Design Indaba named best conference in the world

Winners received their awards at the prestigious EIBTM Welcome Reception sponsored by Barcelona Convention Bureau, Catalonia Tourism and Turespana.

Speaking on receipt of the award, Ravi Naidoo, Managing Director of Interactive Africa and Founder of Design Indaba said that the Design Indaba competed against five international finalists for the Best Conference Award. "It has always been our intention to create a world class event - we are ambitious young South Africans that want to benchmark ourselves against the best in class. It's the new South African way.

"We are happy to accept this award - as a first for South Africa, and we reinforce our vision to make this event the leader in its category - almost the Cannes of the design world. We want designers and creative people to come to Cape Town - to make an annual pilgrimage to celebrate design - at the natural monument to design, Table Mountain."

Also attending EIBTM wah Nokhuthula Dube, CEO of Cape Town Routes Unlimited, who said, "Design Indaba is one of Cape Town and the Western Cape's premier events, and it is thrilling to see that they have been judged the best on an international stage. The award has showcased our destination to an extremely influential audience, and has put Cape Town and the Western Cape in very favourable light. Congratulations must go to Ravi Naidoo and the team at Interactive Africa."

The judging of the 2005 EIBTM Awards took place on 20 October in London. The international panel included consultants and suppliers from the incentive travel and meetings industry, together with editors of the supporting media partners who assembled from all over the world. These included Convegni, C&IT, Meetings International, Events Russia, Events Germany, MICE International, Spain Travel & Business, Business Travel Benelux and Voyages et Strategie.

The judging criteria looked out for outstanding events/campaigns, which are highly imaginative in concept and execution. Creativity, innovation, effectiveness and over-all delivery on the brief were the key factors which determined the judges' final decisions.

To find out more about the Design Indaba Conference and Expo or to attend the next event from 22 - 24 February 2006, visit www.designindaba.com, or email