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.