The event, now in its fourth year, is billed as the world’s first ‘on-offline convergence advertising festival’. The jury, chaired by former WPP global creative director Neil French, consists of 105 judges from 39 countries.
A total of 1,267 entries were shortlisted for the final rounds of judging. These include submissions from Europe, North and South America and Africa, in addition to Asia.
The theme of the festival will be the future of advertising. Speakers will include Graham Kelly, consultant at OgilvyOne India; Johan Vadkidis, ECD of AKQA Shanghai; Usagi Ishii, creative director at Hakuhodo; and Glenn Bartlett, senior creative director at I&S BBDO, among others.
Parallel to the main event will be the Young Ad Stars competition, which invites the participation of university students from around the world. Ad screenings and concert performances will be held on Friday as part of the event’s ‘Beach Ad Night’.
The festival will run until 27 August.