AD Agencies
ad:tech: Marketing startups to pitch for Nestlé pilot
MUMBAI: For the first time in India, ad:tech is bringing their global initiative “The Next Big Thing” to the country in collaboration with Nestlé India. The Next Big Thing intends to build a platform that brings entrepreneurs and marketing leaders together and kick start collaborations. This pitch and award initiative gives startups an exclusive opportunity to showcase their technology, win a fully funded pilot with Nestlé, as well as the coveted recognition of The Next Big Thing.
To participate in this challenge, start-ups can view and apply to the marketing briefs developed by Nestlé. The shortlisted submissions will be judged by a jury comprising of Nestlé India’s top management, venture capitalists and technology industry leaders.
Speaking on the announcement, Nestlé India head of communication & eCommerce Chandrasekhar Radhakrishnan said, “Technology is disrupting businesses and the startup ecosystem is flourishing in India with entrepreneurial spirit and other positive environmental factors. This provides a great opportunity for brands to engage with these startups and try solving business problems through technological solutions. The Next Big Thing in partnership with ad:tech is one of our efforts this year to participate in the innovation ecosystem in India and work with start-ups to delight consumers and strengthen brands. Through start-up outreach programs such as this one, we will combine the creative spirit and ingenuity of external innovators with the scale and expertise of the world’s leading Nutrition, Health and Wellness Company.”
Commenting on the partnership and initiative Comexposium India country MD Jaswant Singh said, “Leading brands and agencies across the world are looking for more innovation, and we’re extremely excited to partner with Nestlé for ‘The Next Big Thing’. We strongly believe that The Next Big Thing will be a great platform for start-ups. The design philosophy of ad:tech is to constantly innovate and serve the needs of the modern marketers. Through this challenge, start-ups have the opportunity to showcase the latest technology and most ideas in front of Nestlé and digital media professionals.”
The registration for The Next Big Thing will be open till 13 February 2017. From all the submitted entries, 10 start-ups will be selected by a jury to take part in the final pitch event which will be held on 10 March at The Leela Ambience Hotel and Residences, Gurgaon.
AD Agencies
Goafest 2026 set for 20–22 May in Goa
South Asia’s marquee advertising festival returns with ABBY Awards powered by One Show and promises bigger conversations on creativity and innovation
GOA: The advertising industry’s annual pilgrimage is locked in. The 19th edition of Goafest will take place in Goa from 20 to 22 May 2026, bringing together the biggest names in advertising, media and marketing for three days of ideas, networking and celebration.
Announced jointly by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), the festival will once again host the ABBY Awards powered by One Show 2026 — widely regarded as the region’s most coveted creative honours — recognising outstanding work across advertising and media.
Launched in 2006, Goafest has evolved into the industry’s marquee gathering, drawing more than 2,000 professionals each year. Beyond the awards, the event has become a forum for big debates, future-facing ideas and the occasional industry soul-searching.
Srinivasan K Swamy, president of the Advertising Agencies Association of India, said the festival remains a crucible for industry thought and collaboration. “Goafest has always been a melting pot of ideas, creativity and camaraderie. We aim to spark new conversations, fresh perspectives and fuel the future of advertising and marketing. It is an occasion for the industry to come together, celebrate excellence and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of our craft.”
Dheeraj Sinha, president of The Advertising Club, underlined the legacy of the ABBY Awards, now in their 57th year. “Goafest has always been synonymous with creativity, collaboration and industry excellence. The ABBY Awards powered by One Club continue to push boundaries and set new creative benchmarks year after year. In its 57th year, the awards continue to raise the bar, and this year’s edition will be even more inspiring, bringing together the brightest minds in the industry.”
For organisers, the festival has grown beyond a calendar event. Jaideep Gandhi, vice president of AAAI and chairman of the Goafest 2026 organising committee and founder of Another Idea, said the property has become a legacy for the industry. “In its 19th year, Goafest is no longer just an event — it is a legacy we are privileged to carry forward. It is a unifying force that brings together the various industry associations across advertising and marketing under one roof. I am deeply grateful to the stalwarts who envisioned this remarkable property, and it is heartening that some of them continue to be actively involved in its journey.”
The organisers promise that the upcoming edition will dial things up a notch. Mohit Joshi, co-chair of the Goafest 2026 organising committee and chief executive officer of Havas Media India, said the festival is gearing up for a bigger, more immersive format. “Over the past 18 editions, Goafest has evolved into a premier platform that celebrates creativity, innovation and the dynamic transformation of our industry. This year Goafest will be more impactful than ever. It will introduce new formats, immersive engagements and high-calibre discussions that have never been done before.”
“With a larger scale, an inspiring line-up of speakers and a focus on cutting-edge ideas,” Joshi added, “Goafest 2026 is set to redefine the way our industry comes together to learn, collaborate and celebrate.”
Co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, the festival continues to position itself as South Asia’s premier advertising gathering — where ideas collide, creativity gets crowned and the industry takes a long, hard look at where it is headed next.
