Goafest 2010 centres around 'Survival of the Freshest'

The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and the Ad Club Bombay have officially announced Goafest 2010. This year, the festival will centre around the theme of 'Survival of the Freshest' and will be held at Utorda Beach, South Goa between April 8 - 10.

In addition, the AAAI has also announced the name of three speakers who will deliver keynote addresses at the festival. Richard Pinder, COO, Publicis Worldwide, George Michaelidis of Mindshare and Nick Bailley, creative director, AKQA.

Speaking about the festival, Colvyn Harris, chairman, Goafest 2010 and CEO, JWT, "Goafest has grown into a multifaceted convention for the Indian advertising industry. This year's theme is set in the context of fast-evolving technological trends where advertisers are being challenged to use clutter-breaking ideas and media. The eminent panel of judges will reward those who have risen successfully to the challenge and worked towards greater brand-building  in the country."

'Survival of the Freshest' aims to recognise all who were different in the challenging year that went by. The theme represents the current sentiment of audiences and advertisers who are looking for ideas that rise above the ordinary and enables brands to be innovative and exciting.

Goafest 2010 will begin with the Industry Leadership Conclave, a by-invitation-only event. This year's session is based on '2010: Time to Grow'. Industry leaders will discuss strategies on the development of brands. The next two days will focus on the knowledge and learning seminars, the Media Abbys and the Creative Abbys.

This year, the Goafest committee has introduced many sub-categories and other changes. These include:

- The introduction of sub-categories under Digital like Branded Content, Online Video, Rich Websites by type-of-product, Use of Social Media, WAP sites, Applications for Mobile Games and Integrated Experience of New Media.

- Extension of In-direct Marketing and Direct Responses categories to Print, TV and Radio.

- Expansion of Design categories to include Retail Design and Use of Typography.

- Expansion of the Print Craft category to include Copywriting and Art Direction sub-categories.