MAM
Rechristened JWT develops measurement & health check systems
MUMBAI: With J Walter Thompson now history and the newly born JWT ready to take on the changing brandscape and the new age consumer, the re-christened agency has drawn up a new set of parameters in tandem with the new set of beliefs and directions founded.
The first of the many initiatives is something called a ‘Health Check’ which is essentially a quarterly check mechanism which will take place around all the 311 offices of JWT worldwide.
This new repositioning come in the wake of constant upgradation. Says JWT Worldwide president Michael Maedel, ” Change is a necessity. This is a belief of JWT and hence we decided to go on for a new set of core values and directions to be commensurate with how consumers in the changing times consume advertising and media.”
The health check will be based on primarily 5 criterias: work, people, reputation, financials and clients. The first being conducted in March 2005.
Adds Maedel, ” Earlier advertising was aimed at being intrusive to grab consumers attention and now one had to create advertising that consumers want to watch.”
The agency has also set up a new measurement system to make the rating of their work internally and to the externals (Clients) a more objective mechanism.
Rate cards have been made each one dedicated to a specific attribute. They being –
1) Damaging
2) Wasteful
3) Boring
4) Predictable
5) Competent
6) Rewarding
7) Innovative
8) Market Reality
9) World Class
10) World Beating
Commenting on the new scoring system, Maedel says, ” This new system of scoring ads is a lot more fun and a lot more inclusive and most importantly it is very real.”
He added that this will also create a common language between JWT and their clients which will in turn spruce up the level of understanding and objectivity of how ads are perceived.
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.
