FESTIVAL

What is ADFEST?

Founded in 1998, ADFEST is Asia’s only international creative festival. It is the ideal place for the creative industry to gather, network, exchange ideas, and be inspired. It is the annual event not to be missed to stay at the forefront of the rapidly changing creative, marketing, and production industries.

ADFEST not only raises the standard of creative excellence in the region, it also celebrates the uniqueness of local culture. It is a learning hub for the communication industry through showcasing of the region’s best creative works and inspiring content. It is also the perfect place to relax, learn, and meet new friends in the industry.

ADFEST is a non-profit-making 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 only 7 regional creative festivals included in the WARC 100 Creative Rankings, and 1 of only 12 festivals included in the Campaign Brief Asia Creative Rankings.

When & Where is it?

ADFEST 2025, under the theme “COLLiDE”, will be held Thursday 20^th – Saturday 22^nd March 2025 at the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH), Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Pattaya, Thailand.

Travel Tip: While Thailand is a warm tropical place, the festival venue is very well air-conditioned! So make sure you bring a jacket.

How far is Pattaya from Bangkok?

Pattaya is 160 km. from Bangkok, and it takes roughly 1.5 - 2 hrs. to get there from Bangkok though traffic in Thailand can be a little hard to predict.

How do I get there?

You can book your Transportation to Pattaya through our official service provider, SP Limousine. Please note that there are 2 airports in Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi Airport & Donmuang Airport, so be mindful when you make your transportation booking. Our supplier services both airports.

Will there be free internet access at the event venue?

Yes, there will be complimentary Wi-Fi internet in the PEACH festival venue.

AWARDS

What’s new for ADFEST 2025 Lotus Awards?

ADFEST adds a new Lotus category to its Lotus Awards line-up, the Creative Strategy Lotus. The ADFEST Lotus Awards line-up totals 22 Lotus categories that celebrate the region’s best creativity and craftsmanship.

The Creative Strategy Lotus awards creative problem solving with perceptive insights to devise a creative strategy that enhances that brand. It recognises the crucial roles strategic planning and creative solutions play in the success of a campaign

We have added more 21 new sub-categories throughout the lotus categories to reflect the fast-changing landscape of the brand communication and the creativity.

Expanding The Entertainment Lotus more Gaming and Sports categories to recognise the increasing involvement of gaming and sports in brand communications.

Revamping the Music & Sound sub-categories under the Film Craft Lotus to put more focus on the differentiation between the music used in the work.

Also Introducing the new sub-categories, Documentary & Series Film under the New Director Lotus.

What are the Lotus categories?

There are 22 Lotus Categories including:
Brand Experience Lotus Commerce Lotus Creative Strategy Lotus *NEW* Design Lotus Digital Craft Lotus Digital & Social Lotus Direct Lotus Effective Lotus Entertainment Lotus Film Craft Lotus Film Lotus INNOVA Lotus Lotus Roots Media Lotus Mobile Lotus New Director Lotus Outdoor Lotus PR Lotus Press Lotus Print & Outdoor Craft Lotus Radio & Audio Lotus Sustainable Lotus

How much are entry fees?

FEES BY LOTUS	EARLY BIRD RATE Invoice by 13th Dec 2024 Payment by 20th Dec 2024	REGULAR RATE Invoice by 10th Jan 2025 Payment by 17th Jan 2025	LATE FEE Invoice after 17th Jan 2025
Brand Experience Lotus Commerce Lotus Creative Strategy Lotus *NEW* Design Lotus Digital & Social Lotus Digital Craft Lotus Direct Lotus Effective Lotus Entertainment Lotus Film Craft Lotus Film Lotus Media Lotus Mobile Lotus New Director Lotus Outdoor Lotus PR Lotus Press Lotus Print & Outdoor Craft Lotus Radio & Audio Lotus Sustainable Lotus	THB15,500	THB17,500	THB19,500
INNOVA Lotus Lotus Roots	THB23,000	THB25,000	THB27,000
Film School (under New Director Lotus)	THB7,750	THB8,750	THB9,750

Note: All entry fees are inclusive of VAT 7%

When are the deadlines for entry submissions?

FOR ALL LOTUS CATEGORIES

FEES & DEADLINES	Entry Confirmation & Invoice Generation Deadline	Payment Deadline	Materials & Documents Deadline
Early Bird Rate	Friday 13th December 2024	Friday 20th December 20241	Friday 17th January 2025
Regular Rate	Friday 10th January 2025	Friday 17th January 20252

Early Bird Rate¹: If payment is not received by Friday 20^th December 2024, 11.59 pm BKK time (UTC+7), the Early Bird Rate invoice will be voided and a new invoice with the Regular Rate will be issued.
Regular Rate²:  If payment is not received by Friday 17^th January 2025, 11.59 pm BKK time (UTC+7), the Regular Rate invoice will be voided and a new invoice with late fees will be issued.

