AD Agencies
Goafest 2025 kicks off with AI, stardom and Gen Z in a high-octane creative melting pot
GOA: : Goafest 2025 opened its gates with more than just confetti. On 21 May, the industry’s most awaited gathering lit up the Taj Cidade de Goa with provocations, predictions, and panels that sparked sharp thinking and bolder storytelling. The event, themed ‘Ignite ___’, kicked off with performances, power panels, and provocative conversations that challenged status quos and invited fresh perspectives.
Hosted by The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), GoaFest 2025 began with a ceremonial champagne pop, a lamp lighting, and a high-voltage performance by Mika Singh. Amazon MX Player, Mediakart, and other partners set the tone with a theme of momentum, celebration, and transformation.
Publicis Groupe senior advisor Rishad Tobaccowala opened with a riveting session presented by Set India and Sab TV, titled ‘Staying Relevant in an Age of Machines’. Moderated by Publicis south Asia Anupriya Acharya, the keynote decoded AI’s future impact on creativity. Tobaccowala called AI “underhyped” and said the true differentiator will be “HI” — human ingenuity, intuition, and inventiveness. “Agencies must embrace AI to rethink storytelling and business models”, he warned, adding, “It’s time to burn the old ways of thinking and upgrade your mental operating system”.
The spotlight then shifted to Hindi cinema royalty. Kareena Kapoor Khan took the stage in a session presented by Amazon MX Player and powered by Times Network. In conversation with Atika Farooqi, she reframed her iconic line “Main Apni Favourite Hoon” as a life philosophy. “Self-love is not just a phrase—it’s the foundation of everything”, she said, while speaking about motherhood, reinvention, and resilience in cinema.
The final session of the day, ‘Swipe Right for Relevance’, tackled gen z brand affinity. Powered by Whisper World and Eenadu, and moderated by journalist Anuradha Sen Gupta, it featured Amarjit Singh Batra (Spotify), Geetika Mehta (Nivea India), and Vikram Mehra (Saregama). All three echoed the same beat: Gen z wants authenticity, not advertisements. Batra said, “More than 50 per cent of our audience is under 25. Gen z values experiences, honesty, and wellness”. Mehta added, “They’re not distracted, they’re discerning. Sustainability, purpose, and credibility are expectations, not bonuses”. Mehra called it straight: “They see through gimmicks. Micro-influencers and social listening trump celebrities.”
AAAI president and GroupM south Asia CEO Prasanth Kumar, anchored the day, saying, “Goafest 2025 is about igniting transformative ideas. With 60+ speakers, 35+ sessions, and 20+ masterclasses, we’re not just discussing the future — we’re creating it”.
The Abby Awards 2025 Powered by One Show saw 4,076 entries from 233 companies, marking its fourth year in collaboration with The One Show. The day wrapped with a sunset Sundowner powered by Truecaller & Big Live, followed by the Publisher & Media Abby awards, co-powered by Amazon MX Player, Mediakart, and Zee. DJ SLG and JioStar lit up the After Hours Party.
Day one ended on a high, as Goafest reaffirmed its reputation as the pulse of India’s creative economy.
AD Agencies
Gaëtan du Peloux of Marcel named jury chair for Abby Awards 2026
French creative leader to head Still Print category at Goafest this May
MUMBAI: Gaëtan du Peloux, co-president and chief creative officer at Marcel, has been appointed jury chair for the Still Print category at the Abby Awards 2026, powered by The One Club | The One Show.
Born in Paris and the eldest of seven siblings, du Peloux began his career as a copywriter at CLM/BBDO in 2003. Over the years, he has become one of the most celebrated French creatives of his generation, with over 400 awards to his name, including multiple Cannes Lions Grand Prix, D&AD Black Pencils and One Show best of show accolades.
At Marcel, the creative hot shop of Publicis Groupe, du Peloux and his creative partner, Youri Guerassimov, have produced landmark campaigns for national and international brands. Notable work includes “The Inglorious Fruits & Vegetables” for Intermarché, “The Black Supermarket” for Carrefour, “HackMarket” for Back Market, and “WoMen’s Football” for Orange.
Du Peloux also serves as president of the French Art Director’s Club and has participated in numerous creative festivals worldwide, including D&AD, Cannes Lions, One Show, Clio, LIA, Eurobest, Andy, NY Festival and French ADC. Outside work, he is a husband and father of three.
The Abby Awards 2026 Powered by The One Club | The One Show will take place during Goafest 2026 from 20 to 22 May in Goa, where du Peloux will lead the judging of the Still Print category.
