Goafest attracts global advertising agency chiefs as speakers

In its fourth edition, Goafest 2009 will have atleast 8 global speakers including Sir John Hegarty, founder chairman of British advertising agency BBH, Bob Scarpelli, chairman DDB and Jean-Marie Dru, chairman, TBWA. 

The year 2008 saw India win its first-ever Grand Prix Lion at Cannes for JWT's Lead India campaign. Add the win of 8 awards at the Oscars for Slumdog Millionaire this year. "India is surely the flavour of the season and is evoking huge international interest," says Madhukar Kamat, president, Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and managing director and CEO, Mudra Group which along with The Advertising Club Bombay are organisers of Goafest. 

Despite the slowdown, Goafest is a huge attraction. It is one of the largest awards shows in the Asia Pacific region, second only to Cannes, globally."We expect atleast 8 international speakers to be here which include leading advertising agency heads and global marketers," said Subhash Kamat, managing partner BBH India and a member of the Goafest committee. 

Compared to last year, the entry fees this year do not include the logistics of travel and accommodation and is hence lower at Rs 4,500 for under 30 years category and Rs 9,000 for over 30 years. "At these rates this is the great learning event and we expect to see equivalent registrations to last year if not more," said Colvyn Harris, chairman, Goafest 2009 and chief executive officer, JWT who is sending 200 delegates to the event this year up from 137 sent last year. 

Goafest will take place between 2 to 4 April this year at the Cavelossim beach, Goa.