Who can submit works to ADFEST?

ADFEST is a regional festival so only works from companies with in Asia, the Pacific including Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East region are eligible.

How do I submit entries to ADFEST 2025?

Make sure you have read our Rules & Eligibility and Categories carefully before submitting your entries.

All entry details must be completed online. To submit: Go to www.ADFEST.com, in menu under “Awards”, select “Entry Submission”. You will be re-directed to an online entry submission system created by WebEnergy. Select the appropriate Lotus Category and complete the online submission.
Note: An entry can be pended for further revisions and additions of details until you click “Confirm” After you confirmed your entry submission, you can download the Entry Submission form and Entry Confirmation form from the Entry List & Payment. After you have submitted your payment details, the Invoice will be sent directly to your email and you can also download/print it out from the Payment Summary page. An Entry Summary containing all your entries submitted can be downloaded/printed from the Entry Summary page.
Note: Your entry is not complete until all required materials, and payment have been received.
IMPORTANT: Carefully check the credits you enter. If the work is a finalist or winner, As Credits are provided by the entrant and only credits submitted at the point of entry via the ADFEST entry site are used and cannot be changed retrospectively. Any requests for credit changes must be done in writing to Nat@ADFEST.com Entry credits CANNOT be revised after Friday 31^st January 2025. Any requests for changes are subject to the approval of the Organiser. A fee of THB 2,000 per request will be charged for each change including revisions for credit revisions, written submission and material replacements.

Why is my payment status “Processing” though I’ve already paid?

As ADFEST needs to verify the receipt of payment with our bank, your payment is likely in the process of being verified. Once payment is received and verified, our finance department will update your payment status to “Paid” and send you the Receipt for your payment.

How can I go back to the system to continue my payment?

To proceed to payment for your confirmed entries:
Login to your account Select “Payment Summary” Under “Action,” click “Pay” to proceed to the selected confirmed entries
If this fails, please logout and wait at least 15 minutes then login and try again. If this still fails, please contact Arunya@ADFEST.com for assistance.

Where are the Submission Form, Entry Confirmation Form, and Summary Form?

You can find these forms in the following sections of Entry Submission:
Submission Form from the Entry List & Payment Entry Confirmation Form from the Entry List & Payment Summary Form from the Entry Summary

Our work does not have a client, can we still submit?

Yes, you can. The work can be created as a self-promotion or internal communication campaign, for which you can be considered the client. In which case, please provide a verification letter in your company letterhead to state that the entry is part of your self-promotion or internal communication campaign.

Can my clients submit? If so, do they have to provide a Client Endorsement Letter?

Yes, clients are most welcome to submit entries. They can provide a verification letter in their letterhead to state that the entry is part of their communication campaign.

Where can I find the label?

ADFEST does not use labels. You must attach the Submission Form, Entry Confirmation Form and Summary Form along with your physical entry instead.

I need to revise some credits for my entry, how can I do so?

You can inform Nat@ADFEST.com to revise an entry’s credits. However, requests for credit revisions must be done by Friday 31^th January 2025 , after which, credits will remain as entered by the entrant. 

After 31^th January 2025, any requests for changes are subject to the approval of the Organiser. A fee of THB 2,000 per request will be charged for each change including revisions for credit revisions, written submission and material replacements.

I have changed my mind and want to withdraw my entry, can I get a refund?

No. Once the payment has been made and the entry has been processed, while you can withdraw your entry from being judged, the payment for the entry is non-refundable.

WHAT IS THE FABULOUS FIVE?

As one of the sub-categories under the New Director Lotus, Short Films by the Fabulous Five is a platform aimed to kickstart the careers of commercial directors in the Asia Pacific and Middle East. Launched in 2008 (as the Fabulous Four), the initiative has grown to receive close to 50 scripts from a dozen cities across the region.

Aspiring directors are invited to submit scripts (free of charge) for the chance to become one of the Fabulous Five New Directors. Juries of the New Director Lotus panel will vote for their favorite scripts to determine the identities of the Fabulous Five, who will be flown, accommodated, and take the stage and premiere their short films at ADFEST in Pattaya, Thailand

In addition, all Fabulous Five films will be automatically accepted for theYoung Director Award (YDA).

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

To be eligible, aspiring directors must meet the following criteria:
Entrants must be directors or assistant directors based in Asia and the Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand, and Middle East. Eligible Directors must have started their career after March 2023.
Note: No more than 2 years professional experience as a Director. Each eligible director can only submit one script. Scripts which might offend national or religious sentiments or public taste are not eligible.

