Art Director, Information Officer for the ADO, Tom attended the very first DesignThinkers in Toronto in 2000, and he’s attended every single conference since! We spoke with Tom about how the conference has changed over the years, and what keeps him coming back 20+ years later.

You first attended DesignThinkers in 2000! Where were you in your career at that time?

By 2000 I had 14–15 years of experience, but no career development since college. Computers were starting to take over the industry like a wild fire and changing everything about the industry.

The design industry and the profession has changed a lot since 2000. How have you seen these changes reflected over the years at the conference?

RGD recognized this critical distinction and redirected its focus to developing our profession as a business first and helped us realize that digital technology needed to follow, not form, the direction of our creativity.

Do you have a favourite memory/speaker/session from DesignThinkers?

I’ve really loved seeing some of my design idols presenting, as well as being introduced to new ones.

You’ve attended every DesignThinkers conference since its inception. What keeps you coming back year after year?

The desire and need to continue learning keeps me coming back to DesignThinkers.

What would you say to someone considering attending for the first time?

This is one of the few things I’d say you can’t afford to miss, if you are serious about being a communications professional – regardless if you’re a student or seasoned professional.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s conference?

Definitely the in-person aspect this year is very exciting for me for 2022. Even though I’ll probably wear a mask.

Jennifer Taback RGD and Meggan Van Harten RGD, Co-Founders of Design de Plume Inc., have been attending DesignThinkers since they were students. Now running their own firm, they not only continue to attend the conference, but they also bring numerous members of their Sudbury-based team.

We spoke with Jenn (L) and Meggan (R) about why they prioritize attending DesignThinkers with their staff.

As a firm owner, why do you invest in this opportunity for your team?

Jenn: I’ve found so much of value at the conference, all the way from being a student to a firm owner. I want my team to experience the same information, excitement and inspiration I have on their own creative journeys. There is nowhere else I can find such broadly informative sessions for all levels of my staff.

What is the make-up of your team that attends?

Jenn: It varies by year; this year the team is a bit smaller, but we usually have 2 to 3 graphic designers and 3 firm owners (Jenn and Meggan co-own Design de Plume with Mélissa Deschênes RGD, above centre).

Meggan: We offer the conference to not only design staff, but also project managers and developers. Team empathy is very important for laying down trust and if everyone is exposed to new ideas and ways of thinking, it can only further team trust.

How has it been valuable for your team to attend as a group?

Jenn: Having a shared experience where we can cover different ground and come together to chat about how those ideas might impact our own work is so valuable to us. Even hearing the same talk, each member of the team takes away something different, and it’s really exciting to develop those different perspectives.

What keeps you coming back year after year?

Jenn: The variety of speakers, the great topics, and the amazing amount of energy that’s contained for a brief moment during the conference. It is one of my favourite times of the year!

Meggan: Being able to connect with the design community at large and seeing the growth of the industry on a large scale.

What would you say to a firm owner who might be interested in bringing their team?

Jenn: Make it a fun team trip, spend the day learning and soaking in ideas and have a great dinner to chat about where everyone’s thoughts are at afterwards!

If you could sum up the experience of attending DesignThinkers with your team in one word, what would it be?

Jenn: Renewing.

Invest in your team’s learning at DesignThinkers Toronto. Groups of 3+ people can register at the Group rate, and groups of 10+ receive even deeper discounts. Email Heidi at [email protected] to enquire.

In the coming weeks, RGD President Nicola Hamilton will chat on Instagram Live with a few DesignThinkers speakers about their work and upcoming sessions at the conference.

All are invited to tune in to this series to learn, ask questions and get excited for our first in-person conference in Toronto since 2019.

Current Schedule

• Thursday, September 15 at 4:00 p.m. ET

Jolene Delisle, Founder & Head of Creative at The Working Assembly

• Thursday, September 22 at 3:00 p.m. ET

Eric Hu, Independent Creative Director & Typographer

• Thursday, September 29 at 12:00 p.m. ET

Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, Co-Founders of Studio MinaLima

• Thursday, October 6 at 3:00 p.m. ET

Patrick Thomas, Graphic Artist, Author & Educator

• Thursday, October 13 at 3:00 p.m. ET

Morag Myerscough, Artist & Designer

Where to find us

The IG Live series is taking place on the RGD’s Instagram. Follow us to make sure you don’t miss any updates.

