“Abby Rising”
Are you attending Goafest this year? How many editions have you attended so far?
Will be attending in spirit! (Couldn’t pull out of a shoot commitment.
Unforgettable Goafest moment…
It’s a heady mix, honestly. Crazy time with friends, impromptu bike expeditions, Kingfisher pints, sand in the feet, metals, telling the disbelieving airport authorities that the sharp metallic object is an award for a radio spot! One year we got called on stage six times, back-to-back, and the jury chief Nitesh Tiwari asked us to take a seat on the stage – while the spots played, and the crowd applauded non-stop.
What are you looking forward to the most?
Looking forward to all of the above and more. Most importantly, looking forward to the Abby rising once again to be the metal the industry treasures.
– Sarvesh Raikar, Regional Creative Officer, Lowe Lintas
“All the more exciting”
Are you attending Goafest this year? How many editions have you attended so far?
I have attended three earlier editions of Goafest already (2007, 2011 and 2015) but the excitement grows every time! So, I’ll be attending this year with equal enthusiasm if not more.
Unforgettable Goafest moment…
The overall vibe of the event is itself something that one never forgets!
More specifically, my favourite parts usually involve witnessing the amazing ideas from across the industry being showcased under one roof. I remember this one time when the legendary Josy Paul was announcing the winners in the ‘Radio’ category and he did so by hiding behind the podium so that only his voice could be heard. As a junior creative at that point, I was quite impressed by his way of presenting the radio category.
What are you looking forward to the most?
Well for starters, I am amped up to know the Abby Awards’ winners, and am especially anxious to bring back a trophy for Grapes. It’s all the more exciting since we don’t even know which of our campaigns have been shortlisted.
Talking about the awards, there are a number of new and interesting categories that have been introduced this year, and I am excited to see the creative work being done in these new areas. Seeing the winners and the campaigns always helps you understand these new categories a lot better.
I am also looking forward to attending some of the many amazing sessions lined up, namely ‘Future of Video Content’ and ‘Data, Creative, Production & Technology are at the core of everything we produce in branded content today’. Other than all this, Goafest is always a great chance to catch up with old, industry friends.
– Priyank Narain, Executive Creative Director, Grapes
“The work, the talks, the parties and the long overdue catch-ups”
Are you attending Goafest this year? How many editions have you attended so far?
Yes, I am, after quite a long hiatus. I was a regular in the early years, so this is probably my sixth or seventh Goafest.
Unforgettable Goafest moment…
Honestly, the best moments I have only a partial recollection of. But I guess it was watching Trevor Beattie on stage, beer in one hand, fitting the description of an advertising rockstar.
What are you looking forward to the most?
All of it. The work, the talks, the parties and the long overdue catch-ups.
– Kartik Smetacek, Jt. NCD, L&K Saatchi and Saatchi
“Goafest has always been a priority”
Are you attending Goafest this year? How many editions have you attended so far?
Yes, I’m attending this year. Don’t remember the exact number of editions I have attended in the past, but quite a few I would say. Also having been on Ad Club ManCom and on the Jury of Media Abbys in the past, Goafest has always been a priority.
Unforgettable Goafest moment…
The one I can vividly remember is Vizeum’s (and even the then Aegis Media’s) first Media Abby win. The metals that came our way included a Gold for our work for MTV. The elated team almost dragged the hesitant me on to the stage when the Gold happened. Later that night my enterprising colleagues managed to set up our own ‘Vizeum bar’ at the event, to passer bys’ envy, for our victory celebrations.
What are you looking forward to the most?
Frankly I have long been talking and writing about the need for transformation in the agency business. Since I have not been part of that ecosystem for a few years and also going into Goafest after a break, I plan to attend some sessions and be a part of interesting conversations to figure out where the agency business currently is.
– Yesudas S Pillai, Founder & CEO, Y&A Transformation
“Was dragged into a rain dance and realised my phone wasn’t waterproof”
Are you attending Goafest this year? How many editions have you attended so far?
Yes, I will be attending all days. I haven’t missed many editions.
Unforgettable Goafest moment…
I guess the most memorable one must be when I was dragged into a rain dance and I later realised my phone wasn’t quite waterproof.
What are you looking forward to the most?
Besides the work, one always looks forward to connecting with industry colleagues. Not to forget Goan food.
– Satbir Singh, Founder & CCO, Thinkstr
“Losing my shoes after the party and walking back barefoot!”
Are you attending Goafest this year? How many editions have you attended so far?
Yes, I am. Have attended seven to eight so far.
Unforgettable Goafest moment…
Meeting Dan Wieden in 2009, I think. And losing my shoes after the party and walking back barefoot!!
What are you looking forward to the most?
This is my first Goafest post pandemic so I am really looking forward to meeting old colleagues and seeing some great work out there.
– Rohit Malkani, Joint NCD, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi
