Cairns Crocodiles, presented by Pinterest, has launched an office in Mumbai, doubling down on its explosive growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
Cairns Crocodiles head honcho and Misfits Media (the business behind Cairns Crocodiles and B&T) co-founder David Hovenden said having eyes and ears on the ground in India marks a significant milestone for the business.
“Having just returned from Mumbai myself, I am thrilled to announce that we are planting roots in the region,” Hovenden said.
“Each time we go to India we are bowled over by the craft, the creativity and of course the hospitality!”
The new hub sees Sydney-based Bhavika Sharma, current B&T partnerships executive, promoted to general manager India of Cairns Crocodiles.
“I am thrilled to be returning to my family roots and making Mumbai my new home,” Sharma said.
“I can’t wait to connect with India’s incredible creative community and to make the 2026 festival even bigger and better.”
Sharma and Hovenden’s recent Mumbai trip featured an exclusive event at Soho House, attended by more than 40 senior executives from India’s creative sector. Attendees heard how the festival celebrates the full spectrum of industry excellence — from masterclasses and awards to networking sessions and high-profile keynote speakers.
Created in 2022 by The Misfits Media Company, the festival, which celebrates creativity across advertising, marketing and media, has steadily grown and evolved to become a landmark industry event.
Attracting more than 2,100 people in 2025, the event in Cairns, Queensland, features three days of content and masterclasses, as well as the Cairns Crocodiles Awards, The Hatchlings, speed mentoring and an unrivalled slew of bespoke networking opportunities.
From Mumbai to Singapore and Thailand to Japan, the Cairns Crocodiles team has been out and about across Asia Pacific on major tours of the region to learn more about the work, the people and the incredible brands and agencies powering the sector.
Speaking at Cairns Crocodiles this year, Mumbai-based founder of BrandMusiq, Rajeev Raja, brought the house down with his interactive session – as well as his live flute performance.
Not only will Raja be back at Cairns Crocodiles in 2026, but other talent on the slate includes Subhash Kamath, former CEO of BBH & Publicis Worldwide, India, who is now a leading brand consultant in the region.
Speaking at the Soho House event, and as reported on Mumbai-based B2B publication MediaBrief, Kamath and Raja explained how they were impressed by Cairns Crocodiles in 2025 and can’t wait to return.
“With Asia-Pacific driving both economic and creative growth, Cairns Crocodiles exists to celebrate the region’s talent and influence,” Hovenden added.
“Our festival was built in this region, for this region, and we’re committed to ensuring APAC creatives take centre stage in shaping the future of advertising, marketing and media.”
Growth in the Cairns Crocodiles team f0llows news that former B&T head of marketing Erin Green was promoted to Cairns Crocodiles GM. Green joins content director Pippa Chambers and Cairns Crocodiles Adviser Sparrow as the dedicated crew helping drive the festival’s rapid growth. Keen to submit a session for next year? Do it here.
With India now part of the festival’s growing APAC network, Cairns Crocodiles is set to make its 2026 edition the most inclusive and dynamic yet. Get your tickets here.