First attending DesignThinkers in 2002 as a student, Kathleen Scott RGD, Creative Strategy Team Lead at Bruce Power (L), now attends the conference alongside her team. We spoke with Kathleen about attending with her colleagues and why it’s a value experience for everyone.

What was the process like for getting approval for your team to go?

We’re fortunate that we work for a company that prioritizes continuous learning and professional development opportunities. Before our team registers, I have a conversation with our manager to confirm we are able to attend.

What is the make-up of your team that attends?

Four graphic designers from our team attend.

How has it been valuable to attend as a group?

Our team took advantage of various virtual conferences during the pandemic, but nothing beats the shared experience of getting out of the office, spending time in downtown Toronto and watching inspiring design presentations together. We always return to work with new ideas and our creative batteries recharged.

What keeps you coming back year after year?

The quality of speakers and their presentations keeps us coming back to DesignThinkers year after year. I often say how lucky we are to have this world-class design conference right here, in Canada. The conference also allows us to see old colleagues and classmates that we may have otherwise lost touch with. It’s a fun reunion and great networking opportunity each year.

What would you say to a creative lead who might be interested in bringing their team?

If you’re a creative lead who is interested in bringing your team, definitely do it! It creates space for your team to learn, meet other design teams and provides exposure to current trends in the industry. I would also recommend checking to see if your company or department has a portion of their budget set aside for professional development to use for the conference. If not, see if attending DT can be included in next year’s budget.

If you could sum up the experience of attending DesignThinkers with your team in one word, what would it be?    

Recharging.

Grow together and learn as a creative team at DesignThinkers Toronto. Groups of 3+ people can register at the Group rate, and groups of 10+ receive even deeper discounts. Email Heidi at [email protected] to enquire.

Are there any discounts for plane or train fare?

We’ve lined up discounts for Air Canada, WestJet and Via Rail so you can save on getting to the conference. Find the discount codes and details here under Transportation.

Are there any discounts on accommodations?

We’ve lined up discounts at One King West Hotel and Holiday Inn Express so you can save on lodging while you’re staying in the city. Find the discount codes and details here under Accommodation.

Do you take volunteers?

We do take volunteers for DesignThinkers Toronto. We give priority to the Student RGD Members and Provisional RGD Members who volunteer with us on a regular basis on Committees. If you meet these requirements and are interested in volunteering, please email Zaria at [email protected].

How can I promote my business at the conference?

Our conference sponsors receive a variety of marketing opportunities, brand placements and a booth in our Designer Marketplace where they can connect directly with hundreds of attendees. There are also opportunities for sponsor involvement in conference sessions and additional programming such as roundtables, parties, networking events and more. To inquire about becoming a sponsor, please email Michelle at [email protected].

I can’t attend this year. Do you have dates for next year’s event?

DesignThinkers is coming back to Vancouver in 2023 on May 30 and 31 (mark your calendar!). To be notified when registration opens, sign up for our DesignThinkers newsletter. Don’t forget that RGD Members also receive access to all DesignThinkers recordings three months after the live event, so even if you can’t attend, you can still watch the sessions.

Will I be able to watch recordings of the presentations?

Yes, all presentations are recorded, and all tickets receive access to the recordings for three months after the event. Become an RGD member to receive indefinite access to the recordings and our extensive video library.

How do the combo tickets work with the Membership?

Combo tickets include RGD Affiliate Membership with a ticket to DesignThinkers. Once you purchase your Combo ticket, you will receive the regular conference confirmation email plus additional information on activating your Affiliate Membership.

I’ve registered. When will I receive information about attending the conference?

Registrants will receive a detailed email about attending DesignThinkers approximately one week before the event. The email includes how to log in to the event platform, how to view the session recordings and what to expect when you arrive at the venue if you are attending in-person. Please check your spam and junk folders to make sure you aren’t missing any important information from us.