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At the 2025 ABBY One Show Awards, the independent creative shop Enormous Advertising was named “Creative Agency of the Year,” emerging at the top of the leaderboard with 286 points. The agency’s performance was underscored by a strong showing across categories, earning six Gold, 17 Silver, and 24 Bronze medals.

Trailing behind were Leo India and VML India, which secured the second and third positions with 196 and 78 points, respectively. Leo India took home nine Silver and 29 Bronze medals, while VML India’s haul included one Grand Prix, one Gold, three Silver, and three Bronze awards.

Famous Innovations, which placed fourth with 72 points, delivered notable work that earned it two Grand Prix, two Gold, three Silver, and three Bronze medals. Its campaign for Henlo Pet Nutrition, “The Anatomy of Suffering,” was recognized in the Still Print-Still Craft-Art Direction and Out of Home (Ambient Media) - FMCG - Food & Beverages categories.

VML India’s Grand Prix win came for its campaign “Neeman’s Are Those Neeman’s Shoes Phone Hack” for Neeman’s, awarded in the Audio - Voice - Activation category.


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In the specialist categories, Leo India further distinguished itself by winning the title of “Brand Activation and Promotions Specialist Agency of the Year,” earning 30 points through two Silver and four Bronze medals. Grey Group and McCann Worldgroup India followed with 24 and 20 points, respectively. Grey took home four Silver medals, while McCann earned two Silver and two Bronze.

Tribes Communication, ranking fifth overall with 16 points, won a Grand Prix and one Bronze medal. The agency’s campaign for Kansai Nerolac Paints, titled “Nerolac Dukaan It Yourself (DIY Yourself),” was awarded in the Out of Home - Ambient Media - FMCG - Foods & Beverages category.

In the “Branded Content & Entertainment Specialist Agency of the Year” category, FCB India emerged at the top with 30 points, followed by Leo India (20 points) and Enormous (14 points). FCB secured three Silver and three Bronze medals, while Leo earned two Silver and two Bronze, and Enormous won one Silver and two Bronze.

Tribes Communication also performed well in this category, ranking fourth with 12 points, including one Gold and one Bronze medal. Its Gold came for another Kansai Nerolac Paints campaign, this one in the Out of Home (Ambient Media) - FMCG - Personal Care, Home Care, Healthcare & Others category.

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Leo India claimed an additional honor as “Health Specialist Agency of the Year,” scoring 40 points through one Gold and four Silver medals. Mudra Max and McCann Worldgroup India followed with 16 and 14 points, respectively. Notably, Leo’s Gold came for P&G Whisper’s “Early Periods” campaign in the Health Abby Brand Lead Education and Awareness category, while McCann earned its Gold for Buckaroo’s “Fit My Feet” campaign in the Corporate Image & Communication subcategory.

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The 2025 ABBY Awards, held in association with The One Show, saw a record 4,076 entries this year, including 1,398 from media agencies and 2,678 from creative shops. The turnout underscores the growing integration of strategic media planning and creative storytelling in India’s evolving advertising landscape.

<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/goafest-2025-enormous-tilt-mccann-leo-atom-come-out-on-top-at-the-abby-awards-66964.htm">Goafest 2025: Enormous, Tilt, McCann, Leo, atom come out on top at the ABBY Awards</a> 

Independent Agency Enormous Named ‘Creative Agency of the Year’ at 2025 ABBY One Show Awards

Known for his discipline, authenticity and deep emotional connect with audiences, actor and entrepreneur Suniel Shetty brought a grounded and insightful perspective to Goafest 2025. In a candid session, Shetty spoke about the principles that have guided his multi-faceted journey, from Bollywood action hero to purpose-driven storyteller and wellness advocate.

He emphasized that long-term success is not about occasional bursts of effort but about daily commitment and consistency. “It’s not about bursts of effort, it’s about showing up every single day,” he said, crediting discipline as the cornerstone of his growth—whether in maintaining physical fitness, emotional resilience, or creative integrity.

