Design Indaba Expo - bigger than ever

Already 244 exhibitors have confirmed with 57 new exhibitors and 20% more floor space secured. “With all the excitement around the 2010 year, exhibitors have signed up enthusiastically and are optimistic about South Africa being in the world's eye,” says Mike Purdham, manager of the expo.

The market has also responded with 150 buyers, including over 60 internationals, already having pre-registered for the dedicated trade previews. “Buyers and source agents have expressed their particular interest in unique South African merchandise in light of the media prominence our country will have this year,” explains Caryn van Rooyen, buyer liaison of the expo.

One of the fastest growing shows in the country, it hosted some 29 000 visitors, 260 exhibitors and 350 buyers in 2009. In an external economic impact assessment, conducted by the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business, the total contribution to the GDP by the 2009 Design Indaba was estimated at R191.9-million. Business orders of R113.1-million make the most significant contribution.

Extra activities

The floor will again include an arena with all-day fashion shows, a film festival, a designer bar and Pecha Kucha presentations by leading South African creatives. For the first time, it has also curated a dedicated programme for kids, as well as an all-new creative food component. Visitors will again be invited to vote for the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa.

In line with all the hype around 2010, the Design Indaba Expo will also host the announcement of the “national creative team.” Celebrating the innate creativity in the country, its Let It Out campaign has asked every South African from every lifestyle and every age to express their creativity online for the past two months. The top 11 South African creatives will be appointed as the “national creative team.” There's still time to enter until 31 January 2010 at www.designindaba.com/superstars.

Expo supporters

Various partners and associates add to the success of the event - BizCommunity is a media partner, the City of Cape Town is a development partner and Interactive Africa produces it. Other supporters and suppliers include Woolworths, ABSA, DSTV, Grolsch, Jupiter Drawing Room, SAPPI, South African Tourism, Chaywa, One & Only. Associates include Nampak, Anglo Platinum, Cape Town Partnership and Paarl Media.