DesignThinkers 2026 Toronto

About this opportunity

DesignThinkers is RGD's annual design conference, running October 20–21, 2026 at Meridian Hall and the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts in Toronto. It covers 30+ live sessions with speakers from across design and communications, plus workshops, roundtables and a supplier showcase. Student pricing is the reason to look: at the Regular rate a Student RGD 1-day in-person pass is $150 and a 2-day pass $225, against $450/$550 for a non-member. A streaming pass (15+ main-stage sessions, recordings for three months) is $50 for one day or $95 for two at the Student RGD Member rate. Student rates require a paid Student RGD membership at the time of the conference; 2026 graduates qualify if they joined as Associate RGDs by September 15 with proof of graduation. Note the refund cut-offs: no in-person refunds after September 25, and in-person tickets can be swapped for virtual until October 2.

What you get

• 30+ live sessions from design and communications leaders
• Workshops, roundtables and the supplier showcase (in-person only)
• Streaming access to 15+ main-stage sessions, with recordings for three months

Who can take part

• Membership required

Open to anyone who registers. Student rates require a paid, non-expired Student RGD membership at the time of the conference; 2026 grads qualify if they joined as Associate RGDs by Sept 15 with proof of graduation.

Eligibility is copied from the organizer's own published rules — they make the final call. Confirm on the official page before you apply.

Coming later: attendees who leave genuinely useful reviews will earn credits toward paid opportunities. Nothing is being awarded yet — reviews are unpaid and unverified for now.