Reflecting on his evolving career, Shetty highlighted the shift from fame-driven choices to projects rooted in intention and emotional depth. His words served as a reminder that authenticity, backed by consistent effort, remains timeless in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.

Calling on advertisers to back emotionally grounded Indian content, he made a pitch for Hunter, his action-thriller series on MX Player. “Stories like Hunter aren’t just entertainment—they’re rooted in raw emotion and deserve support,” he asserted, urging the industry to invest in content that resonates beyond the surface. Offering a first look at Hunter Season 2, Shetty described it as a father’s gritty, emotional journey to find his daughter—blending heart-pounding action with deep human vulnerability. “It’s pain, love, sacrifice, redemption—all set to a powerful score. We’ve gone deeper this time,” he shared.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/mergers-leading-to-job-losses-sam-balsara-66987.htm">Mergers leading to job losses: Sam Balsara</a>

When asked about his most emotionally demanding role, Shetty named his work in Water, where he played a real-life hero. “It was about truth. Not acting, but honesty,” he said, emphasizing that storytelling must go beyond theatrics to honor lived experiences.

He also reflected on his decades-long relationship with audiences, fans who continue to celebrate his iconic stunts and dialogues with warmth. “Legacy is built on how you make people feel—not just what you do. That’s true in film, business, and life,” Shetty said in closing.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/from-politics-to-pitch-gautam-gambhir-opens-up-on-coaching-team-india-life-after-politics-at-goafest-2025-66939.htm">From Politics to Pitch! Gautam Gambhir opens up on coaching team India, life after politics at Goafest 2025</a>

“Support stories that stir emotion, not just sell” says Suniel Shetty to advertisers at Goafest

Known for his grit, focus and match-winning temperament, Cricket Legend and Team India coach Gautam Gambhir in a conversation with Anand Narasimhan - Sr Anchor & Managing Editor of CNN News 18 at Goafest 2025 shared insights into his professional philosophy, emotional authenticity and personal journey, from cricketing highs to political detours and ultimately, a return to the sport that gives him peace and happiness. “Not many get to wear the India jersey again — first as a player, now as coach,” he said.

Gambhir, known for his steely resolve on the field, remains unapologetically candid about his coaching ethos. “There can only be one winner. That’s the only reason I’ve got that game face on,” he said, reaffirming his uncompromising commitment to winning and team performance.

He dismissed media-fueled speculation around factionalism in the Indian dressing room, labeling it as “noise" and reiterated his loyalty lies with fans. He said, “My responsibility and accountability is towards that 10-year-old who comes to the ground to see India win.”

Now eight months into his coaching tenure, Gambhir described the Indian dressing room as a space full of “honest, proud individuals” dedicated to making 140 crore Indians proud. He stressed the importance of team unity, open conversations and creating an atmosphere where players don’t feel “suffocated” by egos or fear of judgment. “There has not been any personality clashes. Yes, there have been differences of opinion, and it happens in every profession,” he said. “The coach’s job is to support the captain. It’s always the captain’s team.”

He also rejected the idea that players should mask their emotions. “If you’re showing emotions, it means you care… I’ve never done it for the cameras,” he stated.

Reflecting on high-pressure environments, Gambhir highlighted the role of constructive conflict in elite sport, asserting, “If it’s not personal, it’s just about fighting for your jersey. And that’s fine.” Heated exchanges, he believes, are part of the passion, not dysfunction. “We’ve had dinner after those moments.”

He took full ownership for diffusing any tension, emphasizing that the player is always under more pressure than the coach. “My job is to sort things out,” he stated unequivocally.

<strong>From Parliament to Pitch...</strong>

Gambhir’s brief but committed stint in politics ended with clarity about where his true passion lies. “After five years, I realized that my love lies somewhere else — cricket gives me happiness,” he revealed. Though he’s stepped away from politics, Gambhir strongly believes in public service. “Either I stop having opinions, or I have the courage to step in and change things,” he said. “Good people should absolutely get into politics. This country needs them.”

