Speakers

Aaron Poe

With over 18 years of experience in the design industry, Aaron strongly believes that being in the work defines creative leadership. As a seasoned design leader, he finds joy in both guiding his team and rolling up his sleeves to create. This commitment to staying actively involved ensures that he brings not only strategic vision…

With over 18 years of experience in the design industry, Aaron strongly believes that being in the work defines creative leadership. As a seasoned design leader, he finds joy in…

Ashlea Spitz RGD

AI & Design Educator, Founder of The Modern Design Academy and Pixsoul Media

For over two decades, Ashlea has pursued her passion as a designer, educator and advocate. In 2005, she launched Pixsoul Media, a creative agency recognized for its work with leading brands in the natural resources and finance sectors. Ashlea’s role extends beyond entrepreneurship to faculty positions at institutions including Vancouver Community College, University of the…

For over two decades, Ashlea has pursued her passion as a designer, educator and advocate. In 2005, she launched Pixsoul Media, a creative agency recognized for its work with leading…

Brent Long RGD

Co-Founder and Director, Client Happiness, Fusion Design Group

As a self-described “acquired taste”, Brent’s bold, humour-filled persona means that you’re probably going to love him. But if you don’t, he’s ok with that. A designer by trade, Brent’s current role focuses on client relationships and strategic growth for his boutique creative studio located north of Toronto. Over 30 years collaborating with large corporations…

As a self-described “acquired taste”, Brent’s bold, humour-filled persona means that you’re probably going to love him. But if you don’t, he’s ok with that. A designer by trade, Brent’s…

Diana Varma RGD

Design Educator & Podcaster

Diana Varma RGD is an award-winning lecturer by day, and an avid podcaster by night. She teaches within the School of Graphic Communications Management (GCM), as well as the Master of Digital Media (MDM) program at Toronto Metropolitan University and the Bachelor of Brand Design program at George Brown College where she helps students connect…

Diana Varma RGD is an award-winning lecturer by day, and an avid podcaster by night. She teaches within the School of Graphic Communications Management (GCM), as well as the Master…

Dominic Prevost

Group Creative Director at Resonance

Dom is Group Creative Director at Resonance and also teaches at IDEA School of Design (Capilano University) and Miami Ad School. With a multi-disciplinary approach and years of international experience, Dom has created award-winning, fully-integrated campaigns for some of the world’s most iconic brands including Nike, adidas, Benetton, lululemon, Foot Locker, Mercedes, Ford, Johnnie Walker,…

Dom is Group Creative Director at Resonance and also teaches at IDEA School of Design (Capilano University) and Miami Ad School. With a multi-disciplinary approach and years of international experience,…

Dori Tunstall

Design Anthropologist, Author & Design Leader

Dr. Elizabeth “Dori” Tunstall is a distinguished design anthropologist, celebrated author, visionary organizational design leader, consultant and coach. As the renowned author of Decolonizing Design: A Cultural Justice Guidebook, she is a path-breaker of progressive approaches that challenge conventional design paradigms that exclude and harm cultural communities. Formerly Dean of Design at OCAD University, and…

Dr. Elizabeth “Dori” Tunstall is a distinguished design anthropologist, celebrated author, visionary organizational design leader, consultant and coach. As the renowned author of Decolonizing Design: A Cultural Justice Guidebook, she…

Elana Rudick RGD

Founder & Creative Director of Design is Yummy

Design Is Yummy is an award-winning studio in Montreal that specializes in design solutions to cohesively communicate brand identities. Over the past 15 years, Elana has had the opportunity to collaborate with countless creatives, build successful design teams and foster meaningful relationships with clients. In addition to being Certified through the RGD, Elana is a…

Design Is Yummy is an award-winning studio in Montreal that specializes in design solutions to cohesively communicate brand identities. Over the past 15 years, Elana has had the opportunity to…

Ellen Lupton

Designer, Writer & Educator

Ellen Lupton is a designer, writer and educator. The all-new third edition of her best-selling book Thinking with Type launched in March 2024. Her other books include Design Is Storytelling, Graphic Design Thinking, Health Design Thinking and Extra Bold: A Feminist, Inclusive, Anti-Racist, Nonbinary Field Guide for Graphic Designers. She teaches in the Graphic Design…

Ellen Lupton is a designer, writer and educator. The all-new third edition of her best-selling book Thinking with Type launched in March 2024. Her other books include Design Is Storytelling,…

Freddie Öst & Erik Kockum

Founder & Brand Director, Partner & Creative Director at Snask

SNASK is your future romance. A creative agency of misfit geniuses conquering the world through fine lookin’ design and real emotions. They seek to challenge conservative frameworks and they do it with their backs straight, supported by their unbreakable values. They don’t cower away from the challenge, as they see that the magic lies within…

SNASK is your future romance. A creative agency of misfit geniuses conquering the world through fine lookin’ design and real emotions. They seek to challenge conservative frameworks and they do…

Irene Pereyra

Co-founder at Anton & Irene

Irene Pereyra is the co-founder of the interaction design studio “Anton & Irene”. She has created interactive experiences for a large variety of clients and projects, including the digital redesign of the Met Museum and M+ Museum, the American newspaper USAToday, the artist Shantell Martin, the Austrian lighting company Zumtobel and a survey in collaboration…

Irene Pereyra is the co-founder of the interaction design studio “Anton & Irene”. She has created interactive experiences for a large variety of clients and projects, including the digital redesign…

Jessica Hische

Lettering artist, Design Leader & NYT best-selling Author

Based in Oakland, California, Jessica is a versatile artist known for her expertise in lettering, illustration, and writing. Graduating in Graphic and Interactive Design from Temple University in 2006, she initially worked at Headcase Design and later became Senior Designer at Louise Fili Ltd. In 2009, she transitioned to freelancing, marking the beginning of her…

Based in Oakland, California, Jessica is a versatile artist known for her expertise in lettering, illustration, and writing. Graduating in Graphic and Interactive Design from Temple University in 2006, she…

Johnny Cupcakes

Award-winning Brand Hysteria Expert & CEO of the world’s 1st T-shirt Bakery

If you dream of inspiring cult-like brand loyalty—the kind that involves mile-long queues and even permanent tattoos—Johnny Cupcakes is for you. The founder of the world-renowned T-shirt brand Johnny Cupcakes, Johnny is known for helping other people create blueprints for building brand loyalty, creating memorable experiences and inspiring innovation. Celebrating 22 years as an independent clothing…

If you dream of inspiring cult-like brand loyalty—the kind that involves mile-long queues and even permanent tattoos—Johnny Cupcakes is for you. The founder of the world-renowned T-shirt brand Johnny Cupcakes, Johnny…