Debates, young minds jazz up Goafest

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Mumbai, Apr 7: Despite raging controversies and intense speculations, Goafest 2008 has emerged as the winner-with the active participation of 3000 delegates across the globe. In fact, it is now considered the second largest advertising awards function after Cannes. The highlights of the national festival include: lively seminars, hot debates and interactive sessions with global marketing gurus. However, the grand finale (Abby awards) lost its luster due to uncalled speculations on award winning entries.

Michelle Surendran, a young delegate from Chennai sums up the national festival in just few lines:” We got the opportunity to listen to international advertising gurus like Craig Davis and Stephen Gatfield. Also, we met up with like-minded people to exchange views and news. It was a fun-filled learning experience at Goafest.”

Endorsing Michelle’s views, Craig Davis, chief creative officer, JWT said :”The festival was lively with so many young creative coming together and celebrating exuberance and energy in one place.”

This year, Goafest has received a record number of entries-3836 for creative awards and 470 for media, informed Mdhukar Kamth chairman, AAAI.” Though Lowe and McCann have stayed away from the creative awards (the Abbys), both McCann and Lowe have sent large delegations for the 3-day event,” he added.

In the final tally for creative awards, O&M bagged 58 metals while Leo Burnett won 34. Ad majors Contract and JWT took home 29 and 28 metals respectively. According to Jagdip Bakshi, chairman of the Goafest Committee, the main purpose of the festival is not to grade the agencies but to celebrate their creative excellence.

After bagging two Grand Prix’ at the festival JWT India CEO Colvyn Harris said. “It's truly rewarding when good work is recognised – especially when it’s by one's peers.”