RGD Local Events: Building community and inspiring creativity
Written by Maggie Ostler RGD, WS
This fall, the RGD brings designers across Canada together with an exciting lineup of local events—from speaker series to scavenger hunts to hands-on workshops. With so many opportunities to connect, share ideas and get inspired, there’s something for everyone.
Minds of Design
Our Minds of Design series is back this September and October in four cities across Canada. These evenings are casual and community-focused, each featuring three TED Talk–style presentations (8–10 minutes each) followed by group discussion and Q&A.
- Toronto – Wednesday, September 17
- Edmonton – Tuesday, September 16
- Halifax and Vancouver – To be announced soon
Each night offers three unique talks on diverse topics, sparking unexpected connections and leaving you with fresh perspectives to bring back to your own work.
“RGD events have been a great space to connect with design professionals at every stage of their career journey. Listening and sharing stories about our challenges, successes and growth—whether as seasoned designers, business owners or new graduates—offers meaningful insight into the design field and fosters a strong sense of community. For me, these conversations provide invaluable inspiration and guidance as I continue to navigate my own path.”
Tejashri Kapure RGD
Scavanger Hunt Vancouver Highlights
Scavenger Hunt
For designers looking for something playful, join our design-themed scavenger hunt in:
Teams will hit the streets, snapping photos to complete challenges. Compete for a grand prize and the title of Design Hunter Extraordinaire!
Typography Workshops with Eleni Beveratou
If hands-on learning is more your style, don’t miss the upcoming typography workshops with Athens-born designer Eleni Beveratou.
Each city will offer two half-day sessions:
Workshop 1 (9 AM – 12 PM): Wordmarks – From Sketch to Digital Typography
Learn the key steps of creating a brand wordmark that relies on typography for recognition. Explore customization of typefaces, logo functionality and digital techniques to ensure scalability and adaptability.
Materials: Laptop with Adobe Illustrator; tracing paper, pencils and erasers provided.
Workshop 2 (1 PM – 4 PM): Designing for a Global Audience – Understanding Cultural Nuances in Typography
Designing for a Global Audience – Understanding Cultural Nuances in Typography. Explore writing systems across cultures and how to match typographic expression while respecting reading habits, classification differences and tools.
Materials: Laptop with Adobe Illustrator or InDesign; printed deck, pencils and erasers provided.
- Halifax – Wednesday, September 24
- Montréal – Thursday, September 25
- Ottawa – Friday, September 26
- Toronto – Monday, September 29
“I’ve really enjoyed attending and volunteering at RGD events. Getting to connect with local creatives in person has been such a valuable experience. These events helped me build real connections and learn more about the industry when I was just starting out and still in school. I’d honestly recommend them to anyone interested in the creative field.”
Kaoutar Taghi Associate RGD
Design can sometimes feel solitary, but it thrives in community. The feedback and support we receive from peers push our work further, while casual chats after a talk or shared laughter during a scavenger hunt can spark collaborations and friendships.
By showing up for local events, you contribute to the collective energy of our field—helping create a community where designers feel connected, supported and inspired.
Find full event details and register for all upcoming events here.
Maggie Ostler RGD
WS
Strategic Creative Director with 17 years of experience in art direction, graphic design and brand management. A proven leader with experience in developing creative marketing campaigns for both B2B and B2C markets, managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering exceptional results for global brands. I am passionate about pushing creative boundaries while aligning with brand standards and achieving measurable business goals. I love tackling problems with creative and informed solutions, leading and working with a team that is grounded yet empowered to bring out the very best of their unique abilities. I believe we are at our best when we creatively push boundaries and explore possibilities while still working within brand standards and adhering to a creative brief. I understand the importance of developing and working within a set of brand standards and have worked with some of the biggest brands in entertainment (The Simpsons, Ice Age, SpongeBob, Lego), working directly with the great creative minds at 20th Century Studios (Disney), Warner Bros, BBC Earth, Nickelodeon, Aardman and others. In January 2022 I shifted gears, joining the amazing team of creatives and strategic thinkers at WS. Check us out at simplyws.com
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