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.
- Tom Browne RGDArt Director, Information Officer for the ADOTom 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.