HOW TO BECOME A FABULOUS FIVE?

Each entrant submits (free of charge) a script for a 5-minute short film inspired by the ADFEST 2025 theme, “COLLiDE” by Friday 3rd January 2025. If your script is one of the top five scripts as voted by ADFEST’s Film Craft Lotus & New Director Lotus jury, you will be asked to direct the short film of the submitted script and debut your film at ADFEST 2025, held Thursday 20th – Saturday 22nd March 2025 in Pattaya, Thailand. 
ADFEST will provide return economy airfare, ground transportation, accommodation, and full delegate registration for these 5 selected directors to attend ADFEST 2025 to debut and discuss their short films at the Fabulous Five session on Friday 21st March 2025.
To submit a script, click here .

DELEGATE REGISTRATION & FEES

How much are delegate fees & what’s included?

ADFEST 2025 offers only 3-day package for Full Delegate, Young Delegate, and Student.

PACKAGE/FEES EARLY BIRD RATE: By 15th January* REGULAR RATE: By 19th March** ON-SITE RATE: From 20th March Full Delegate THB 37,000 THB 39,000 THB 41,000 Young Delegate (must be 28 y.o. or younger i.e. born after 22nd March 1996) THB 27,000 THB 29,000 THB 31,000 Student (must be a full -time student at an academic institution) THB 17,000 THB 19,000 THB 21,000 Note: All delegate fees are inclusive of VAT 7% *Early Bird Rate effective until Wednesday 15th January 11.59 pm BKK time (UTC+7)  **Regular Rate effective until Wednesday 19th March 11.59 pm BKK time (UTC+7) All ADFEST Delegate Packages include: Access to all ADFEST functions including seminars, breakout sessions, exhibitions, and screenings during Thursday 20th - Saturday 22nd March Lunches & coffee breaks on Thursday 20th - Saturday 22nd March Welcome Party on Thursday 20th March After Party on Saturday 22nd March Award presentations on Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd March Festival Kit Access to ADFEST Connect, networking tool for attending delegates only Access to the online speaker sessions showcase after the festival Spa Discount Offer 10% @ Cliff Spa, Royal Cliff Hotels Group Are there 1-day or passes for the award ceremonies only? No, there is only one package for the full 3-day festival pass. Are there networking passes only for the parties? Yes, for the first time, ADFEST now offers Networking Passes that allow access to either the Welcome Party, After Party, or better yet, both parties. For more information, please contact Noi@ADFEST.com NETWORKING PASS*** FEES WELCOME PARTY: Thursday 20th March THB 6,000 AFTER PARTY: Saturday 22nd March THB 8,000 WELCOME PARTY & AFTER PARTY:Thursday 20th March & Saturday 22nd March THB 12,000

How do I register?

To register as a delegate, complete the online in Delegate Registration. Delegate registration is not completed until full payment is received & verified by ADFEST. You will receive a confirmation email with your Delegate Number.

PAYMENT

What methods of payment are accepted?

We accept the following payment methods:
International Bank Transfer (subject to THB 300 additional charge for overseas bank transfer) Credit Card (subject to 3.2% additional charge) Cheque/Bank Transfer for Domestic Payment ( Thailand Only)

How can I get the Delegate Pass?

If you are a registered delegate, upon arrival at Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH), Royal Cliff Hotels Group, proceed to the ADFEST Registration Counter and present your Confirmation to collect your badge. You can pick up your festival kit at the Information Counter A on the 2^nd floor.

When does the delegate registration desk open?

Upon your arrival at the PEACH, you can collect your badge at the registration counter on the ground floor during the following times:

Wednesday* 19th March 2025	8.00 am - 6.00 pm
Thursday 20th March 2025	8.00 am - 8.00 pm
Friday 21st March 2025	8.00 am - 6.00 pm
Saturday 22nd March 2025	8.00 am - 6.00 pm
*Wednesday 19th March is for badge pick-up only. The festival will commence on Thursday 20th March.

Is my delegate pass refundable or transferable?

Yes, depending on when you cancel, you may be entitled to a refund. Below are our cancellation and refund policies.

Is there preferred accommodation I can book?

Our official hotel's satellite for ADFEST 2025, offers an exclusive deal for ADFEST delegates. Please see the Accommodation.
*Please note that ADFEST only books your accommodation on your behalf, and the hotel will contact you directly for confirmation and payment details.
*Delegate is responsible for any hotel cancellation fees directly with the hotel.

ADFEST CONNECT

What is ADFEST Connect?

ADFEST Connect is the perfect networking tool that not only allows you to search for ADFEST 2025 attendants and connect with them. ADFEST Connect offers great network expansion opportunities, so use it to see who’s coming, set-up meetings, and make the most of our time at ADFEST.

