AD Agencies
MiQ helps Indian brands expand globally with smarter ads
With a presence in 20 plus countries, MiQ guides Indian firms towards global growth
MUMBAI: Indian brands are no longer content with ruling the home market. From pharma to fashion, tech to tourism, businesses are increasingly setting their sights on international audiences. Stepping in to smooth that journey is MiQ, the global programmatic advertising specialist, which is helping Indian enterprises scale beyond borders with sharper targeting, smarter activation and measurable results.
With operations in more than 20 countries, MiQ is working closely with Indian companies eager to establish a lasting foothold in markets across North America, Europe, Apac, Latam, China and the Middle East. As global trade dynamics evolve, brands are diversifying not just where they sell, but where and how they advertise.
Categories such as health and pharma, retail, technology and travel are leading the charge, recognising that international growth now demands more than ambition. It requires intelligence, local expertise and the ability to adapt campaigns to distinct cultural and media landscapes.
Connected TV is one channel driving this shift. In India, CTV households are projected to reach between 60 and 70 million in 2025, reflecting growth of over 87 percent. Meanwhile, it is already deeply embedded in mature markets, with household penetration exceeding 60 per cent in North America and 55 per cent in Europe. Global media platforms including Roku and Teads have helped accelerate adoption overseas, while Pixability continues to set benchmarks in measurable YouTube advertising.
MiQ aims to position itself as the go-to partner for Indian brands keen to harness these new-age channels, both domestically and abroad. Its upcoming launch of MiQ Sigma in India, an AI-powered advertising platform already active in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and South East Asia, promises deeper insights and greater precision for marketers shaping global strategies.
MiQ chief commercial officer India Varun Mohan, said India is no longer simply a fast-growing domestic market but a global powerhouse. As geopolitical and trade alignments shift, he noted, Indian brands are rethinking where they show up and how they engage audiences. MiQ’s regional presence, localisation capabilities and partnerships enable brands to expand with confidence and clarity.
As India strengthens its position as both an innovation hub and a source of global brand ambition, MiQ is betting that data, technology and on-the-ground expertise will be the passport Indian enterprises need for sustainable international success.
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.
