By A Correspondent

Goafest, the Indian advertising industry’s annual convention cum awards, will be held on April 11, 12 and 13, 2019. This year’s edition – the 14^th – will see Viacom18 as presenting sponsor.

Speaking about this year’s Goafest, Ashish Bhasin, President of Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) said: “Goafest is the Indian advertising industry’s largest and most representative event . It is not just a festival but an ode to the industry and  the pioneering work done through the year. This year too we will bring to fore an immersive event that will bring together the  industry’s most creatively curious, transformational and inspiring thoughtleaders and innovators from across agencies, brands and media houses.”

Added Vikram Sakhuja, President, The Advertising Club: “Abbys are the gold standard in creative awards and has always recognised agencies and talent that push boundaries and challenge status quo.  Our endeavour with the festival and the awards this year is to ensure exceptional speakers, inclusive participation and thereby gain a headstart on decoding transformational global advertising and communication trends.”

Speaking about partnering with Goafest 2019, Sudhanshu Vats – Group CEO & MD at Viacom18 said: “Goafest has, over the years, cemented its reputation as the country’s foremost amalgamation of the best and brightest of the creative and marketing minds of the Indian business. Our association with them is an extension of our belief that knowledge sharing leads to knowledge enhancement thereby benefitting the entire industry.”

Said Nakul Chopra, Chairman – Goafest 2019: “Goafest is all geared up for an inclusive and engaging 2019 edition. Our endeavour this year is to ensure that multi-category representation and participation, interactivity and thought leadership is at the forefront of all our initiatives. This year too the apex industry event will continue to establish its eminence as a leading knowledge sharing and networking platform and we are happy to have partnered with Viacom18 in building this to further scale.”

Added Shashi Sinha, Awards Governing Council Chair and Secretary, The Advertising Club: “We are all set for the Abbys and are hoping to see some pioneering and clutter-breaking work being entered this year. Abby is the ultimate national benchmark for effective creative communication.   Winning an Abby holds a place of pride in the career lifecyle of every advertising and media professional.  We sincerely hope that  the awards continue to inspire the best minds in the industry to present their best foot forward.”