More than an awards event, Loeries Creative Week aims to create a meeting point for the ideas, conversations and relationships that move the creative industry forward.
It aims to combines the recognition of outstanding work with opportunities to learn from leading creative thinkers, encounter new talent and examine how creativity is responding to changing cultural, commercial and technological realities, says the awards.
The week will culminate in the Loerie Awards on Thursday, 8 October and Friday, 9 October.
The 2026 edition returns to the City of Cape Town, which will once again provide the setting for judging, learning, industry exchange and celebration. With its concentration of agencies, production companies, design businesses, educational institutions and cultural organisations, Cape Town can give delegates direct access to the active creative economy, says the awards.
Loeries Creative Week will host numerous creative events including the Loeries International Seminar of Creativity, where more than a dozen speakers from around the world will aim to share creative insights and inspiration. Additionally attendees will have to opportunity to experience the MasterClasses, the Loeries Expo and the Loeries Official Afterparty to be held at Cabo Beach Club, says the awards.
"Loeries Creative Week is constantly innovating and this year will provide another opportunity for the industry to not only experience a wide range of events but also access to the latest thinking on how to create breakthrough work," says Preetesh Sewraj, CEO of the Loeries. "We will also be bringing some legends of the global communications industry to Cape Town, including Susan Credle, from the United States and Dörte Spengler-Ahrens, from Germany."
This year will also introduce changes to the Loeries award categories, aimed at reflecting the continued evolution of creative practice and the need to recognise both the thinking behind the work and the new talent shaping its future, says the awards.
The new Creative Strategy category has been created with the aim to celebrate the ideas and strategic thinking that enable outstanding creative work. It will recognise the role that insight, problem-solving and clear strategic direction play in producing ideas that connect with audiences and deliver meaningful impact, adds the awards.
The Young Directors Award, another new addition for 2026, will aim to create an opportunity to recognise emerging film Directors from across Africa and the Middle East. By placing young directors within one of the region's creative awards platform, the category is intended to give new filmmaking voices greater visibility and strengthen pathways into the wider industry, says the awards.
The Audio and Radio category has also been expanded to include new subcategories, acknowledging the growing range of ways in which audio is being used across broadcasting, digital platforms, branded content and emerging formats, adds the awards.
Together, the changes aim to underline the Loeries' role not only in recognising established excellence, but in continually examining where creativity is moving and who should be brought into the conversation.
"The City of Cape Town is a truly global city which is why attendees from across Africa and the Middle East feel at home to celebrate their work, perspectives and talent during Loeries Creative Week," concludes Leonora de Souza-Zilwa, Director of Film and Events for The City of Cape Town. "We are such proud hosts of The Loeries and look forward to welcoming everyone to The City in October."
For more information, visit www.loeries.com. You can also follow the Loeries on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor