Thoughts on Design Indaba 2012

Design Indaba 2012 got raving reviews. Here are some of the highlights of what speakers and media had to say.

“One of the most stimulating design conferences today” – AXIS magazine (Japan), June 2012

“The best event of the year! I really enjoined every minute of it and I'm looking forward to the next versions.” - Hans Robertus, director Dutch Design Week, March 2012

“It really is the best-organised and most enthusiastic seminar I have ever been to, and arguably "the greatest show on earth." Bravo to you all!” – Lisa White, WGSN

“Each year the conference surpasses itself with the talent presented on stage and in the audience” – Cool Hunting (New York), February 2012

“Every year designers from around the globe gather in the scenic Cape Town for what is considered the best design conference: Design Indaba. 2012 was no exception” – Graphic Birdwatching (London), May 2012

It was a wonderful experience, and once again, completely inspirational. – Michelle Constant (MC), 2012

Thank you so much for the invitation, your hospitality was superb, and I had another great time at the Indaba. 

I felt my presentation went down very well – had over 500 tweets and retweets about it, all our books sold out in about 5 minutes (and you could have sold triple I’m sure) and the warm audience were really supportive and complimentary. And to a showoff like me, that's always a bonus!

Thanks so much for the opportunity – been asked to talk in Amsterdam and Moscow by audience members... And we even sold 2 tails! - Andrew Shoben, 2012

“I always come away feeling uniquely inspired after the conference” – Karen Day, Cool Hunting (New York), March 2012

“The annual Design Indaba conference brings the most innovative design practitioners from around the world to Cape Town, South Africa.” – Core77 (USA), March 2012

I suspect [Design Indaba] may be Cape Town's best argument as to why it deserves to be the World Design Capital.” – Michael Bierut (Pentagram Design), 2012

“Creativity doesn't happen in a vacuum. It's all about connections. Design Indaba makes connections that last, and those connections have the capacity to change the world.” – Michael Bierut (Pentagram Design), 2012

"Why would anyone go to TED if they could come here... Shhh it's the best kept secret out there."  - PSFK (USA), March 2012

I just wanted to extend my gratitude for a life-changing week in Cape Town. Thank you for the opportunity to present my work and for your incredible hospitality.  – Andy Chen, 2012

“Thank you for a truly wonderful week in Cape Town, it was fantastic to be treated like a VIP and enjoy the company of such a truly creative bunch. I am back in the office guns blazing and couldn’t be more excited to be involved in a creative industry. The response we have had has been fantastic. As nervous as I was going on to stage I realize if you don’t put yourself out there you never will really know. Please thank all of your amazing team who were always on hand to help out wherever they could. I have been coming to Design Indaba for a number of years and I can’t see my calendar without that glorious week in Feb book out for a very long time.” – Philippe van der Merwe (Tonic)

Watch the Trailer with Michael Bierut