Domtar reflects on 25 Years of Creative Partnership with DesignThinkers
Interview with Stephane Dagenais, Director of Sales, Domtar
For 25 years, Domtar has been a supporter of the RGD’s DesignThinkers Conference and has played an integral role in fostering connections, creativity and innovation within the design community. Below, Domtar shares what has kept them involved for the past 25 years.
Domtar has been involved with DesignThinkers since its inaugural year. What has kept you engaged for the past 25 years?
As a major Canadian supplier to the industry, we have always considered that one of our duties is to support emerging events that promote printed communications and bring together creative minds. Back in 1999, DesignThinkers Toronto was one of these emerging events!
Over the years, DesignThinkers has matured into a North American design conference that is now an industry must. Our presence has granted us the privilege of connecting with talented young designers who have launched flourishing careers with design and communications firms and have helped develop and build strong brands both in the Canadian market and internationally.
Our collaboration with the printers associated with DT has also allowed us to learn about new print technologies using our papers. Over the years, the quality of the material that has been designed and printed for the various DT collateral has pushed the envelope bringing together design, print and paper.
What are you looking forward to the most at this year's conference?
Engaging with attendees is always the thing we look forward to the most. However, we also appreciate the care and attention that RGD puts into creating the program for DesignThinkers each year – and this year is no exception! The sessions and workshops are a wonderful mix of both educational and inspirational.
What makes DesignThinkers a must-attend event for Domtar?
Every year, DesignThinkers has proven itself a great way for Domtar to meet and mingle with the designers, communicators and influencers of our industry.
Can you share a highlight for you and Domtar over the years you’ve been involved in the event?
We have been particularly pleased with the addition of the In-house Design Awards. This special awards program has provided much-deserved recognition to internal creatives. They don’t always get the attention they should, and they are truly doing amazing things in design.
How has the design industry and attitudes towards paper changed since you’ve been a part of DesignThinkers?
There has definitely been a shift from print marketing to digital marketing due to budgets and the need to prove ROI. While designers may specialize in digital design, many we speak to love print and wish they could do more—which we love to hear. We will continue to spread the message that print is an integral part of any communication strategy and complements online creative extremely well.
Do you have a favourite year for which our design partner used Domtar paper in promotional materials?
It’s hard to pick a favourite year. DesignThinkers seems to raise the design game each year. We are excited to see the program for this year’s DesignThinkers Toronto!
What is the most important message you hope to communicate to attendees about Domtar/paper at the event?
One of Domtar’s key messages is about sustainability. All of Domtar’s papers are produced with fibre sourced from well-managed forests. The forest is a renewable resource that we have been managing with great pride and passion for over 175 years. Designers and marketers should not feel guilty using printed communications. It is an important part of a successful marketing campaign, working hand-in-hand with digital design.
Join us on November 7 for DesignThinkers Toronto at Meridian Hall. Attend the talk "Taking the Guilt out of Using Paper."
To learn more about sponsoring DesignThinkers, email Rushika Shah, RGD's Communications & Development Manager, at rushika@rgd.ca
General conference inquiries can be sent to Abdul Omar, RGD's Programs Manager, at programs@rgd.ca.
Stephane Dagenais, Director of Sales, Domtar