How do I access ADFEST Connect?

ADFEST Connect will be launched in February 2025. If you are a registered delegate, you will receive a notification email to inform you when ADFEST Connect is launched.

Do I need to create an ADFEST Account to access ADFEST Connect?

No, you do not need to create an ADFEST account to access ADFEST Connect. You only need to be a confirmed delegate.

Who will be shown in the ADFEST Connect Listing?

All confirmed delegates will be shown in the listing. However, while you will see names of delegates who have selected not to join ADFEST Connect, you will not be able to send them messages.

How do I send a message to a delegate?

Click the email icon next to the delegate’s name and a pop-up window to be shown to enter your message. If the email icon is not shown, that delegate has selected not to join ADFEST Connect so you will not be able to send a message.
Please note that ADFEST Connect is just a networking tool, and does not guarantee responses from the delegate. ADFEST is not liable if the delegate does not reply.

How do I contact a delegate that has no email icon?

If the email icon is not shown, that delegate has selected not to join ADFEST Connect. ADFEST cannot disclose contact details without the delegate’s permission, so unless the delegate has selected to join ADFEST Connect, you cannot send the delegate a message.

How much of my details will be made public?

Only your name, position, company, city, and country will be shown publicly.

Your email will not be made public even if you have selected to join ADFEST Connect. Other delegates will only see the email icon and your name when they send you messages, but never your email address.

However, if you reply to a delegate’s email, you have agreed to share your email address with the delegate.

If I have not joined ADFEST Connect, will my details be shown?

Yes, your name, position, company, city, and country will still be shown, but other delegates cannot send you messages.

If I have not joined ADFEST Connect, can I still search for delegates and send them messages?

No, to be able to search and send messages to other delegates, you have to join ADFEST Connect.

How can I change my ADFEST Connect Preference?

To change your ADFEST Connect preference selection, login to ADFEST Connect and go to Profile & Setting. Under Setting you can change your preference to join or remove yourself from ADFEST Connect.

Does ADFEST Connect store messages in the system?

No, ADFEST Connect will send messages directly to delegates’ email addresses and any following correspondences will be between delegates directly through emails.

Can I send myself a copy of the email?

ADFEST Connect will automatically send you a copy of the email to send to a delegate.

PROGRAM

I can’t find any information on the program & speakers?

The ADFEST 2025 program will be announced in January 2025. Please stay tuned.

YOUNG LOTUS WORKSHOP

Who is eligible to become a Young Lotus?

Each Participant must be aged 30 or younger (born after March 1994), and the creative team (of 2 participants) must be selected through ADFEST official local representatives. Participants must be able to communicate in English as the workshop is conducted in English and no translation will be provided. Previous participants of the workshop cannot participate again.

I’m interested in taking part in the Young Lotus Workshop, how do I go about it?

Young Lotus Creative teams are sent by official local representatives of ADFEST. Currently, ADFEST has representatives in the following markets.

You can contact your local representative directly or contact YoungLotus@ADFEST.com for additional inquiries.

SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS

I’m interested in sponsorship opportunities or being an exhibitor. Who do I contact?

For sponsorship opportunities, download our Sponsorship Packages. Packages can also be customised to better suit your requirements.

If you are a production-related company, the Production Hut offers you the perfect opportunity to showcase your company and make new connections!

For inquiries, please contact Zine@ADFEST.com.

PRESS

I’m a member of the press, how do I request to be on the press list or apply for a press pass?

To receive press privileges, you must first be an accredited member of the press. To do so, you can accredit yourself as a press member online at Press Accreditation. An accreditation request does not guarantee accreditation. If approved as an accredited press member:
You will be added to the press list and receive ADFEST official press releases Your accredited publication is eligible to send one representative for the complimentary press pass to attend ADFEST to cover functions, sessions, and winners at ADFEST
For inquiries on press matters, please contact PR@ADFEST.com.

YOUNG LOTUS WORKSHOP

Who is eligible to become a Young Lotus?
Each Participant must be aged 33 or younger* (born after March 1989), and the creative team (of 2 participants) must be selected through ADFEST official local representatives. Participants must be able to communicate in English as the workshop is conducted in English and no translation will be provided. Previous participants of the workshop cannot participate again.
*For ADFEST 2023 only due to the cancellation of ADFEST 2020-2022

I’m interested in taking part in the Young Lotus Workshop, how do I go about it?
Young Lotus Creative teams are sent by local representatives of ADFEST. Currently, ADFEST has representatives in the following markets:


You can contact your local representative directly if you are interested or contact YoungLotus@ADFEST.com if you have any questions.