After opting out of elections and mentoring KKR for IPL, Gambhir found himself offered the Indian coaching role. “Life has a plan for you… Just keep doing the right things honestly,” he reflected.

Speaking candidly about retirement, both his own and that of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Gambhir maintained that it must remain a personal choice, untouched by selectors or coaches. “Retirement is not just about form, it’s about what’s inside you,” he said.

He looks back on his career with contentment, not regret. “Very few people in India have two World Cup medals at home… In a team sport, 10,000 runs are not important. Winning and contributing in big moments is.”

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/agency-news/goafest-2025-wavemaker-named-media-agency-of-the-year-at-2025-abby-awards-66773.htm">Goafest 2025: Wavemaker named Media Agency of the Year at 2025 ABBY Awards</a>

<strong>Eyes on 2026 T20 World Cup!</strong>

Looking ahead, Gambhir is focused on the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup in India, choosing not to speculate on the 2027 ODI World Cup. “If you keep performing, age is just a number,” he added, in reference to selection debates surrounding senior players.

On captaincy models, he said, “Ideally, one captain is easier. But practically, two captains are better today. You can’t captain for 12 months in a year — it affects performance and mental space.”

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/agencies-must-reinvent-to-stay-relevant-in-the-age-of-ai-says-publicis-groupes-rishad-tobaccowala-66795.htm">Agencies must reinvent to stay relevant in the Age of AI, says Publicis Groupe's Rishad Tobaccowala</a>

From Politics to Pitch! Gautam Gambhir opens up on coaching team India, life after politics at Goafest 2025

At the 2025 ABBY Awards, held in association with The One Show, independent advertising agency Enormous emerged as a commanding force, securing the title of Digital Specialist Agency of the Year with a leading total of 64 points. The agency outpaced top contenders Leo India and atom network, which placed second and third with 26 and 22 points, respectively, in the categories. 

Enormous collected six gold, five silver, and six bronze medals across categories. Notably, the agency earned a Gold in the ‘Digital – Online Only Video’ category for its work on Finolex’s “Smart Door Locks” campaign.

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Tilt Brand Solutions in collaboration with ZeroFifty Mediaworks is placed fifth with 18 points, winning a gold, silver, and bronze for its work on Dream11’s “Aapki Team Mein Kaun – The Party” in the categories of ‘Digital Only Online Video’ and ‘Digital Craft – Creative Use of Copywriting.’

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In addition to its digital accolades, Enormous was also named Mobile Specialist Agency of the Year, amassing 12 points through one silver and one bronze win. McCann Worldgroup India and VML India followed, each claiming a gold medal.

McCann Worldgroup was honored for ESAF Small Finance Bank’s “Dabba Savings Account” in the ‘Direct Response – Dimensional Mail (3D Pieces)’ category. The agency also earned a gold for Rotary Club Bangalore PC’s “Message” in ‘Mobile – Mobile Video,’ and for Buckaroo’s “Fit My Feet” in ‘Work Done for Social Awareness or Charity Causes.’

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Meanwhile, the Technology Specialist Agency of the Year award was jointly awarded to Leo India and Mindshare, with each agency earning 10 points. Leo secured a silver medal, while Mindshare took home a silver and bronze. Atom network followed with eight points, including one bronze.

Leo India also took home the Direct Specialist Agency of the Year title, accumulating 40 points through three silver and five bronze wins. Famous Innovations and FCB India followed closely with 30 and 26 points, respectively. Famous earned five silvers, while FCB India stood out with a Grand Prix, three golds, and one silver, among them, top honors for Central Railways’ “Lucky Yatra” and Uber India’s “Uber One.”

