Google is stepping into the creative arena in a big way by hosting the 2026 Young Lotus Workshop at the prestigious ADFEST event in Pattaya, Thailand. For the first time in its history, a global tech giant is taking the lead, introducing the theme “Unbound: Human + Creativity with YouTube” — a powerful call to redefine how creativity and technology co-exist.
The three-day workshop — running from March 17 to March 19, 2026 — brings together emerging advertising and communication professionals aged 30 and under from across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions to learn, experiment, and reimagine the future of creative work. Participants are selected by local industry representatives and given hands-on mentorship, challenging briefs, and just 24 hours to deliver creative solutions that push boundaries.
At the heart of this year’s program is Geia Lopez, Head of Creative and Creator Partnerships at Google Southeast Asia, who will chair the workshop. Lopez’s leadership underscores Google’s investment in tapping into the next generation’s creative potential — especially where storytelling meets technology such as AI and the broader YouTube ecosystem.
Young creatives will immerse in a series of lectures, mentoring sessions, and live creative tasks designed to stretch their thinking beyond traditional advertising. The experience culminates on March 21, when top teams present their work live on the ADFEST stage — with winners determined both by expert judges and a popular vote.
This unique fusion of tech, creativity, and youthful energy sets the stage for a new chapter in creative education — one where human imagination is empowered by digital tools, and the next wave of talent emerges ready to shape culture, brands, and the business of ideas.
