Industry Experts & Young Guns Alike Hail Goafest 2013

One the most prestigious fests of the advertising world finally took place last weekend at Goa. Yes you guessed it right; we are talking about The Goafest 2013. Well, one the most ‘chilled out’ fests was a huge success as like always. The three day fest saw one of the most incredible work and thoughts coming out of both – experts and the young guns.  

After all the brainstorming sessions we at Adgully talked to various people about; ‘what are they taking away this year from Goafest 2013?’

We spoke industry people like: Arvind Sharma, CEO, Leo Burnett; Rana Barua COO Contract Advertising; Satbir Singh,Managing Partner & Chief Creative Officer, Euro RSCG; Jishnu Sen, President and CEO, Grey India; Amit Akali, National Creative Director and EVP, Grey India; Ameet Panchal of Killer Jeans; Ashish Khazanchi, National Creative Director and Vice Chairperson, Publicis Ambience and Rizvi, Director Marketing South, Jang Group. The following is the synopsis of what they felt they are taking back with them – nuggets of insights.

Arvind Sharma: Agencies need to deliver specialization and integration on brands is a clear message from clients. Second message that is coming out is that we are somewhere still thinking a little ‘one-way’ in the sense that we are thinking of ‘forcing participation.’ One cannot change the culture but can participate in that culture. Lastly I would want add a point from Swami Sukhobonanda’s lecture that uncertainty is an incredible opportunity if you engage with it but with a sense.

Rana Barua: Since I come from outside of this industry so what I can say is that the industry has a lot of potential if used properly and much more can be done. With digital adding its flavor to this industry we have much more excitement and a host of innovations.

Satbir Singh: I am happy to see the potential creative world here and the best part is to see the young talent emerging so well. The kind of innovative work the agencies have started putting is what makes me happier to attend fests like this.

Jishnu Sen: I like the quality of speakers every time. The best part of Goafest is that it makes me see my industry evolving so amazingly and come out and celebrate this way. It shows how the creative minds are working Y-o-Y.

Amit Akali: I think there is a hugely creative world that is evolving year on year. Every year we see some really innovative work and the best part is that despite all the controversies and hurdles Goafest had its successes yet again.

Ashish Khazanchi: Well the best takeaway this year is the growing power of digital. The line of speakers was really good and the amazing part is to see how young guns are accepting this challenging industry.

Rizvi: One of the most chilled out fests I have ever attended. I was pleased to see the kind of work our industry produces. The innovations that are produced just kicks your brains off.

Regardless of the hurdles and the controversies wrapped around the event, it can be concluded that the Goafest 2013 was a successful event. The participation by agencies and the enviable line of speakers were pointers to the fact that the event is growing Y-o-Y.