Goafest, unfiltered—with the young guns

From TED Talk vibes and ad conversations to dance floors and creative chaos, young industry talents sum up what Goafest really looks/feels like

by e4m Staff
Published: May 20, 2026 6:34 PM | 2 min read

Goafest is an annual festival that serves as a blend of learning, networking, and celebration for the advertising industry, held in Goa.
Attendees describe it as a mix of an awards show and a creative conference, featuring discussions on advertising trends and campaigns during the day, followed by social events at night.
Emerging industry talents characterize Goafest as both an exhausting and exhilarating experience, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity for meaningful conversations with industry leaders.
The festival is likened to major cultural events, with comparisons made to the Filmfare Awards and Coachella, emphasizing its significance in the advertising community.

Goafest is a showcase where advertising briefly stops pretending to be serious. Equal parts learning ground, networking marathon, awards show, and after-hours social experiment, the festival means something different to everyone attending it. As part of our Young Guns coverage, we asked emerging industry talents one simple question: If you had to explain Goafest to someone outside the industry, what would you say? The answers were exactly what you’d expect from ad folk: sharp, self-aware, dramatic, and just a little chaotic.

Nikkita Teckchandani, Conceptualiser, Madison Media said, “Think of it as the Filmfare Awards… but for advertising people, where the celebrities are creative directors walking out with trophies. By day, it’s all TED Talk vibes, big campaign conversations, and strong opinions on ads and taglines. By night… everyone suddenly remembers why the fest had to be in Goa.”

Kanthi P S, Creative Director, Art, Social Beat said, “Goafest is such an exhausting affair. It delivers ad-lightenment without the peepul tree. Who would even want sun, sea, and some of the sharpest minds in advertising under one roof? The fun, frolic, and dangerously good conversations with people who have shaped Indian advertising? Utterly draining. Save yourself. Don’t go.”

Nandini Bisht, Assistant Manager, Creative Strategy, Tribes Communication said, “Goafest feels like the ultimate playground for creativity. It’s where ideas, people, music, stories, and experiences from across the industry come together in one vibrant space. From inspiring conversations and learning from some of the best minds, to the fun, games, dance, and unforgettable moments, it’s an experience that perfectly blends passion with celebration. I’m incredibly grateful to my leadership team for this opportunity and truly excited to soak in all the energy, inspiration, and creativity that Goafest brings!”

Muskan Panjwani, Graphic Designer, Madison World said, “Goafest is the Coachella of marketers, where India’s entire advertising and creative industry collectively says, 'Let’s brainstorm… but in Goa.' By day, its creative legends discussing campaigns, culture, and the future of advertising. And by night, the networking gets a lot more hydrated. Officially, it’s a three-day fest in Goa. Unofficially, nobody in advertising believes in a short Goa trip.”

- Compiled by Anaum Shaikh