Even hearing the same talk, each member of the team takes away something different, and it’s really exciting to develop those different perspectives.
- Jennifer Taback RGDJennifer Taback RGD and Meggan Van Harten RGD, Co-Founders of Design de Plume Inc., have been attending DesignThinkers since they were students. Now running their own firm, they not only continue to attend the conference, but they also bring numerous members of their Sudbury-based team.
We spoke with Jenn (L) and Meggan (R) about why they prioritize attending DesignThinkers with their staff.
As a firm owner, why do you invest in this opportunity for your team?
Jenn: I’ve found so much of value at the conference, all the way from being a student to a firm owner. I want my team to experience the same information, excitement and inspiration I have on their own creative journeys. There is nowhere else I can find such broadly informative sessions for all levels of my staff.
What is the make-up of your team that attends?
Jenn: It varies by year; this year the team is a bit smaller, but we usually have 2 to 3 graphic designers and 3 firm owners (Jenn and Meggan co-own Design de Plume with Mélissa Deschênes RGD, above centre).
Meggan: We offer the conference to not only design staff, but also project managers and developers. Team empathy is very important for laying down trust and if everyone is exposed to new ideas and ways of thinking, it can only further team trust.
How has it been valuable for your team to attend as a group?
Jenn: Having a shared experience where we can cover different ground and come together to chat about how those ideas might impact our own work is so valuable to us. Even hearing the same talk, each member of the team takes away something different, and it’s really exciting to develop those different perspectives.
What keeps you coming back year after year?
Jenn: The variety of speakers, the great topics, and the amazing amount of energy that’s contained for a brief moment during the conference. It is one of my favourite times of the year!
Meggan: Being able to connect with the design community at large and seeing the growth of the industry on a large scale.
What would you say to a firm owner who might be interested in bringing their team?
Jenn: Make it a fun team trip, spend the day learning and soaking in ideas and have a great dinner to chat about where everyone’s thoughts are at afterwards!
If you could sum up the experience of attending DesignThinkers with your team in one word, what would it be?
Jenn: Renewing.
Invest in your team’s learning at DesignThinkers Toronto. Groups of 3+ people can register at the Group rate, and groups of 10+ receive even deeper discounts. Email Heidi at [email protected] to enquire.