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The 2025 edition of the ABBY Awards saw a robust 4,076 entries submitted across disciplines, including 1,398 from media agencies and 2,678 from creative agencies, highlighting the growing diversity and competitive spirit of the advertising landscape.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/agency-news/goafest-2025-wavemaker-named-media-agency-of-the-year-at-2025-abby-awards-66773.htm">Goafest 2025: Wavemaker named Media Agency of the Year at 2025 ABBY Awards</a> 

Goafest 2025: Enormous, Tilt, McCann, Leo, atom come out on top at the ABBY Awards

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries at breakneck speed, agencies stand at a crossroads. In a conversation with Storyboard18 at the sidelines of Goafest 2025, Rishad Tobaccowala, author and senior advisor to Publicis Groupe, reflected on the evolving role of agencies in the rapidly advancing age of artificial intelligence. Calling AI both a disruptor and an enabler, he said agencies must undergo reinvention and show strong leadership to thrive, not just survive.

“The role of agencies is not diminishing—it’s changing,” Tobaccowala noted. “Historically, every major technological leap has helped the agency business grow. But growth is conditional on adaptation. Those who don’t evolve will fade out.”

He predicted that AI will automate between 20–40% of tasks across industries, including agencies, consulting firms and client organizations. However, he stressed this shouldn’t necessarily translate to a loss in relevance. Instead, AI could free up bandwidth for higher-order thinking, strategic planning and creativity; areas where human insight continues to add irreplaceable value.

Recalling the Deep Blue–Kasparov era, Tobaccowala said, “While Deep Blue beat Kasparov, the combination of Kasparov and Deep Blue beat Deep Blue. That’s the model for agencies: people plus AI, not people versus AI.”

When asked about the wave of mergers and consolidations in the industry, such as the reported IPG-Omnicom merger, he attributed them to both economic and structural reasons. "It’s often about achieving scale in media and data, managing costs, and adjusting to oversupply in the marketplace,” he explained. “Mergers reduce capacity and make supply chains more cost-effective.”

On what brands now expect from agencies in an AI-powered environment, Tobaccowala highlighted a dual pressure, that is agility and specialization. With multiple AI platforms such as OpenAI, Gemini, Anthropic and potentially homegrown Indian solutions, coming into play, fragmentation and complexity will increase.

“In such a landscape, agencies still have a role, but the role is evolving. The question is - will agencies step up to it?” he said. “Clients are going to ask: do I need an agency, or can I do this myself?”

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/why-will-i-buy-time-i-will-buy-end-outcomes-tata-motors-cmo-shubhranshu-singh-66775.htm">‘Why will I buy time? I will buy end outcomes’: Tata Motors CMO Shubhranshu Singh</a>

Interestingly, Tobaccowala also predicted that companies may eventually downsize internally, relying more on agile, AI-enabled partners. “Clients might shrink their size and outsource more. Agencies could become even more important if they deliver the right value.”

“AI will not replace agencies. But agencies that use AI effectively will replace those that don’t,” he noted.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/agency-news/goafest-2025-wavemaker-named-media-agency-of-the-year-at-2025-abby-awards-66773.htm">Goafest 2025: Wavemaker named Media Agency of the Year at 2025 ABBY Awards</a>

Prasanth Kumar, Chief Executive of GroupM South Asia, formally opened the 2025 edition of Goafest on May 21, calling on industry leaders to embrace creativity, collaboration and meaningful dialogue under this year’s theme, “Ignite.”

“Goafest is more than a festival, it’s a movement,” Kumar said during his keynote address. “It’s about the connections we forge, the ideas we ignite, and the inspiration we carry forward to redefine the future of the industry.”

This year’s festival, which organizers say is among the most expansive in its nearly two-decade history, features more than 60 speakers across 20 sessions, along with over 15 masterclasses and a suite of panel discussions. Topics range from marketing and artificial intelligence to data strategy and narrative craft.

Kumar highlighted that “Ignite” is not merely a thematic choice, but a directive, meant to push the boundaries of what marketing, technology and creativity can accomplish together.

Reflecting on the festival’s growth since its founding in 2006, Kumar credited industry pioneers for establishing Goafest as a cornerstone of India’s advertising calendar. Its evolution, he said, is a testament to shared vision, persistence and innovation across the sector.

Among this year’s highlights is an expanded speaker lineup that includes business executives, technology innovators, marketing leaders, entertainment figures and athletes. The festival also introduces the Goafest Village, a new experiential zone aimed at fostering immersive learning and cross-sector networking beyond traditional conference settings.

Organizers say the 2025 edition has been curated with an emphasis on inclusion, transformation and inter-industry collaboration. Industry bodies including the IAA, ISA, IBDF, and ASCI have contributed to shaping the event’s agenda.

Kumar also acknowledged the collective effort behind the festival’s production, citing the leadership of Rana Barua, Chairman of the Advertising Club of India, along with committee members Jai Talwar and Mohit Joshi. He expressed gratitude to principal sponsors Amazon and Xplay, as well as partners from media, technology and production sectors.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/agency-news/goafest-2025-wavemaker-named-media-agency-of-the-year-at-2025-abby-awards-66773.htm">Goafest 2025: Wavemaker named Media Agency of the Year at 2025 ABBY Awards</a>

Beyond the boardroom, this year’s program extends into wellness and culture. The new “Advertising Plays” initiative introduces a sports and fitness component, while the popular “Advertising Rocks” music showcase returns, rounding out what organizers describe as a “360-degree industry experience.”

“As we depart on Friday, it will not just be with memories, it will be with momentum,” Kumar said. “The ideas we nurture here will reshape the months and years ahead.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/agencies-must-reinvent-to-stay-relevant-in-the-age-of-ai-says-publicis-groupes-rishad-tobaccowala-66795.htm">Agencies must reinvent to stay relevant in the Age of AI, says Publicis Groupe's Rishad Tobaccowala</a>

At Goafest 2025, a call to ‘Ignite’ the industry’s future

While most of the advertising agencies today want to steer clear of any debate surrounding Goafest, it so happens that others have strong opinions on the fest. Whether Goafest holds relevance in 2024 or not, despite the participation of over "250 agencies", is a question that remains.

Many of the observers have questioned the relevance based on the quality of work being entered (read: scam ads) in the ABBY Awards and whether the work has solved any real-world problems for its clients. Questions are being raised: How a generation that is high on equality, inclusion, and social responsibility — millennials and GenZ — views an award show run by the "same old, male-dominated guard"? Why are real issues that are eroding the industry not addressed and tackled seriously? 

One agency owner who attended the fest this year said, "Everyone is busy future-gazing, but no one will be held accountable for their predictions even a year from now. Instead, the creative industry needs to raise real issues and real threats to its existence." 

He added, "The media agencies have somehow managed to take care of themselves with strong leaders at the industry's helm. They've managed to make it a point to safeguard the present and the future. The same can't be said for the creative agencies. For instance, undercutting is far more rampant today, with big networks even undercutting independent agencies and slashing their fees to a point where the whole business becomes unviable. Clients, especially the younger ones, are also to blame - glut of pitches, no remuneration, lack of respect for the craft, short-term vanity goals to build personal CMO brands leading to more scam work for major brands... So many issues that could be raised at Goafest and other top forums." 

The founder said, "Goafest is out of touch from reality." 

Consider this: This year's Goafest took place in Mumbai from May 29-31, close to the location where an illegal ad hoarding collapsed killing 17 people, and the festival barely grazed the issues that led to the tragedy, said adlanders Storyboard18 spoke to, stating that the advertising industry leaders should have led the charge on action-oriented conversations. Maybe this is somewhat of a reflection of the industry that has become inward-looking and refusing to change at the speed needed, said two network agency executives, wishing not to be named in this piece. 

Echoing their sentiment, Naresh Gupta, co-founder Bang In The Middle, highlighted when India was fighting Kargil war, it was the young creative people who created the campaign that made the whole country donate whatever they could to the war effort. 

“Maybe we need them back in the industry," Gupta said. 

Gupta went on to consider the commercial aspect of the fest as well. "At one level we must remember that any award show of any kind is an expense and the commercial aspect of decision-making cannot be overlooked. In the initial years of Goafest, the whole mela was geared towards the younger talent, and many agencies only partially funded the delegates' travel and stay. The festival from there has evolved and, to a large extent, has also become a showcase of the power equation.”

