AD Agencies
Goafest 2024 announces maiden partnership with D&AD’s Masterclasses
Mumbai: Goafest, South Asia’s largest advertising and media festival enters into a strategic partnership with D&AD, the global arbiter of design and advertising excellence, to curate skill development masterclasses at the festival’s 17th edition, in Mumbai.
Ushering in a new era of creative mastery, Goafest 2024 solidifies its position as a beacon of innovation and excellence and continues to redefine industry standards year after year. With a focus on skill development, creative excellence, and industry knowledge enhancement, the inclusion of three Masterclasses by D&AD at Goafest 2024 is set to elevate the festival to unprecedented heights, bringing the two titans of the creative world on a single stage. The three skill development Masterclasses curated for Goafest 2024 will offer attendees a unique opportunity to delve into the realm of creativity, inspiration, and strategic insight. Crafted around the central theme of ‘The Age of Adaptability’, each of the Masterclasses are designed to equip participants with actionable strategies and transformative ideas that are poised to redefine the industry’s landscape.
The first Masterclass, ‘Trend Immersion Workshop’ will help attendees identify emerging trends and differentiate them from fads. A creative boost, it will inspire fresh thinking and encourage the application of past learnings. The workshop will drive innovation, ideation and fresh thinking. Titled ‘Unlock Award Winning Ideas’, the second workshop unpacks insights on the making of inspiring and impactful award-winning work and campaigns including wins from D&AD Pencil. The third Masterclass, ‘Unpacking Brand Iconicity’ is an interactive session that explores ways brands are using the iconic elements of their identity and provides tips for getting to the heart of a brand. The workshop will explore recent trends in brand identity, understand the making of ownable iconicity and develop an identity into a brand story. Each Masterclass is carefully curated and aims to educate through real-world insights.
Speaking on the collaboration, Jaideep Gandhi, Chairperson of Goafest 2024 said “At Goafest, our vision has always been to push boundaries and redefine the standards of creativity. This partnership with D&AD is a testament to our dedication to providing unparalleled learning opportunities and empowering attendees with skills and ideas that will shape the future of the creative industry.”
“We are thrilled to bring our D&AD Masterclasses to Goafest 2024 to celebrate and advance creative excellence. We have shared goals to foster diverse talent, drive innovation, and propel the creative industry forward to shape the future leaders of our industry.” said Jo Jackson, CEO of D&AD.
Goafest 2024, in collaboration with D&AD Masterclasses, invites industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts alike to celebrate creativity, innovation, and excellence and chart a new course for the future of advertising and media, leaving an indelible mark on the global creative landscape
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.
