With DesignThinkers 2011 wrapped and plans already underway for 2012, we are pleased to present a few thoughts that we have received from some of the attendees. We encourage you to add your comments and if you would like to contribute a longer blog entry, please email it to communications(at)rgdontario(dot)com.

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I am currently a graphic design student at Cambrian College in Sudbury. After attending the 2011 RGD studio open doors event and the DesignThinkers conference, I was inspired, encouraged, and filled yet again with the passion for art, design and communication that led me to choose this career. I have to say the thrill of being in such a vibrant city as Toronto and experiencing the presentations from industry professionals and innovators really demonstrates the personality behind all the amazing work I've seen. Each year I learn and take away something different from DesignThinkers. This year I was able to absorb twice as much on account of the studio open doors. 

I don't think I entirely understood RGD Ontario in my first two years of design school. This was because I wasn't fully aware of the challenges that graphic designers faced. However, from talking with design graduates and practising professionals also from viewing photos from past conferences and events, I've learned the importance of RGD Ontario. The initiative and responsibility that RGD Ontario has, as well as the helpful and enlightening staff and volunteers, make me feel as though anything is possible. The accreditation of Registered Graphic Designers or being any sort of member is an invitation to an exciting, professional and innovative way of life. 

I'd like to say thank you for this networking opportunity and tremendously encouraging conference. Thank you for all the hard work that went into putting on DesignThinkers this year. Thank you for visiting colleges and universities north of Toronto. Thank you for believing so strongly in the future of art and design. Thank you for caring about the little things. Thank you for making big things happen and thank you for taking the time to read this email.

Denver Dewar

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Thank you for providing an opportunity for me to be part of this year's Design Thinkers Conference – and for providing Monotype Imaging with an avenue to help support your organization. 

RGD is providing a valuable and important service to the graphic design community. It is an honor and a pleasure to be part of what you do. If I can help you meet your goals, in any way, in the future – please do not hesitate to call on me.

Allan Haley

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I just wanted to say thank you so much for the invitation to participate in DesignThinkers this year. I had a wonderful time — the fellow speakers, attendees and accommodations were all just fantastic. 

So congrats on a great event. I hope everything went as well as you anticipated! 

Craig Mod

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Thanks SOOO much for the opportunity to go to DesignThinkers yesterday. It was the BEST conference I’ve ever been to. I think it was due to the to the legends that presented. (It really made me feel ignorant that I didn’t know who designed the Mobil or Chase bank logo or 100’s of others I see on a daily basis.)

It was so inspiring! I’ve never been to a conference where every single speaker was amazing. It’s so much cooler to watch creatives, than business men! ;) Their perspective it so relatable!

Thanks again! Highly recommended!

Rachel

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I just wanted to say thank you for organizing another DesignThinkers conference. It was really awesome. I was very impressed on how reflective, philosophical and entertaining most of the speakers were. It was also quite nice to see many RGD friends that I had not seen for some time. 

Please pass along a sincere thank you to all the team – YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!!

And let's not forget the mantra of all mantras: "Bitch, I don't know your life".

Nicole Vallée R.G.D.

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Attending Design Thinkers this year, connecting with people, listening to what the guest speakers had to say, was truly inspiring. Also, I would like to mention that having the opportunity to meet Stanley Hainsworth was the most amazing experience of my life, so I want to thank you as well for the Scholarship program, and making this possible. Before I knew about the program, I couldn't even dream about meeting one of my idols in person.

Antonia Goga