The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC) have announced the return of Goafest to its iconic home in Goa for the creative festival.

Last year in 2024 the festival was held in Mumbai due to the general elections being held.

Scheduled to take place from 21-23 May, Goafest 2025 will be hosted at the Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and Horizon, Goa.

This year, the festival will have Amazon MX Player as the ‘Title Sponsor’.

Goafest 2025 will bring the concept of the ‘Goafest Village’ as it tries to offer multiple experiences under one roof.  

Designed to be fluid and adaptable, the 2025 theme ‘Ignite ______’ unlocks an array of critical conversations that spark change.

During the three-day festival, each evening will celebrate creativity through the Abby Awards Powered by One Show.

At the curtain-raiser event, the organisers of the ABBY Awards announced the addition of three new categories to the existing 24. These new categories are:

1. Small Budget, Big Impact
2. Sports Marketing
3. Micro Marketing

Goafest is co-hosted by The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC). 

Prasanth Kumar, president, Advertising Agencies Association of India, CEO, GroupM, South Asia, said, “Goafest has always stood as a beacon of creativity, innovation, and connection. After last year’s momentous edition in Mumbai, we are thrilled to return to the vibrant shores of Goa, the birthplace of its illustrious legacy. Centred around this year’s theme, ‘Ignite _____,’ the festival aspires to kindle groundbreaking conversations, ignite visionary perspectives, and illuminate the path forward for advertising and marketing. This edition introduces the Goafest Village—a bold, immersive concept designed as a nexus for collaboration, networking, and the free exchange of ideas. It promises to redefine how the industry comes together to celebrate brilliance and spark meaningful dialogues about the future of our craft. With Amazon MX Player as our Title Sponsor, we anticipate an extraordinary 2025 edition that will truly elevate the festival’s legacy."

Rana Barua, president, The Advertising Club and group CEO, Havas India, South East and North Asia, said, “Taking Goafest back to Goa is a celebration in itself. The festival has always been synonymous with creativity, collaboration, and industry excellence. With ‘Ignite_____’ as our theme, we are setting the stage for ideas that push the boundaries of creativity. The ABBY Awards Powered by One Show continue to push boundaries, setting new creative benchmarks year after year. The ABBY Awards Powered by One Show continue to raise the bar, and this year’s edition will be even more inspiring, bringing together the brightest minds in the industry.”

Jaideep Gandhi, chairperson, Goafest 2025 organising committee, and founder, Another Idea, said, “Year on year, Goafest has set new industry benchmarks, gaining prominence beyond South Asia. This year, we introduce Goafest Village, new initiatives and avenues for attendees to connect, engage, learn, and evolve. Staying true to our theme ‘Ignite _____,’ we aim to foster collaboration and elevate India’s creative and marketing ecosystem globally, with Sam Balsara, Sundar Swamy, and Shashi Sinha as the torchbearers, guiding us, inspiring us, and pushing us to make Goafest bigger and better. We look forward to an exciting Goafest 2025.”

Mohit Joshi, co-chair, Goafest 2025 organising committee and chief executive officer, Havas Media Network India, said, “Technology and data are reshaping advertising, demanding agility, creativity, and purpose. At Goafest 2025, the industry’s sharpest minds will ‘ignite’ powerful conversations - challenging norms, sparking innovation, and shaping the future. We will curate discussions that don’t just inform but transform, fuelling ideas that drive real impact."

Ajay Kakar, head - corporate branding, Adani Group, said, “Goafest has always been a platform where the brightest minds in advertising, media, and marketing converge to exchange ideas and push creative boundaries. Bringing the festival back to Goa this year is about rekindling the energy and spirit that makes Goafest truly special. With a larger-than-ever scale, immersive experiences, and an inspiring lineup of industry leaders, Goafest 2025 will be a space where innovation meets opportunity. We are excited to welcome the entire industry to Goa for three days of learning, networking, and, most importantly, celebrating creativity. We also look forward to honouring the best minds in the industry with the ABBY Awards Powered by One Show."