And what a fest it was!
I held my speech yesterday as the Goan sun was setting into the sea. Not the best time to entertain an audience of 3000. And added to this, I was the last speaker in a line of great speakers that included the Chief Minister of Goa, Jon Wilkens and Kevin Swanepoel, president of The One Club who showed some of the most well-known work in the world. It was hot and you could hear the dj's outside gearing up for what was going to be an incredible evening.
But I gave it my best Frog shot. And here are some of the reviews:
Goa is not Cannes. It's Goa!
I LOVED IT.
Goafest has all the trappings of an Asian regional marketing conference and, if one wants to think big (which is a contagious way of thinking around these parts), I could easily see Goa become a global advertising, marketing and communications gathering in two years. Goafest will attract a new global marketing and advertising community thirsting for expanded horizons and a bigger world. An event that is world-class.
Goa is in India. Indians are an optimistic, gracious and warm people. Compared to Cannes - and everyone who's ever been there has a story about your classic rude French waiter or taxi driver - Goa is delightful, peaceful, and FUN! No pretentiousness here, just a lot of sand and barefoot elegance.
Goafest built an entire village on the beach for the throngs of professionals, students and journalists who've come down for the speeches and awards.
I announced that we will be opening StrawberryFrog India soon, like we did in Brazil (which is a great success for StrawberryFrog) and I met with very smart and very ambitious people who think Frog would do well here, and are excited about being part of this new innovative, fun and challenger brand venture. Stay tuned...
But getting back to Goa, it was for me a really unique experience. When I get back to NYC I'm planning to write a more in depth review of my experiences here for my American and European friends to enjoy.
In the meantime, enjoy these iPhone snaps from yesterday.
Wish me a safe flight home...
Comments