Goafest 2023: Can we have the luxury of sitting at home while our digital doubles direct all the ads?

Even though I missed out on day one of Goafest 2023 (and the pleasure of going up and on stage to receive our Gold win during the Abbys), this time, the experience of attending the festival was distinct. 

 

I had the pleasure of travelling with a larger team from Social Panga, alongside over 150 participating agencies. The event had grown bigger and louder compared to the previous year.

 

With a creative pool of talent from more than 100 agencies gathered in a single venue, the atmosphere was bound to be exhilarating. The heightened expectations and the promise of greater rewards made it a truly unforgettable and exhilarating experience. Day two commenced with meeting familiar faces from other agencies, and Aiyoo Shraddha's humorous take on data, playfully emphasising that no one, not even ChatGPT, could replace us. Her performance from the previous year was so loved that it made a comeback this time around.

 

Next on the agenda was a remarkable knowledge seminar by our very own Bhajji, who, as a sportsman, had captivating stories and experiences to share. While his prediction of Mumbai Indians winning the tournament drew cheers from the crowd, it didn't last long. 

 

Unfortunately, I missed Saurabh Dwivedi's session, the last masterclass of the day, which my team emphasised was a significant loss. Something to eagerly anticipate for next time.

 

Day three started a little later, thanks to the late-night Goafest parties and the celebration of a few victories for the team. Advertising Rocks! showcased exceptional musical talent from various agencies, and it was an absolute blast. It is undoubtedly an event that should be continued as part of Goafest. Different agency talents came together to grace the stage, creating an unforgettable experience.

 

Among the knowledge seminars was an intriguing session featuring Rana Daggubati and Tabu. Rana envisioned a near future where he could sit at home while his digital double worked on his movies, ensuring that the brand Rana continued to bring in the desired financial success without physically attending shoots. It made me wonder if we could also have the luxury of sitting at home while our digital doubles directed all the ads.

 

Day three came to a close with a few more accolades for the mafias and a plethora of dreams for Goafest 2024. It was a fitting end to an extraordinary event, leaving us excited and eager to see what the future holds for the next edition of Goafest.

 

The author is co-founder, Social Panga.