Morning Roundtables

Roundtables are your chance to connect with other creatives in a small group setting and discuss topics that are relevant and interesting to you. Come ready to participate in the conversation. Cost: $10, unless otherwise noted.

Confirmed topics:

The gentle art of feedback: How to give it and get it
Moderators (2 tables): Kyle Schruder RGD & Carla Thibodeau RGD
Giving feedback can be difficult, especially when it’s not always glowing but receiving it can be equally so. It works both ways and to do it well requires shared respect and recognition of a common goal. We’ll share stories of giving and getting feedback, both good and bad, and its effect on our work and ourselves.

Beyond numbers: Proving the value of design(ers)
Moderator: Stacey DeRaadt RGD
How do we move the conversation beyond productivity metrics to recognize influence, strategy, and long-term impact? Let’s explore how designers can advocate for the value of design — not just as a service function, but as a critical force in business, innovation, and culture.

The role of typography in branding: How font choices impact brand perception and readability
Moderator: Wendy Tabor RGD
Typography is a crucial element in branding, acting as part of the visual voice of a brand and significantly influencing how it is perceived. It’s not just about choosing a font – effective typography enhances brand recognition, reinforces messaging, enhances readability and user experience, and fosters emotional connections with consumers.

Designing for brand identity
Moderated by Matt deAbreu RGD
Brand identity goes beyond guidelines — it’s about protecting the values behind the visuals and shaping how people feel about the brand when they’re not directly engaging with it. Like any relationship, trust and consistency matter. Join us for a caffeine-fueled conversation on how to keep that integrity intact as brands grow, adapt, and show up in new ways.

Rebranding in the modern era: Discussing the challenges and opportunities of rebranding in a dynamic market
Moderator: Melissa Wagler RGD
How do you navigate a rebrand when trends shift overnight and audiences expect authenticity and innovation? This roundtable is a chance for designers to share real-world experiences, lessons learned, and fresh perspectives on rebranding in today’s dynamic market. Let’s talk about what works, what doesn’t, and how to make a rebrand feel meaningful, not just modern.

Future-proofing your design career: Skills for the next decade
Moderated by Emma Segal RGD
Designers are anticipatory by nature – both responding to what people want and need, and in turn influencing their behaviours and desires before they even know it themselves. Add to this the shifting environmental, regulatory and social pressures to produce more sustainable, ethical and life-centered products and services. The skills designers need for the next decade are a level beyond the skills of the past decade. Let’s talk about what’s missing, what’s needed, and how we get there to future-proof not only your career, but the products and services you put out into the world and their associated impacts.

The rise of the “ugly”: Why ugly design is winning in 2025
Moderated by Amanda DeVries RGD
“The Rise of the ‘Ugly’” looks at why bold, messy, and imperfect design is becoming so popular in 2025. In this roundtable, we’ll talk about what’s driving this trend, why people are drawn to it, and how it’s changing the way we think about branding and design.

AMA: Let’s Talk RGD Certification
Moderated by Mike Scott RGD
Curious about what it really means to be a Certified RGD? Not sure what to expect from the portfolio review or the written test? Wondering if it’s worth the effort—or how it might shape your career? This roundtable is your chance to bring your questions about any part of the process, hear how certification has impacted my own path and learn about the unexpected opportunities that come with those three little letters.

Group Mentoring (for Students & Associate Members – $5): What design studios look for in a portfolio
Join Jacob Sharrard RGD, Co-founder for the creative practice Significant Other, as she shares advice for what studios, like his, look for in portfolios when considering potential interns and employees. Bring your questions and get tips to help prepare you for your job search.

Contact [email protected] if you would like to moderate a roundtable or have suggestions for topics.