Goafest passes, it seems, are considered expensive by senior industry professionals as well. One ad executive and attendee at this year's Goafest that is being held in Powai, Mumbai, said he paid Rs 25,000 for a pass and that it was "expensive". We asked another attendee, a young creative director with a mainline agency, if she is getting her money's worth in terms of the learning modules and workshops. "Not really," she answered. Another lamented the pass prices, stating that barring a few conversations there was nothing to write home about. But, he added, at least there is beer. 

Goafest 2024 had to be held in Mumbai this year due to the General Elections. Initially, the organizers, Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club, even considered making it a two-day fest.  

The festival and award shows organizers have been attempting to revive Goafest's former glory, over the past two years. It’s good that the who's who of the industry are there and they are running the show, it is a clear signal of where they want to take the industry. This is reflected in the panels and discussions they are mounting, the subjects are future-oriented, but they are still incremental and not radical, Gupta noted.

Adlanders highlighted the fact that the entire landscape of communication and consumer engagement has transformed. The way consumers interact with brands, make purchase decisions, create mental shortcuts for themselves has all changed. The festival is still not waking up to that, they say. Also, the agencies are now mere suppliers, and are never hired as partners that can help the brands grow. This is again a subject that is not addressed and an action plan is not proposed. 

There is one thing though that Gupta applauded which is this year they have got in a lot more younger professionals in the jury pool than before: “I would think that by being relevant to the new emerging audiences, we would be future-oriented.”

In fact, Raj Kamble, Founder and CCO, Famous Innovations, noted that over the years the fest has become a media fest from what used to be an ad fest because of a huge number of people running it. “Since it is a festival that sells creativity, more creative people should participate. Additionally, old people should move and new people should be on the board. The old people don't want to leave and they're not letting other people come.”

“Nothing is wrong with the award shows, the way we are doing it is wrong,” he added.

As per an industry source, the Goafest committee has 25 young agency heads this year.

Agreeing that the fest definitely needs to be reinvented to connect with the youth, Gaurav Arora, Co-Founder of Social Panga, said, “They should talk to new agencies and take constructive feedback, especially from first-time entrants. Goafest can remain a vibrant and dynamic event for the present and upcoming generation of creative workers by adapting to the times and welcoming new ideas. Creating fresh and creative award categories can draw in new talent and highlight developing trends in the field. Furthermore, initiating novel projects, and strategically modifying the event's structure can increase its allure and significance.”

<strong>Lost its sheen- ‘not yet’</strong>

Although there's a mushrooming of advertising shows and it has become "a money making business" across the world, Kamble noted that Goafest is run by a committee with no personal or money-making agenda.

"I don't think Goafest is losing its sheen. Except for a few agencies, perhaps 95% of agencies have participated this year. It is truly an Indian advertising award show. Nobody working in the Ad club charges a single penny and they all work for the entire festival maintaining 5K-10K people for free. So when you do something like this there's no personal agenda or no money-making business," he noted.

Additionally, "Goafest has been a staple of Indian advertising since its first edition in 2006 - long before a lot of us began our careers So, saying that Goafest has lost its relevance is a bitter take,” said Jackie J. Thakkar, a Creative Director. Though he agreed that they perhaps just need to cater to the younger Millennials and Gen-Z cohort more. This could be done by onboarding panellists that are relevant to the youth today.

Goafest still continues to remain one of the biggest in the creative sector, acts as a great networking platform and also to rebuild connections with industry colleagues, said experts. So, naturally, agencies do care about The Abbys, or else there would not be 3,506 entries submitted this year.

“Since there are a lot of new events coming and the young and new talent look up to different awards, The Abby’s still holds quite true and valid,” noted Arora.

While it may seem like younger creatives are losing interest, according to Ryan Parker, Creative Director, Infectious Advertising, what’s really happening is their interests lie elsewhere. Winning awards has a very different meaning today, and awards like The Abbys still stand as great motivation to push the envelope.

