Goafest 2013 announced in Sri Lanka

The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) President Arvind Sharma, on his visit to Sri Lanka recently announced the call for entries from Sri Lanka for Goafest 2013, the annual South Asian advertising festival and India’s largest Goafest, scheduled to be hosted from 4 to 6 April 2013, will take place under the theme chosen for this year ‘Just what you unexpected’.

In a briefing held by the IAA, the Sri Lanka chapter and the 4 A’s last week, Sharma spoke about the biggest draw at Goafest this year; held for the sixth consecutive year, the Creative Abbys awards night is set to mark the culmination of the festival on 6 April.  

The AAAI and the advertising club in collaboration deliver the Abby awards to recognise the best entries in the region from the various categories in the creative industry.

Further present at the briefing was International Advertising Association India Chapter President Srinivasan K. Swamy, and DraftFCB India Group Executive Director Nagesh Alai, reiterating the call for creative’s from Sri Lanka at Goafest 2013.

Arvind Sharma further stated: ‘‘Goafest is the festival for all those who are involved in creating ideas in South Asia to display their work amongst some of the best in the region.

“This year the festival also incorporates special entry fees for SAARC countries and for delegates. We encourage Sri Lanka’s creative community to participate this year and contribute to the carnival of ideas.’’

Last year the ceremony saw over 225 organisations send their entries with 3,167 delegates participating from countries in the region from the likes of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

This year the categories will include the Grand Prix for all nine verticals including Media, Film, Print, Radio, Out of Home, Ambient, Design, Interactive Digital, Direct and Integrated. Furthermore, SAARC countries, in each show/ vertical will have the opportunity to take away ‘The best of rest of South Asia’ award.

In addition to the awards the festival gives participants an opportunity to listen to and learn from the stellar line of speakers of ad gurus, renowned personalities and some of the most celebrated clients globally.

The festival further incorporates the opportunity to share ideas, showcasing some of the best pieces in the region while hosting a series of informative and engaging seminars.

Speaking on GoaFest2013 IAA Sri Lanka Chapter President Laila Gunesekere Martenstyn stated: ‘‘Goafest is an opportunity for our Sri Lankan creative agencies and individuals to stand out from the region’s best work.

“Over the years the Sri Lankan advertising and communications industry has grown leaps and bounds and today you see our work featured globally.

“I would like to thank Arvind for being here to help us raise the bar amongst the advertising fraternity. I advocate Creative’s from Sri Lanka to participate in this year’s festival.’’