The property is conceptualised as a people-first initiative and is being managed by Havas Play. Goafest says 'Advertising Plays' introduces a fresh dimension to the festival with gender-neutral sports competitions, spontaneous gameplay opportunities and morning wellness sessions that encourage participation from delegates of all fitness levels.
The initiative features structured inter-agency competitions in table tennis and pickleball, with matches scheduled throughout the festival. These tournaments will culminate in awards that recognise both athletic achievement and team spirit, with winners earning not just trophies but year-long bragging rights, says the festival.
Mohit Joshi, Co-Chair of the Goafest 2025 Organising Committee and Chief Executive Officer of Havas Media Network India, says, "The connections that move our industry forward aren't always made in boardrooms or at award ceremonies. 'Advertising Plays' offers a space for professionals to engage beyond the usual format. It's a people-first initiative which will enable our industry to build more connections and collaborate in the longer run."
R Venkatasubramanian, COO of Havas Play India, says, "Goafest has long been a premier platform that unites the brightest minds in the world of advertising. In 2025, it takes a bold new leap by introducing 'Advertising Plays' — a dynamic initiative designed to elevate the spirit of friendly competition among industry professionals. 'Advertising Plays' is a unique sports and wellness programme created to celebrate camaraderie and community across agencies nationwide. Featuring a mix of light-hearted yet competitive, gender-neutral games such as Chess, Carrom, Darts, Net Cricket and Arm Wrestling, the event aims to channel the joy of play and the thrill of challenge. Modern, high-energy sports like Pickleball and Table Tennis add a competitive edge, encouraging participants to push boundaries and embrace teamwork. Meanwhile, curated wellness activities — such as Yoga by the Beach and the Beach Walkathon — offer delegates a chance to recharge, reconnect and realign with their inner selves. Let's play. Let's connect. Let's celebrate."
To set the tone for the day, 'Advertising Plays' will host daily wellness experiences that will be open to all delegates. Yoga by the Bay will offer a guided morning session designed to help participants reset, realign and start the day with clarity. For those looking for a gentler start, Beach Walkathon will provide a scenic, community-led walk along the shore, a space to connect, reflect and ease into the day's events, says the festival.
From friendly matches that bring out team spirit to wellness sessions that help everyone connect on a deeper level, A'dvertising Plays' offers a whole new way for the industry to unite, adds the festival.
The festival concludes that the 18th edition of South Asia's largest creative festival, Goafest 2025 will take place from Wednesday, 21 to Friday, 23 May at the Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and Horizon, Goa. Goafest is co-hosted by The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC).
For more information, visit www.goafest.com.
*Image courtesy of contributor