“Goafest will continue to be relevant as long as it’s celebrated,” Parker said.  

“They say the new guard does not want to take charge of these events. The only question I can ask is are you really willing to let them take charge of it, or do you just want them to join the event workforce? They want control, they want to feel like they’re making a difference. And, if they don’t feel it, they won’t bother, because why should they?”

“A new-age version of Goafest would be a sight to behold,” he concluded.

<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/goafest-2024-and-abby-awards-to-take-place-from-29th-to-31st-may-2024-in-mumbai-29509.htm">Goafest 2024 and ABBY Awards to take place from 29th to 31st May, 2024 in Mumbai</a> 

Adlanders say Goafest needs radical reinvention; Must address real issues eroding the industry

Goafest, South Asia's largest advertising and media festival enters into a strategic partnership with D&AD, the global arbiter of design and advertising excellence, to curate skill development masterclasses at the festival’s 17th edition, in Mumbai. 


With a focus on skill development, creative excellence, and industry knowledge enhancement, the inclusion of three Masterclasses by D&AD at Goafest 2024 is set to elevate the festival to unprecedented heights, bringing the two titans of the creative world on a single stage. 


The three skill development Masterclasses curated for Goafest 2024 will offer attendees an opportunity to delve into the realm of creativity, inspiration, and strategic insight. It is crafted around the central theme of 'The Age of Adaptability'.


The first Masterclass, ‘Trend Immersion Workshop’ will help attendees identify emerging trends and differentiate them from fads. A creative boost, it will inspire fresh thinking and encourage the application of past learnings. The workshop will drive innovation, ideation and fresh thinking. Titled ‘Unlock Award Winning Ideas’, the second workshop unpacks insights on the making of inspiring and impactful award-winning work and campaigns including wins from D&AD Pencil. 


The third Masterclass, ‘Unpacking Brand Iconicity’ is an interactive session that explores ways brands are using the iconic elements of their identity and provides tips for getting to the heart of a brand. The workshop will explore recent trends in brand identity, understand the making of ownable iconicity and develop an identity into a brand story. Each Masterclass is carefully curated and aims to educate through real-world insights. 


Speaking on the collaboration, Jaideep Gandhi, chairperson of Goafest 2024 said "At Goafest, our vision has always been to push boundaries and redefine the standards of creativity. This partnership with D&AD is a testament to our dedication to providing unparalleled learning opportunities and empowering attendees with skills and ideas that will shape the future of the creative industry."


"We are thrilled to bring our D&AD Masterclasses to Goafest 2024 to celebrate and advance creative excellence. We have shared goals to foster diverse talent, drive innovation, and propel the creative industry forward to shape the future leaders of our industry." said Jo Jackson, CEO of D&AD.


Goafest 2024, in collaboration with D&AD Masterclasses, invites industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts alike to celebrate creativity, innovation, and excellence.


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/goafest-2024-and-abby-awards-to-take-place-from-29th-to-31st-may-2024-in-mumbai-29509.htm">Goafest 2024 and ABBY Awards to take place from 29th to 31st May, 2024 in Mumbai</a> 

Goafest 2024 emphasizes on skill development; announces maiden partnership with D&AD’s Masterclasses

Gearing up to present 3 days of learnings, discussions, and deliberations while celebrating creative excellence, Goafest 2024 presents a stellar line-up of speakers for its 17th edition. With sessions that discuss various facets of the festival's theme ‘The Age of Adaptability'.


The festival will host over 50 speakers and entertainers, across 20+ sessions in addition to 15+ masterclasses.

 
Tata Play’s Managing Director and CEO, Harit Nagpal and Sanjiv Mehta, Executive Chairman, L Catterton India are among the select few who will address attendees through keynotes.  

