Call for Speakers
Share your insights through the RGD
The RGD invites designers, educators and creative leaders to submit proposals to present at our in-person and virtual programming in 2027.
What we're looking for
We are looking for sessions that offer meaningful, practical and thought-provoking takeaways that help attendees become more effective, thoughtful and ethical creative professionals.
We are especially interested in sessions that offer:
- Practical, actionable insights and takeaways
- Real-world experience and lessons learned
- Clear relevance to designers at different career stages
- Fresh perspectives on industry challenges and trends
We prioritize proposals submitted by Certified RGD Members.
The RGD is always seeking speakers for our webinar program, which covers topics including accessible design, branding, business, in-house design, UX, signage & wayfinding and typography.
Webinars run throughout the year and are free for all RGD Members, while non-Members pay a small fee to attend.
Learn more about upcoming webinars.
Submit a proposal to present a webinarDesignThinkers is Canada's largest annual design conference, bringing together the design community for two days of talks, ideas and inspiration. Sessions are carefully curated to reflect current thinking and meaningful perspectives in the industry. Check out past speakers/presentations.
The theme for our 2027 conferences is Figure It Out. This theme explores creatives' ability to explore and embrace the unknown, deconstruct autopilot reflexes, solve problems independently and translate vague ideas into concrete results.
DesignThinkers Vancouver takes place at the Vancouver Playhouse on May 4–5, 2027.
Deadline for speaker proposals: December 4, 2026.
DesignThinkers Toronto takes place at Meridian Hall and St. Lawrence Centre on October 21–22, 2027.
Deadline for speaker proposals: April 16, 2027.
The In-House Design Conference focuses on the realities of in-house creative practice, including strategy, systems, leadership, communication and professional growth. We are particularly interested in sessions that reflect the challenges and opportunities faced by in-house teams, including leadership, accessibility, AI, brand strategy, workflows, career development and team management.
The 2026 Edmonton Conference takes place at the Art Gallery of Alberta on December 3, 2026.
Deadline for speaker proposals: Passed.
The 2027 Toronto Conference takes place at the Toronto Reference Library on June 9, 2027.
Deadline for speaker proposals: February 28, 2027.
