AD Agencies
The Salt Inc acquires Simplus Information Services
Mumbai: The Salt Inc, a technology-powered content agency, has announced that it has acquired the services business of Mumbai-based Simplus Information Services Pvt Ltd, a content services provider with deep expertise in pure native content. The consolidated business will offer a wider range of content services to existing and new clients, allowing The Salt Inc. to cater to a broader spectrum of conversation needs for brands across multiple sectors.
Founded by Rajas Kelkar, a financial journalist with two decades of experience, Simplus Information Services Pvt Ltd has built a strong reputation in the BFSI sector since its inception in 2013. Over the past 10 years, Simplus has served more than 70 organisations, including renowned names like Axis Bank, Aditya Birla’s Sun Life Mutual Fund, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, and Geojit.
This strategic alliance will help brands integrate real-time consumer insights with The Salt Inc’s psychometric Ai product and Simplus’s content intelligence in the financial domain. The combined entity now becomes the only entity that combines science and art and provides relevant experiences to consumers ranging from brand love to brand promise.
The Salt Inc’s CEO and founder Neena Dasgupta added, “This expansion marks a significant milestone for us, we are thrilled to welcome Rajas and the Simplus team to be a part of The Salt Inc. family. Together we aim to set new standards in delivering powerful communication solutions that spark meaningful conversations.”
Simplus’ founder and publisher Rajas Kelkar, will be leading the entire editorial agenda for The Salt Inc, as editor of The Salt Inc bringing his extensive knowledge and leadership to the team. Commenting on the collaboration, Kelkar said, “The team at Salt Inc. brings formidable skills to the table that would raise the bar of conversations for our combined clients. I look forward to the exciting work ahead.”
The Salt Inc is confident that this move will reinforce its commitment to delivering personalised, insightful content solutions across consumer touchpoints including native digital formats, ad films, web series, and more. The combined expertise, powered by technology, will certainly redefine what’s possible in financial content and set new benchmarks in the industry.
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.