 
Additionally, Tarun Puri, Senior Operating Partner, Lighthouse Funds, Asha Kharga, Chief Customer & Brand Officer, Mahindra Group, Raymond Lifestyle’s Sunil Kataria, Maruti Suzuki’s Shashank Srivastava, Nestle’s Chandan Mukherjee, Tata Motors’ Shubhranshu Singh, The Good Glamm Group’s Sukhleen Aneja, Honasa’s Zairus Master, Darshana Shah from Aditya Birla Capital, among others will engage in conversations and discussions. Other prominent speakers include Dr. Marcus Ranney, Manoj Bajpayee, Sourav Ganguly, Zeenat Aman, Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankar, Neha Dhupia, Tahira Kashyap and Neelesh Misra.


In addition to Goafest sessions, Goafest 2024 will host the second edition of its talent showcase, ‘Advertising Rocks’. 

 
On unveiling the stellar line-up of speakers and sessions, Rohit Ohri, FCB global partner and chairman of the content Committee, Goafest 2024 said, “Goafest 2024 is set to ignite minds, spark creativity, and explore new frontiers in the ever-evolving landscape of advertising and marketing. We are excited to offer a diverse array of speakers and sessions that celebrate creative excellence and emphasize the crucial role of adaptability in thriving within our industry. With warm hearts and joyful smiles, we eagerly anticipate welcoming all delegates and together redefining the future of our business.”


Anupriya Acharya, chief executive officer, South Asia, Publicis Groupe, and Immediate Past President of The Advertising Agencies Association of India further added, “This year at Goafest, we are embarking on a transformative journey with the theme ‘The Age of Adaptability’. Our carefully curated speaker line-up reflects this ethos, showcasing how our industry must pivot and innovate in response to shifting landscapes. From insightful sessions to vibrant celebrations, Goafest 2024 will promise an enriching experience for all. With this, we are eagerly looking forward to welcoming our delegates, confident that together, we will navigate the ever-evolving currents of our industry with agility and ingenuity.”


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/goafest-2024-to-happen-in-mumbai-due-to-lok-sabha-polls-ad-fest-to-take-place-on-30-31-may-28975.htm">Goafest 2024 to happen in Mumbai due to Lok Sabha polls; Ad fest to take place on 30-31 May</a> 

Goafest 2024 unveils line-up of speakers and sessions

Day three at the Goafest included a very interesting session on Gen Z and how their habits and thought process affect brands. The session was delivered by Utsav Chaudhuri, the head of marketing at YME, Viacom18. MTV Youth conducted a study that provided some very interesting and useful facts about Gen Z and how different they are from the generations that preceded them.

According to the study, 70 percent of Gen Z are not afraid to test out various career fields. If they realize that they haven't chosen the right field for themselves, they are open to trying something different and adapting as they go. A new term has been floated ever since Gen Z took over social media. Side hustles are small jobs that Gen Z does, which highlight their hobbies, skills, and interests. According to Chaudhuri, there are two main reasons behind Gen Z wanting to take up a side hustle. One, they want to do something that helps them follow and/or find their passion. Two, they don't really know what defines a stable career.

"Gen Z is not a generation of revolutionaries; they are a generation of evolutionaries," said Chaudhuri. According to the study, Gen Z believes that regular jobs are on the downhill. Passions, interests, and hobbies are moving uphill to eventually take center stage. While the previous generation, the millennials, used to do hobbies for recreation, Gen Z does it for monetization. Gen Z doesn't like to cultivate hobbies that don't provide any material gain. Corporate jobs are the real side jobs, whereas side hustles are the real deal until they make it big.

Social media is the biggest platform for them to build on their hobbies. It provides a platform for them to pursue their hobbies and passions, build a community for themselves, and earn good money from it. Money is of paramount importance. The study shows that post-pandemic, Gen Z has understood the value of money and how to actively save and invest it.

Educational institutions and academic achievements are no longer the only way to achieve success. You need to be street smart, put in hard work, and do it smartly. That's what Gen Z understands.

Overall, it is to be understood that Gen Z is very different from every generation that came before them. They think differently, they do differently, they hold the power to influence, and they don't act on anything until they believe in it. It will be interesting to see how various industries such as films, fashion, tech, F&B, and many more adapt to the Gen Z ways.


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