At Goafest 2025, a call to ‘Ignite’ the industry’s future

At Goafest 2025, GroupM South Asia CEO Prasanth Kumar urged the industry to “ignite” innovation, collaboration, and transformation across marketing, technology, and creativity.

By  Storyboard18May 22, 2025 8:56 AM
At Goafest 2025, a call to ‘Ignite’ the industry’s future
Kumar highlighted that “Ignite” is not merely a thematic choice, but a directive, meant to push the boundaries of what marketing, technology and creativity can accomplish together.

Prasanth Kumar, Chief Executive of GroupM South Asia, formally opened the 2025 edition of Goafest on May 21, calling on industry leaders to embrace creativity, collaboration and meaningful dialogue under this year’s theme, “Ignite.”

“Goafest is more than a festival, it’s a movement,” Kumar said during his keynote address. “It’s about the connections we forge, the ideas we ignite, and the inspiration we carry forward to redefine the future of the industry.”

This year’s festival, which organizers say is among the most expansive in its nearly two-decade history, features more than 60 speakers across 20 sessions, along with over 15 masterclasses and a suite of panel discussions. Topics range from marketing and artificial intelligence to data strategy and narrative craft.

Kumar highlighted that “Ignite” is not merely a thematic choice, but a directive, meant to push the boundaries of what marketing, technology and creativity can accomplish together.

Reflecting on the festival’s growth since its founding in 2006, Kumar credited industry pioneers for establishing Goafest as a cornerstone of India’s advertising calendar. Its evolution, he said, is a testament to shared vision, persistence and innovation across the sector.

Among this year’s highlights is an expanded speaker lineup that includes business executives, technology innovators, marketing leaders, entertainment figures and athletes. The festival also introduces the Goafest Village, a new experiential zone aimed at fostering immersive learning and cross-sector networking beyond traditional conference settings.

Organizers say the 2025 edition has been curated with an emphasis on inclusion, transformation and inter-industry collaboration. Industry bodies including the IAA, ISA, IBDF, and ASCI have contributed to shaping the event’s agenda.

Kumar also acknowledged the collective effort behind the festival’s production, citing the leadership of Rana Barua, Chairman of the Advertising Club of India, along with committee members Jai Talwar and Mohit Joshi. He expressed gratitude to principal sponsors Amazon and Xplay, as well as partners from media, technology and production sectors.

Beyond the boardroom, this year’s program extends into wellness and culture. The new “Advertising Plays” initiative introduces a sports and fitness component, while the popular “Advertising Rocks” music showcase returns, rounding out what organizers describe as a “360-degree industry experience.”

“As we depart on Friday, it will not just be with memories, it will be with momentum,” Kumar said. “The ideas we nurture here will reshape the months and years ahead.

First Published on May 21, 2025 5:44 PM

More from Storyboard18

Advertising

WPP cuts profit, revenue outlook for 2025 as client spending slows amid tougher economy

WPP cuts profit, revenue outlook for 2025 as client spending slows amid tougher economy

Brand Marketing

YouTube cracks down on repetitive content: Monetisation only for original creators from July 15

YouTube cracks down on repetitive content: Monetisation only for original creators from July 15

How it Works

IFBA calls ‘No Palm Oil’ labels misleading, warns of nutritional misinformation and economic fallout

IFBA calls ‘No Palm Oil’ labels misleading, warns of nutritional misinformation and economic fallout

Advertising

Tips Music's adex rises 69%; music revenue accounted for Rs 310 crore in FY25

Tips Music's adex rises 69%; music revenue accounted for Rs 310 crore in FY25

Advertising

Aamir Khan reveals ‘Thanda Matlab Coca-Cola’ was Ashutosh Gowariker’s brainchild

Aamir Khan reveals ‘Thanda Matlab Coca-Cola’ was Ashutosh Gowariker’s brainchild

Brand Makers

Exclusive Break: JioStar's Sanjog Gupta to succeed Geoff Allardice as ICC CEO

Exclusive Break: JioStar's Sanjog Gupta to succeed Geoff Allardice as ICC CEO

Advertising

APAC dominates 49% of global OOH spend at $22.8bn: Report

APAC dominates 49% of global OOH spend at $22.8bn: Report

How it Works

$50 mn investment expected as Ministry of I&B eases TRP ratings restrictions

$50 mn investment expected as Ministry of I&B eases TRP ratings restrictions