MAM
Goafest brings back Advertising Plays for second edition
Mediakart-powered sports and wellness event to blend friendly rivalry with wellness at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon on 20-22 May 2026.
MUMBAI: Goafest is ready to serve up some serious fun, this time on the court, pitch and yoga mat. The premier advertising, media and marketing festival, jointly organised by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), has announced the return of Advertising Plays, its dedicated sports and wellness IP, for a second edition. Set to take place from 20 to 22 May 2026 at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, the event promises high-energy, inclusive activities designed for professionals across the industry.
This year’s line-up features structured inter-agency competitions in Table Tennis and Pickleball, along with energising morning sessions of Yoga and Zumba. Indoor and immersive experiences including Foosball, Air Hockey, VR Cricket, and Panja (arm wrestling) will keep the momentum going. A live leaderboard on the Goafest app will track points in real time, with the top-performing agency crowned the coveted ‘Sportiest Agency’ title at the end of the festival.
Mediakart has come on board as the ‘Powered By’ sponsor for Advertising Plays, in association with Republic TV.
Goafest 2026 Organising Committee co-chair Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi said, “Advertising Plays is a reminder that while we compete fiercely in boardrooms, we are also part of one vibrant, closely-knit industry. It’s not just about sport; it’s about agencies coming together, letting guards down, and rediscovering the joy of collaboration through healthy competition.”
Goafest 2026 Organising Committee, vice president, AAAI and chairman Jaideep Gandhi added, “The response to its debut showed us how much the industry values coming together beyond business. We look forward to seeing the community inspire, celebrate and play once again.”
Open to all registered Goafest delegates and designed with inclusivity at its core, Advertising Plays promotes gender-neutral participation and informal networking in relaxed settings. In a festival known for big ideas and bigger conversations, this edition ensures there’s plenty of room for both sharp strategy and light-hearted fun. After all, in advertising, sometimes the best ideas come when you’re simply playing the game.
