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

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-driven conversations.

Is Goafest still as exciting and relevant to creative professionals today as it was twenty years ago to the then-agency heads? Storyboard18 asked attendees and adland executives.

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

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'.

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

Gen Z: Evolving careers, monetizing hobbies, and influencing industries with side hustles

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. (Representational image via Unsplash)

70 percent of Gen Z fearlessly explores various career fields, adapting as needed. They embrace side hustles, showcasing their hobbies and skills on social media. Chaudhuri identifies two motives: passion pursuit and uncertainty about stable careers. Gen Z seeks fulfillment beyond traditional paths.​

Actors Rana Daggubati and Tabu envision an immersive future for Indian cinema

Artificial intelligence (AI) has already found its way into filmmaking, enhancing visual effects, programming, and more. It not only simplifies processes but also empowers creators to deliver better content.

Rana Daggubati believes entertainment demand will persist as technology enhances content creation and engages audiences with AI in filmmaking, VFX, and programming, leading to better outcomes.​

Panelists at Goafest discuss gender bias in advertising and media representation

The one daily soap which shook everybody was Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi. The character, Jassi is an ugly duckling who is working in a fashion house and she became a character everybody could relate to. Unfortunately, not many such characters have surfaced on television screens. (From left to right: Tarun Katial, Anand Narasimhan, Megha Tata, Anupriya Acharya and Kailashnath Adhikari)

Panelists discuss Indian women empowerment ad; data shows need for significant change.

Goafest 2023: Digital is just as important as traditional for efficient media plans, Madison’s Sam Balsara

According to Sam Balsara, "Digital is becoming popular due to technology. Technology is providing four major benefits: enabling one to go beyond demographics, enabling data-driven analytics, enabling contextual messaging and allowing to harness the power of virality."

Sam Balsara, founder, chairman of Madison World shared key lessons during Goafest 2023 on effective media planning and a case study on building brand Cinthol.