GoaFest 2024 and the ABBY Awards Powered by One Show 2024 are taking place in Mumbai from today i.e. from 29 to 31 May 2024. The iconic advertising and marketing festival, which has traditionally been hosted in Goa is set to embrace the bustling metropolis of Mumbai for its 17th edition.
The decision to relocate the festival to Mumbai has been driven by the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, prompting the organisers to make a conscious and collective decision to shift venues. The Westin Powai, Mumbai, will serve as the backdrop for this year's celebrations, promising a unique experience for attendees.
Moreover, GoaFest 2024 is set to revive the fan-favourite 'Advertising Rocks' initiative, offering a platform for India's advertising, media and marketing community to showcase their musical talents.
While speaking to BW Marketing World, Ajay Kakar, Chairman, Awards Governing Council of the Abby Awards and Managing Committee member, The Advertising Club on the change of venue and the expectations from Goafest this year, stated, “The show must go on. And it will! Because what we are celebrating is creative excellence. And that agenda is foremost for our industry, far more than the city in which it is held. Also, Mumbai being the industry’s Mecca, it will be so much easier for the Mumbai walas to make it.”
While the move from Goa's sun-drenched beaches to Mumbai's urban landscape may seem like a new thing, it is expected that the festival's spirit will remain intact. The relocation to the heart of India's commercial capital presents an opportunity to engage a broader audience and foster new connections within the advertising and marketing community.
The organisers have assured attendees that the festival's signature elements, including the Abby Awards ceremony, panel discussions and networking opportunities, will be meticulously curated to maintain the high standards set by previous editions.