AD Agencies
Welspun appoints dentsu X as its partner for integrated media solutions
Mumbai: Welspun – a global leader in home textiles, has awarded its media duties to dentsu X – the data & tech-driven agency from dentsu India. The account was won following a multi-agency pitch and will be serviced from the agency’s Mumbai office.
As per the mandate, dentsu X’s robust talent pool will intrinsically focus on offering pioneering solutions to enhance the brand’s business outcomes. It will cater to the entire gamut of integrated media services in the Bed & Bath and flooring categories, overseeing media strategy, planning, and buying for Digital and traditional media. The agency’s purpose-driven media expertise combined with the network’s strategic foray into practices like Martech (big data, analytics, CRM, CDP) gaming, Omni Channel commerce, and content is certain to empower the brand to further build upon revenues.
It is pertinent to note here that Welspun’s brands have been highly active on digital and traditional media platforms, engaging with consumers across multiple touchpoints. ‘SPACES,’ known for its premium home textile offerings, has gained recognition for its exceptional quality and innovations, while Welspun, the mass Home textile brand, has consistently provided value-driven solutions that address real consumer pain points through innovative products.
Welspun Global Brands, domestic business CEO Manjari Upadhye added, “The competition among the agencies was fierce, and each one presented fantastic ideas, strategies, and data, which made our decision quite challenging. However, dentsu X stood out with its innovative approach, comprehensive understanding of our brand, and compelling vision for our consumer-centric marketing strategy. Bed and bath categories are traditionally considered commodity-driven. Our challenge lies in differentiating ourselves and elevating the brand value within this segment. As the largest spender in the Bed & Bath category over the past 2-3 years, we understand the importance of a robust media strategy to drive our growth. We have chosen to partner with dentsu X due to their exceptional track record in handling similar categories, which will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping our strategies moving forward.”
Speaking on the win, dentsu media CEO, South Asia Anita Kotwani said, “Adding Welspun India to our clientele is a remarkable win. The network believes in going from pillar to post, fostering our strengths, and redefining practices for brands to supersede their targeted outcomes in the India market. I am proud of the team that has relentlessly worked on the pitch. Their innovative approach to catering to Welspun’s business objectives has led to this victory. This is much in line with dentsu X’s proposition of ‘experience beyond exposure’ and I am certain of them achieving many new milestones with this partnership.”
dentsu X India CEO Jose Leon added, “Relationships don’t just come from precise media exposures or stalking people programmatically. Relationships come from valuable experiences that all connect to tell amazing stories and this is what we would bring to foray at Welspun too. We aim to be laser-focused towards ensuring long-term & sustainable growth for the brand. Super excited to be part of this next phase of transformation with the team at Welspun.”
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.
