Goafest, South Asia’s largest advertising and media festival, has announced a strategic partnership with D&AD, the global authority on design and advertising excellence, to introduce skill development masterclasses at its 17th edition.

This collaboration aims to enhance creative skills, inspire innovation, and provide strategic insights to attendees, the company said in a press release.

This year, Goafest emphasizes skill development, creative excellence, and industry knowledge enhancement. The inclusion of three D&AD Masterclasses will elevate the festival, bringing together two titans of the creative world on a single stage.

These masterclasses, themed ‘The Age of Adaptability’, are designed to offer actionable strategies and transformative ideas to redefine the industry landscape.

The first Masterclass, ‘Trend Immersion Workshop,’ will help attendees identify emerging trends and differentiate them from fads, driving innovation and fresh thinking.

The second workshop, ‘Unlock Award Winning Ideas,’ will provide insights on creating impactful, award-winning work and campaigns, including D&AD Pencil winners.

The third Masterclass, ‘Unpacking Brand Iconicity,’ will explore how brands use iconic elements of their identity and provide tips for developing a brand story. Each session is curated to educate through real-world insights and practical applications.

Jaideep Gandhi, Chairperson of Goafest 2024, commented, “At Goafest, our vision has always been to push boundaries and redefine the standards of creativity. This partnership with D&AD is a testament to our dedication to providing unparalleled learning opportunities and empowering attendees with skills and ideas that will shape the future of the creative industry.”

Jo Jackson, CEO of D&AD, added, “We are thrilled to bring our D&AD Masterclasses to Goafest 2024 to celebrate and advance creative excellence. We share goals to foster diverse talent, drive innovation, and propel the creative industry forward to shape the future leaders of our industry.”

Goafest 2024, in collaboration with D&AD Masterclasses, invites industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts to celebrate creativity, innovation, and excellence, charting a new course for the future of advertising and media, and leaving an indelible mark on the global creative landscape.