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.

8:30 a.m.

It’s Day 1 of DesignThinkers Toronto. You arrive at Meridian Hall, and there’s already a line out the door of attendees who, just like you, are buzzing to get their badges and programs.

Once you get the goods, you make a beeline to the breakfast and coffee station to fuel up for the day ahead. Armed with your cup of caffeine, you peruse the exhibitor booths, admiring the gorgeous paper and print samples and chatting with friendly reps from product and service providers in the design industry.

9:30 a.m.

After hearing the announcement to make your way into the theatre, you settle into a comfy seat, ready to listen to the morning’s presentations. After an introduction by the RGD’s President, the first keynotes of the day kick off. You doodle in your program, take some notes and snap a few photos to share on social media.

11:30 a.m.

After the keynotes, you have four concurrent sessions to choose from. You decide to head next door to the St. Lawrence Centre to listen to one of the presentations there.

12:15 p.m.

It’s lunchtime. Some people are getting something to eat with other attendees, but you head to Meridian Hall for the roundtable discussion on overcoming creative burnout that you signed up for. The group shares stories, tips and advice, and you leave with some new strategies in your back pocket. Food is calling your name, so you use the rest of your lunch break to find a quick bite.

1:45 p.m.

Afternoon sessions kick off, and you’ve decided you’re going to stay put in Meridian Hall for the next two. You really enjoy the speakers’ presentations, taking notes of some key points that you’re planning to bring back to your team after the conference.

3:45 p.m.

After a short break, it’s time to beat the afternoon slump! You can’t wait to get your hands dirty and make something in the typography workshop you signed up for. Working with other people in your group, you create a lively typographic masterpiece with various paints and materials. It’s a fun switch-up from the other presentations of the day.

4:45 p.m.

You take a seat in the main theatre to watch the final keynote. It’s inspiring, full of tangible takeaways and the wheels are turning in your head as you think about how you can apply what you’ve learned to your own work.

6:30 p.m.

After stopping at your hotel room for a rest, it’s time to head over to the Delegate Party, where you chat with fellow attendees and enjoy some great food and drinks. You even manage to connect with a few speakers.

9:00 p.m.

The day has flown by, and it’s time to head back to your hotel for some much-needed sleep, so you can do it all again for Day 2.

Ready to experience your own day in the life at the conference? Registration is open for DesignThinkers Toronto.