AdFest adds sessions to supercharge your creative and business bravery
This year, ADFEST has put together a feast of sessions that range right across the spectrum, from things you need to know and things that are fascinating to know, to things whose knowing puts success closer than you might have dreamed possible. These two new sessions include a panel for those dreaming of owning, or selling, an indie, and an exploration of the humour that is giving Thai advertising a distinctive edge and irrepressible appeal.
THURSDAY 20 MARCH | 11.50-12.25
Buying and Selling an Commercial Collision!
Moderator: Rob Sherlock, Chairman, Yefira Group, Singapore
Panelists: George Kypraios, CEO, Yefira Group, Singapore
Randy Duax, Managing Director, Stagwell Asia Pacific, Singapore
Emma Daines, CEO, Founder & Executive Producer,
Fin Design + Effects, Sydney
Dissara Udomdej, Founder & CEO, Yell Bangkok, Bangkok
More independents are making their mark. But how do you build and sell and agency, harnessing capital raising and M&A to achieve growth ambitions?
This is powerful knowledge for agency owners and those who would be agency owners. An exciting panel discussion at ADFEST hosted by Rob Sherlock, will explore how creative entrepreneurship collides with the commercial reality of building and selling an agency. The panel will feature successful independent leaders, Randy Daux, MD of Stagwell Asia Pacific; Emma Daines, CEO of Fin Design + Effects; Khun Ohm, Founder & CEO of Yell Bangkok; and George Kypraios, CEO of Yefira Group.
The topics will include how to raise capital for growth and how to effectively be acquired or align with other companies.
Rob Sherlock is a globally experienced leader in advertising and creativity, with a proven background of cross-cultural change management and leading teams to create future-facing solutions. He is a past Global CEO and Chairman of ADK, one of Japan’s largest multinational agency networks. Prior that he was Chief Creative Officer at FCB in the USA & Asia for over 10 years. Currently, he is Chairman of Yefira Group, Chairman of The Crisp Group, Chair of Advisory Board DAIVID Emotional AI, Chairman of Exxovantage, Chair of ADFEST Advisory Board and Business Advisor to PalletEarth.
George Kypraios has been advising on mergers and acquisitions, growth capital and partnerships in branding, creative, marketing services and related technology since 2004. His focus is global, with Singapore as his base. He is a passionate entrepreneur who believes in strong relationships, integrity, and rolling up the sleeves to ensure clients’ success. Having worked in various international companies, George emphasises the importance of understanding the industries in which he operates and invests time in engaging with industry participants to bring parties together where there is strong chemistry and synergy.
Randy Duax oversees Stagwell’s Asia-Pacific operations and Regional HQ in Singapore. He joined Stagwell Global in 2016 as SVP, Talent and Recruiting, a role where he oversaw global recruitment operations across the portfolio. He was previously with WPP, where he most recently served as Talent Director of Asia Pacific and was responsible for senior executive recruitment across WPP’s company holdings and teams in Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney and Tokyo. Randy spent the first decade of his career in New York working for Koller Search Partners in 2004, the executive search firm of record for Harvard Business Review, Future PLC, The Daily Mail, and Bloomberg Media Studios, and was vital in building out the firm’s digital capabilities and transforming its client base.
Emma Daines, one of Australia’s most experienced VFX producers, founded Fin Design + Effects in Sydney 22 years ago and has been a significant pioneer of VFX producing in Australia. She is known for her innovative approach to extend and stimulating those around her to achieve excellence. She has expanded the Fin network to studios in Melbourne, Singapore, Shanghai, and Los Angeles, establishing Fin as one of the respected leading VFX companies in the world. Her vast industry experience, impressive wealth of knowledge and ability to manage teams to pursue ambitious creative results has enabled her to double her team to over 180 artists in just three years.
Dissara Udomdej, the founder of Yell, Thailand’s first agency network, began with a mission to create a space for bold ideas and innovative thinking. This commitment has guided Yell’s expansion from Bangkok to Singapore, Shanghai, and 4 prominent cities across Asia. The agency’s growth reflects his ability to blend cultural understanding with strategies that effectively connect with diverse markets. Dissara places great importance on building an organisation that delivers value while fostering growth for those around him. He embraces continuous learning, collaboration, and openness to new ideas, ensuring the industry evolves in a positive direction.
FRIDAY 21 MARCH | 16.50-17.25
The Surreal World: Why Comedy Is Thailand’s Secret Weapon
Moderator: Jamie Madge, Co-Editor, shots, London
Panelists: Thasorn Boonyanate, Chief Creative Officer, BBDO Bangkok, Bangkok and Wuthisak Anarnkaporn, Film Director & Founder, FACTORY 01, Bangkok
Thai comedic advertising is a realm where the bizarre meets the brilliant; creating campaigns that resonate far beyond their origins. In this session, moderated by shots’ Co-Editor, Jamie Madge, Thasorn Boonyanate, Chief Creative Officer at BBDO Bangkok; and celebrated director, Un Wuthisak Anarnkaporn, will explore the off-kilter essence of these globally adored ads. Through their unique lens, the duo will unravel how the distinctive blend of absurdity, wit, and cultural depth gives Thai advertising its edge, connecting with audiences, subverting tropes, and pushing the boundaries of storytelling. Prepare for an unforgettable deep dive into the strange, surreal, and wildly successful world of Thai comedy, where chaos fuels creativity.
Jamie Madge is the co-editor of shots, a source of insight and inspiration for the global advertising and creative industries. With a keen eye for craft and innovation, he helps shape the publication’s editorial direction, covering the most compelling work and industry trends. An experienced moderator and presenter, Jamie has hosted panel discussions and interviews at major industry events, including Cannes Lions, D&AD, and Ciclope and chaired conversations with some of the industry’s most respected filmmakers and creative leaders, as well as curating and presenting at shots’ own Out of the Box events.
Thasorn Boonyanate is celebrated for his innovative storytelling and award-winning campaigns. Thasorn has played a pivotal role in elevating Thai comedic advertising to global prominence. His work blends humour with cultural depth, challenging norms and connecting with diverse audiences. At BBDO, Thasorn fosters creative excellence while advocating for diversity and nurturing young talent. His unique perspective and dedication to impactful storytelling continue to inspire, making him a key voice in shaping the future of advertising.
Un, Wuthisak Anarnkaporn is a six-time International Grand Prix-winning film director and the founder of Asia’s leading production company, FACTORY 01. He has won Gold, Silver, and Bronze in the Film category at Cannes Lions for three different projects from three different countries within the same year.
As these sessions show, there is no experience better than being there. COLLiDE at ADFEST 2025, Thursday 20 to Saturday 22 March 2025 at PEACH, Royal Cliff Hotels Group in Pattaya, Thailand is open for delegate registrations. Collide with over 1,000 leading industry players, network with peers and celebrate the region’s culture and branded marketing creative excellence.
As well as star-studded speaker sessions, ADFEST 2025 offers workshops, mentoring programs, screenings and networking events, and is the region’s only original and most celebrated creative festival. The three-day event brings together the industry’s top minds, rising stars and most innovative ideas.
Find more information on all delegate fees and packages, here.
ADFEST is a not-for profit entity that believes passionately in its role to nurture and support the creative industry in the Asia Pacific and MENA region. It is 1 of 12 awards included in the Campaign Brief Asia Creative Rankings.