AD Agencies
“Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show saw a rise in participation from media and creative companies”: Ajay Kakar
Mumbai: The 55th edition of the Abby Awards powered by One Show marks a milestone in the recognition of excellence in advertising, bringing together the industry’s brightest minds and creative talents. This year’s awards showcase an increase in participation and entries, reflecting the growing competitiveness in the advertising community.
Indiantelevison.com caught up with Ajay Kakar – Chairperson of Awards Governing Council Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show and Managing Committee Member, The Advertising Club, where he shared a deeper understanding on the relevance of the event, judging process and much more!
Edited excerpts
On the relevance of conducting Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show
We have remained contemporary and attuned to the changing times. We are the only awards that I know of which are for the industry, by the industry, and of the industry. While there are award shows that operate primarily as commercial platforms, our focus is on inspiring and recognizing our own industry.
On the surge in participation and entries
This year, the Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show saw a rise in participation from media and creative companies. The number of media agencies involved jumped to 73, up from 63 last year, while creative companies saw an increase from 181 to 198. The entries from media agencies surged to 1,258 from last year’s 1,019, indicating an engagement in the competition. Although the entries from creative companies slightly decreased to 2,248 from 2,282, the total number of entries reached an impressive 3,506 surpassing last year’s 3,301.
On the introduction of new categories
The Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show introduced three new age categories – Digital, Mobile, and Technology, which garnered 626 entries from 75 companies. This addition reflects the evolving landscape of advertising, emphasizing the importance of innovation and technological integration in the industry.
On the diverse and inclusive jury
A panel of 23 jury chairs and 204 jurors across 23 categories ensured a rigorous and fair judging process. This year’s jury included 68 female judges, contributing to a 33:67 gender ratio, and out of the 23 jury chairs, nine were women, reflecting a commendable 40:60 ratio. The inclusion of 53 new, young, award-winning judges, constituting 26 per cent of the jury, underscores the bright and shining future for India.
On the return of leading agencies
Prominent agencies such as Lowe Lintas, McCann Worldgroup India, DDB Mudra, and Famous Innovations returned to compete, highlighting their influence in the advertising sector.
On the rigorous judging process
The Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show employed a meticulous judging process, combining the renowned One Show system of shortlist and award rating with independent verification by KPMG. This rigorous approach ensures the highest standards of integrity and credibility in the selection of winners.
On this year’s new and exciting categories
This year’s awards introduced several new and exciting categories to acknowledge the latest trends and innovations in advertising:
1.Best Use of AI: Added as a sub-category in both digital and technology verticals.
2.Copywriting for Web and Digital Craft: Added in digital and digital verticals.
3.Health Vertical: This new category includes sub-categories such as OTC Oral Medicines, OTC Products, and Nutraceuticals. Additionally, a new specialist agency award, Health Specialist of the Year, recognises the best performance by a company in this vertical.
AD Agencies
Advertising Rocks Season 4 returns to Goafest 2026 with musical flair
Industry talent takes centre stage as music meets creativity at Goafest
MUMBAI: The spotlight is back on music and marketing as Advertising Rocks Season 4 gears up for a high-energy return at Goafest 2026, promising a louder and more vibrant celebration of creative talent within the industry.
Now in its fourth edition, the platform continues to carve a niche as a space where professionals from advertising, media and marketing step beyond boardrooms to showcase their musical side. Open to solo and duet performers, the competition will unfold across multiple rounds before culminating in a live finale at the festival. Shortlisted participants will also receive complimentary access to Goafest, adding to the appeal.
Each category will feature four finalists, with winners decided through a mix of jury evaluation and audience votes, making the experience interactive as well as competitive. The stakes are equally compelling, with cash prizes ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1,00,000 across categories.
Reflecting on the journey so far, BBH former CEO Subhash Kamath said, “This will be the 4th edition of Advertising Rocks and every year, it’s become better and better. We have some amazing musical talent in our industry and what better stage to perform than at Goafest. I hope we get more entries this time and I’m really looking forward to hearing some fabulous talent.”
Echoing the sentiment, Havas Media Network India chief executive officer Mohit Joshi said, “Season 4 of Advertising Rocks perfectly captures the spirit of our industry, where creativity doesn’t end at the workplace, it finds expression in many forms. At Goafest 2026, we are excited to bring back Season 4, bigger and more vibrant, giving professionals a platform to showcase their musical talent.”
Registrations for the competition are currently open, with entries accepted until April 30. Participants are invited to submit their performances and take a shot at the stage.
Co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, Goafest 2026 will be held from May 20 to 22 in Goa. With Advertising Rocks returning to the lineup, the festival is set to strike a chord that goes well beyond advertising, blending ideas with rhythm and a touch of showmanship.
