After a brief detour to Mumbai in 2024, Goafest returns to its coastal roots this year with a fresh location, a reimagined format, and a mission to engage the next generation of marketers through learning, play, and meaningful connection.
Now in its 18th edition, India’s largest celebration of advertising and marketing is set to take place from May 21 to 23 at the Taj Cidade de Goa – Heritage and Horizon, a shift from its longtime venue, the Hyatt. The festival is being presented with Amazon MX Player as the Title Sponsor.
With this year’s theme, ‘Ignite ______’, Goafest 2025 aims to spark bold ideas, fearless creativity, and fresh perspectives in an industry that thrives on reinvention. And this time, it’s doing so with a serious injection of fun.
“Over 2,000 registrations are already in,” shared Prasanth Kumar, President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India and CEO of GroupM South Asia.
A New, Experiential Goafest
In a deliberate shift from the traditionally business-heavy tone, Goafest 2025 is embracing a more immersive, experience-first format. The new venue has been designed to echo the energy of global creative festivals, with a layout inspired by the “village” style of Cannes.
“We’re bringing the fun back—starting with the venue. The idea is to create a space where multiple things happen simultaneously, from knowledge sessions to sunset performances,” said Mohit Joshi, Co-chair of the Goafest 2025 Organising Committee and CEO of Havas Media Network India.
At one end: masterclasses and speaker sessions. At the other: sundowners, music performances, and a vibrant social scene. The aim is clear—maximize the return on experience.
Introducing: Advertising Plays
One of this year’s most exciting new additions is Advertising Plays—a dedicated sports and wellness segment. Attendees can expect:
- Games like net cricket, chess, darts, arm wrestling, pickleball, and table tennis
- Wellness activities like Yoga by the Beach and a Beach Walkathon
“This is about more than entertainment—it’s about connection, wellbeing, and creating shared memories,” Joshi added.
Designed for the Next Generation
The pivot toward a more interactive and engaging format is no accident. It’s a strategic move to connect with younger marketers who seek more than just lectures and panels.
“Goafest used to be about seminars and awards. Now, we’re blending education with skill-building, entertainment, and sports,” said Jaideep Gandhi, Chairman of the Goafest 2025 Organising Committee and Founder of Another Idea.
From AI and tech talks to creative storytelling sessions, the content has been curated to excite and educate. Over 20 masterclasses, 35 sessions, and 60 speakers will fill the agenda.
“Young professionals want immersive, action-packed experiences. They want to network, upskill, be inspired, and have fun doing it,” Gandhi explained.
More Than Just Fun—It’s Connection
While the fun factor is front and center this year, the team behind Goafest is quick to stress that it’s not just about light-hearted diversions. It’s about fostering real connections—across generations, roles, and ideas.
“Fun here is purposeful. It’s how we bond—with peers, mentors, and the industry’s evolving trends,” Gandhi said.
“It allows me to connect as well as refresh,” Kumar noted.
And for Joshi, it’s all about creating “meaningful connects.”
The Future of Festivals?
Goafest 2025 isn’t just another industry event—it’s a glimpse into what the future of creative festivals could look like: hybrid spaces that blend knowledge with play, strategy with soul, and learning with laughter.
As the industry continues to evolve, Goafest is showing that staying relevant doesn’t just mean changing what we say—it means changing how we come together.
