 2 to 4, 2020. The venue is the same as has been in the last few years – the Grand Hyatt hotel.

    Nakul Chopra
    Nakul Chopra
    Shashi Sinha
    Shashi Sinha

    Veteran adperson Nakul Chopra has been appointed Chairman of the Goafest 2020 Organising Committee and Jaideep Gandhi will be Co-Chair.  Shashi Sinha has been elected as Chairman of the Awards Governing Council for the ABBY Awards 2020.

    Speaking about the 16th edition of Goafest, Ashish Bhasin, President of AAAI said: “Year-on-year, it is our endeavour to make Goafest the most sought after gathering of the Indian

    Jaideep Gandhi
    Jaideep Gandhi

    Advertising & Media industry both in terms of knowledge sharing and raising the bar for creativity. Goafest has been consistently putting India on the global map of a creative powerhouse and as we put together this edition as well, our endeavour is to bring the best of speakers, workshops and experiences to boost the next-gen of advertisers,” adding: “Nakul as an industry veteran has been adeptly handling Goafest and his vision for the industry is sure to translate into an engaging and inclusive festival experience for all.”

    Speaking about the focus of the 2020 edition of Goafest, Partho Dasgupta, President, The Advertising Club, added: “The purpose of Goafest is to bringforth a platform that encourages India’s A&M industry to engage, innovate and share cohesively. The 3 days of Goafest sees the entire media and advertising fraternity breaking the barriers of organisation and come together to share common achievements, failures and learnings. ABBYs have always been recognised as the gold standard in creative awards and with Shashi at the helm, we are sure that the awards will continue to follow the highest standards of quality and due diligence.”

    Said Chopra on being re-elected as Chairman for the festival: “Goafest is the only premier festival that is a holistic representation of the Indian advertising and media industry. Our focus continues to remain on driving up the ante of scale, inclusivity knowledge sharing.  The 2020 edition of Goafest will also focus on creating an experience that is immersive, transformational and continues to contribute to the  enrichment of the Advertising, Media and Entertainment industry.”

    On being re-elected as the AGC chair, Sinha said: With the ABBY Awards, every year we try to widen the horizon and be more inclusive. Our belief has been to let works of excellence do the talking and this year too we will continue to look for campaigns  that inspire change, make a difference and become an inspiration for the industry.”

     

    The Awards Governing Committee for ABBY Awards includes:

    1. Shashi Sinha (AGC Chairman), CEO – IPG Media Brands
    2. Ashish Bhasin, CEO- APAC, Dentsu Aegis Network
    3. Nakul Chopra, Chairman, Goafest and immediate past President AAAI
    4. Jaideep Gandhi, Director, Jaya Advertising
    5. Anupriya Acharya, CEO India, Publicis Media
    6. Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India
    7. Ajay Kakar, Chief Marketing Officer, Aditya Birla Capital
    8. Partha Sinha, Vice Chairman and MD, McCann Worldgroup
    9. Virat Tandon Group, CEO, MullenLowe Lintas Group
    10. Ajay Chandwani, Director, Percept Limited
    11. Raj Nayak, Media Veteran and Founder, House of Cheer

     

     

  • Megha Tata (MD Discovery South Asia) was elected Vice President

    IAA re-elects Punit Goenka as its President

    By A Correspondent

     

    The International Advertising Association (IAA) has re-elected Zee Entertainment MD and CEO Punit Goenka as its President. Megha Tata (MD Discovery South Asia) was elected Vice President. The other office bearers are Jaideep Gandhi (Secretary), Pradeep Dwivedi (Treasurer) and Ramesh Narayan Immediate Past President.

     

    The members elected to the Managing Committee are: Anant Goenka (Indian Express Group) Abhishek Karnani (Free Press Journal) Janak Sarda (Deshdoot) MV Shreyams Kumar (Mathrubhumi Group) and I. Venkat (Eenadu Group)

     

    Said Goenka: “IAA will continue to invest its time and energy in addressing key industry level interests, in order to enhance the overall professional ecosystem. As one team, we will continue to roll out our Intellectual Properties, with an enhanced focus on regional markets. As an institution, we will also continue to play an important role in espousing cause related initiatives, which are in line with our ethos of “what’s good, is good for business. It has been a wonderful experience serving such an esteemed institution and I look forward to working closely with its members for the second term. I shall continue to seek their support and co-operation and wish them all the very best.”