Roundtables are your chance to connect with other creatives in a small group setting. Led by senior design professionals, roundtables are being hosted on both conferences days from 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Bring your questions, offer advice and participate in conversations that will leave you feeling engaged and energized.

Sign up for roundtables when you register for the conference. Roundtables are $10 each unless otherwise noted as free or $5 (students only).

Topics

Enhancing client engagement through immersive design
This discussion will explore how AR and VR can transform design presentations. We’ll examine real-world applications in fields such as architecture, product design and marketing, while also addressing challenges such as accessibility, cost and client adaptation. We’ll look at future possibilities, including AI-driven VR, haptic feedback and multisensory experiences.
Moderator: Anahit Lou

Design education: Nurturing an abundance of wonder
The role of the designer has evolved to encompass a wide range of skills, from print and UI/UX design to social media and content creation. This raises the question of how the next generation can develop all these skills before entering the workforce. To address this, educational institutions are partnering with industry professionals to teach the most relevant skills. As design education adapts, there’s an increasing emphasis on adaptability, tech knowledge and business acumen to meet the growing demands of the design industry.
Moderator: Vida Jurcic RGD

Improving your leadership skills
We will discuss how to inspire creativity, foster collaboration and effectively communicate to maximize your team’s potential. You’ll gain insights into strategies and tools for enhancing your leadership skills, as well as learn how to serve as the foundation and support of your team, fostering unity and facilitating growth.
Moderator: Jon Sanson RGD

Colouring inside the lines: Fostering creativity within the confines of a brand
The same branding, same colours, same style day in and out. It can get pretty boring. How do we as creatives foster that creative itch and stay motivated while adhering to our often strict brand guidelines? Join us to discuss techniques for pushing the brand envelope, trying out new, potentially radical ideas, all while still staying brand faithful.
Moderator: Natasha Rutledge RGD

Imposter syndrome who? Gaining confidence in your skills and abilities
Let’s talk about some of the situations we’ve faced and share strategies you can pull from your back pocket when those negative feelings bubble up in the future.
Moderator: Diana Varma RGD

The need for speed: Addressing time constraints within the design process
In competitive markets, the need for speed in all areas of business is increasing. In response to the ever-increasing need for speed, how can designers develop creative solutions and contribute to business success, while staying true to effective design processes and maintaining a healthy work-life balance? What role can AI play in a designer’s efficiency? What processes and strategies contribute to cross-disciplinary collaboration and integration? Join us as we discuss the need for efficiency without sacrificing the quality of your designs or your mental health.
Moderator: Sarah Prouse RGD

AMA: Getting involved with the RGD [Free]
Join the RGD’s Executive Director to learn more about the RGD, the largest professional association for graphic designers in Canada! She’ll answer questions about the benefits, tools, educational and networking opportunities. We’ll also discuss what’s missing and what you wish the RGD was offering. This is a low-pressure, casual way to find out how to get involved and connect with others in your community.
Moderator: Hilary Ashworth

Challenges of working in a non-creative environment
In this discussion, we may explore how to balance maintaining your creative integrity as a graphic designer while meeting the rigid demands of a corporate work environment. We’ll also talk about strategies for effectively communicating the value of design thinking and creative solutions to colleagues or leadership who may not have a design background. Additionally, we’ll share ways to inject fresh ideas into your work while staying within the constraints of strict brand guidelines and established design conventions.
Moderator: Diana Castaneda RGD