Goafest 2013: First list of speakers announced

The Goafest Committee today announced the first list of globally acclaimed speakers for Goafest 2013. Shiv Singh-Global Head of Digital, PepsiCo Beverages, Thomas Bernardin-Chairman and Director, Leo Burnett Worldwide, Mark Tutssel-Chief Creative Officer, Leo Burnett Worldwide and Nick Vale-Global Planning Director, Maxus Worldwide. Goafest 2013 will be held on April 5th & 6th and the Advertising Conclave is scheduled for April 4th. The event will be held at the Zuri White Sands in South Goa.

Mr. M G Parameswaran, Member of Goafest 2013 Committee, said, “We have a great mix of over 9 speakers this year covering creative, media, strategy, digital and even a couple from what could be called unrelated fields. Our effort is get the 3000+ participants of Goafest to listen to and interact with what the best the world has to offer. As in previous years we will have stimulating Q&A sessions chaired by senior marketing professionals, and may be even prizes for the best question in each session.”

.”Commenting on the lineup of speakers, Mr. Nakul Chopra, Chairman of Goafest 2013 said, “The speakers this year are some of the most sought-after names in the industry. Their experience and insights will set the stage for the very conversations we endeavour to ignite at Goafest.”

Brief profiles of the speakers are given below:

Shiv Singh Global Head of Digital, PepsiCo Beverages is currently responsible for driving the business's foray into Real-Time Marketing and is hands on with brand Pepsi and portfolio wide digital media strategy, innovation, optimization and measurement efforts. Prior to PepsiCo Shiv worked at Razorfish Inc for over twelve years in its New York, London and San Francisco offices serving most recently as its Vice President & Global Social Media Lead and working with companies like Mercedez Benz, Philip Morris International, Citigroup, Microsoft, Victoria Secret and Ford Motor Company.

Thomas Bernardin has been the Chairman and Director of Leo Burnett Company since April 2005. He has earlier served as Chief Executive Officer, Lowe New York. Prior to the merger of Lowe New York and Bozell, two previously separate agencies within the Interpublic Group of Companies, Thomas served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Bozell. Under his leadership, Bozell grew at an unprecedented pace and the creative product reached new heights in 2002, when Bozell was named the third most creative agency in the world at Cannes.

Mark Tutssel Chief Creative Officer, Leo Burnett Worldwide has been named as No. 1 worldwide creative director in the industry earning the title of top global Creative Crusader. He oversees the work of Leo Burnett Worldwide and its 96 global offices. Under his creative leadership, Leo Burnett has moved up to the 3rd most awarded network in the world and has more global offices contributing to its creative reputation than any other agency network. His work has garnered every major creative accolade, including the prestigious Cannes Grand Prix and 50 Cannes Lions.

Nick Vale Global Planning Director, Maxus Worldwide leads the planning, takes overall responsibility for the strategic and creative product and is the architect of Maxus' positioning and approach globally. Before arriving at Maxus Nick spent 6 years with MEC as Planning Partner leading their Global Solutions Planning division, he worked across the Global MEC client portfolio and built and delivered IMC consultancy projects worldwide. He has also worked at Starcom (leading Levi’s and Nintendo) and ZenithOptimedia in both US and UK account director roles.

On the roadshows held in South Asian countries, Mr. Chopra said, “We recently had roadshows in Pakistan and Sri Lanka and the response has been very encouraging. We expect a handsome increase in number of delegates from these countries.”

The Goafest Committee also announced the registration fees for Goafest 2013. The fees will be Rs. 13,000 + taxes for over 30s and Rs 6500+taxes for those below 30 years of age.

Marketing Wizards, a scheme introduced last year, is an interesting initiative wherein each member of the Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) can nominate up to four young professionals from their marketing teams under the age of 30 years to experience the highs and thrills of Goafest 2013 at a subsidized fee of Rs 6500+taxes.Goafest will also provide Marketing Wizards with two free nights stay in a five star Hotel in Goa, F&B, ground transportation and full access to the entire Goafest 2013.

For the record, Goafest 2013 will be in its 8th edition and for the 6th consecutive year AAAI and The Advertising Club will come together to deliver India’s premier awards that celebrate creativity.