Afternoon Roundtables

Options include:

Stand up and stand out: Gaining respect working in-house for government
Moderated by Tara Kerner RGD, CDP, Graphic Communications Director at BC Government
It’s easy to feel like we’re overlooked when we’re providing in-house design and communications services for government agencies. How can we get our organizations to keep projects in-house and respect our departments? Exchange ideas and experiences with other government in-house designers to come up with solutions.

Leading by design: From practitioner to strategic leader
Moderated by Mairin Deery RGD, Creative Director & Brand Leader
As design roles evolve, so does the expectation that designers think and act like leaders — managing projects, building client relationships and staying ahead of tools like generative AI and spatial design. But how do designers make that leap from practitioner to strategic leader? This roundtable invites design professionals to explore what modern design leadership looks like in practice. Together, we will discuss the realities of stepping into leadership roles, communicating design value to stakeholders and adapting to rapid technological change. The conversation will draw on contemporary leadership frameworks and real-world industry experience, offering practical insights participants can apply within their own teams and organizations.

From Artificial to Authentic: Developing your creative intuition
Moderated by Elana Rudick RGD, DT Speaker & Founder & Creative Director of Design is Yummy
Let’s reconnect with our creative intuition — that gut feeling that guides great design decisions. We’ll explore how to recognize and trust it, when to lean on it instead of the algorithm, and how to keep your unique voice strong in an AI-heavy world. We’ll chat about ways to sharpen your instincts and build habits that help you stay inspired, original, and confidently creative.

The gentle art of feedback: How to give it and get it
Moderated by Jennifer Griffiths RGD, DT Speaker & Senior Book Designer at Penguin Random House Canada
Giving feedback can be difficult, especially when it’s not always glowing but receiving it can be equally so. It works both ways and to do it well requires shared respect and recognition of a common goal. We’ll share stories of giving and getting feedback, both good and bad, and its effect on our work and ourselves.

Designing your career path: Navigating growth in an in-House environment
Moderated by Erica Brisson RGD, Senior Brand Designer at Docebo
We’ll chat about defining your own metrics for success, being proactive in building visibility and leveraging cross-team collaboration.

Contact hilary@rgd.ca if you would like to moderate a roundtable or have suggestions for topics.