Goafest set to unleash its magic

Arvind Sharma (L) and Shashi Sinha (R) 

 

The Goafest Committee has decided to make Goafest 2012, scheduled from 19 to 21 April at Zuri White Sands in Goa, a festival for the South Asian region. “For the first time, the festival is inviting countries across South Asia - Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal - as delegates as well as award entrants,” informed Arvind Sharma, chairman, Goafest Committee.

 

Elaborating on the theme, Sharma said, “What we bring to the table, usually referred as right brain work, is generally magical. So I think industry can derive a lot of pride and maybe long term value from this recognition. Over the last few years at Goafest we have talked about how to increase value and compensations, but some of this comes from just believing in yourself and believing in the power of our extraordinary ideas. That is the focus this year.”

 

“We have received a very positive response from countries in South Asia. We are looking forward to our road shows to promote the festival in these markets,” added Nagesh Alai, president, Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI).

 

Organisers informed that all South Asian agencies can participate in the main awards show. However, there will also be ‘The best of rest of South Asia’ in each of the verticals.

 

AAAI and Ad Club of Bombay will continue to partner for the awards this year as well. “Last year’s awards were well received by the industry. The Awards Governing Council will follow the same tight processes with some fine tuning in 2012,” added Shashi Sinha, president, The Advertising Club Bombay and chairman of the Awards Governing Council. From this year, Abbies at Goafest will have a provision for Grand Prix in all the nine verticals, including Out of Home, Ambient, Design, Interactive Digital Advertising, Direct, and Integrated Advertising. Last year, Grand Prix were given only in Film, Print and Radio verticals. 

 

Digital Awards will be held on 20 April along with the Media Awards, Design and Direct Awards. As in the past, Creative Awards will be on 21 April.

 

Organisers informed that in line with the overall festival theme, Goafest 2012 Conclave, scheduled for 19 April, is themed ‘Ideas for impacting the full circle’. Global leaders from major clients as well as major communications groups are expected to participate in the Conclave.