AdFest 2010, which was scheduled to take place in Thailand from March 18-20, 2010, has been postponed. The AdFest Working Committee is currently assessing alternative dates for the advertising event, which is likely to be rescheduled to take place in May 2010. The postponement follows news of a planned political rally in Thailand on March 14, which is expected to attract up to one million people to Bangkok.
“We are working hard to reschedule AdFest and should happen hopefully in late May 2010. We decided to postpone for two reasons, primarily for the safety of the delegates and secondly, to protect AdFest’s name,” said Vinit Suraphongchai, Chairman of the AdFest Working Committee.
“AdFest has a reputation as a fun, enjoyable and professionally-run event. If we opened on the original dates and events took a turn for the worse, the goodwill that has been built up over the years would be compromised. Ultimately, it is not the date that is so important. It is an AdFest that is well organised and one that delegates can go and enjoy with a peace of mind,” he added.
“We have been very touched by the kind support and concerned responses we have received from many of our friends in the region,” said Suraphongchai.
The AdFest Working Committee has also announced that the judging of The Intercontinental Advertising Cup 2009 will now take place in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from March 14-17, 2010. The Cup was originally scheduled to take place during AdFest 2010, with judges due to arrive in Thailand on March 13, and The Cup Awards ceremony taking place on March 18 in Pattaya, Thailand. However, due to the postponement of AdFest 2010 following unexpected political events in Thailand, it was decided to move The Cup to the alternative location in Sarajevo.