As the largest festival and live awards programme for the global architecture community, the 2013 World Architecture Festival (WAF) has already attracted over 300 entries and architecture and design practices from around the world.

For a program as big as the WAF, three days of schmoozing, debate, discussion, exhibitions and of course, celebrations are to be expected. But, we understand that some of you might need some convincing, and so does the WAF, who has given us 10 reasons why this event should not be missed:

1. WAF can help to broaden your horizons and your contacts book - exchange ideas with over 1,750 architects representing more than 60 countries.

2. Be inspired by this year's most exciting global projects - hear directly from all 301 shortlisted WAF awards entrants with three days of live crits.

“WAF is the best in terms of breadth and depth of architects. Mostly you don't get a meeting of world architects, but here you do. It's the number one”

Charles Jenks, Architect, Lecture and Author

3. Speak to influential global clients who are looking to meet their next architect in WAF’s focussed forums.

4. Keep up to date with keynote talks from today’s most innovative and influential thinkers, such as Dietmar Eberle, Charles Jencks and Jeanne Gang. The full list of speakers can be found here.

5. See all of WAF's 2012 entries in our awards gallery, compare what went through, what didn't, and find out what's going on outside of your practice today.

“At WAF you have serious discussions about architecture and start to see where we’re going to be in the future. It’s that dialogue face to face, with people that are doing amazing things that makes this one of the most important things that happens in architecture each year.”

Michael Heenan, Principal – Allen Jack + Cottier Architects

6. Connect with potential partners and clients at the parties, tours, the WAF bar, the WAF gala dinner

7. Make links with the people you want to meet before, during and after the festival through WAF's online communities on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

8. Look ahead to the future of global architecture with the leading voices from the industry presenting in WAF's in-depth and thought-provoking seminar programme.

9. Raise your profile, meet and network with the world's leading architectural and mainstream press. WAF’s media partners include The Architectural Review, Dezeen, designboom and ArchDaily.

10. Seize your only opportunity to meet your peers, clients, critics, press and suppliers from around the world. Strengthen your understanding, your work and your future prospects.

“WAF sponsorship offered us the ideal opportunity to fulfill our aim of increasing awareness with architects and it has delivered in the best possible way. The quality and range of attendees met our highest expectations. The content and atmosphere throughout the festival was world class."

- Gareth Davies, Managing Director - Keim Paints, UK

The 2013 WAF will be held in Singapore from 2-4 October 2013 at the Marina Bay Sands Resort, which was designed by Moshe Safdie and completed in 2011.

51 Australian projects have been shortlisted and will be presenting at the awards. To find out more or register, please visit www.worldarchitecturefestival.com.

Images: www.worldarchitecturefestival.com