Goafest confirms dates for 19th edition

The 2026 event will once again host the ABBY Awards Powered by One Show 2026, which the organisers call the region’s most coveted creative accolades.

Srinivasan K Swamy, president of the AAAI, positioned the festival as a catalyst for future-proofing the industry. “Goafest has always been a melting pot of ideas, creativity, and camaraderie. We aim to spark new conversations, fresh perspectives, and fuel the future of advertising and marketing,” he said, emphasising the event's role in convening the industry for meaningful dialogue.

Dheeraj Sinha, the president of The Advertising Club, highlighted the awards’ continuous drive to raise creative standards. He noted that the ABBY Awards, now in its 57th year, continue to push boundaries and set new creative benchmarks.

The focus on continuity and expansion was echoed by the organising committee. Jaideep Gandhi, the vice president of AAAI and the chairman of the Goafest 2026 Organising Committee, described the event as a “legacy we are privileged to carry forward,” calling it a unifying force for various industry associations.1

Meanwhile, Mohit Joshi, the co-chair of the Organising Committee and chief executive officer of Havas Media India, indicated a push for greater impact and scale. “This year Goafest will be more impactful than ever before,” he stated. Joshi confirmed plans to introduce new formats, immersive engagements, and high-calibre discussions, intending to “redefine the way our industry comes together to learn, collaborate, and celebrate”.

The festival draws over 2,000 industry professionals annually.