The premier gathering of interior design professionals, the World Interior Design Congress and 24^th General Assembly of the 65,000-strong International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) will be held from 6 – 11 November 2009 in Dubai.

With around 800 interior designers from 45 countries attending, the event will explore and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. ’¨’¨From the economic downturn in construction to future trends and building business, the six-day meet will tackle the federation’s objectives and into the future of the interior design industry. ’¨’¨

Featuring prominent speakers including pioneer of industrial, Ross Lovegrove (above), Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni and renowned industrial and product design expert, Sebastian Conran. Notable interior designers such as Japan’s Naoki Iijima, architect and urban conservationist Brinda Chinnappa Somaya from India and Bob Puccini, CEO of the Puccini Group in the US.

“Interior design has never been appreciated as a business necessity, more than it is today,” says Ken Laidler, President of the Association of Professional Interior Designers. “We’re delighted to host this important event, where opinion makers from the profession will share their insights into future trends and opportunities.”

“The event also features the two-day World Interior Design Congress, where speakers include leading international names in interior design.”’¨’¨

The IFI Congress will also include two interior design competitions one for professionals and one for students – who are being encouraged to attend the Congress, where they will have opportunities to discover the latest innovation and absorb expert opinions from experience professionals during workshops and master-classes throughout the event.

Visit ifi2009dubai.org for more information or click here to see the full program of speakers.

Win one of two passes to the IFI Congress! Get your entries in before 5pm Wednesday 21 October!

indesignlive.com is offering two lucky readers the chance to win one of two passes to the two-day Congress (worth $500 each).

If you’re based in Dubai or will be there on 10 – 11 November then simply click here and tell us in 15 words or less how the congress would help you as an Interior Designer. The two best entries will receive a two-day pass to the World Interior Design Congress*.

*Passes are non-transferable and include only the Congress pass (flights, accommodation etc. not included).

Naoki Iijima

Piero Lissoni