DesignThinkers 2026 in Toronto, Canada
Bringing the design community together
Design and creative professionals, consider this your sign to set your OOO. DesignThinkers returns to Toronto, Canada on October 20–21 for its 27th year, bringing together 2,000 creatives under the theme Out of Office to explore creativity, the design process and what’s next for the industry.
The DesignThinkers program features five streams and nearly 40 sessions, including engaging presentations, hands-on workshops and small-group discussions on topics that are top of mind today, such as why “ugly” design is winning in 2026, the democratization of design and future-proofing your career.
More than 30 leading creatives from around the world will take the stage, including artist and author Edel Rodriguez; award-winning food packaging designer Erika Barbieri of Olssøn Barbieri; visual artist Temi Coker, whose clients include HBO and the Oscars; and Lauren Wong Lee and Gabby Lord, founders of independent creative studio Super Keen. The program also features book designer Chip Kidd, author and artist Adam J. Kurtz, information designer Valentina D’Efilippo and lettering designer Martina Flor.
A networking party and trade show featuring suppliers across printing, paper, technology and higher education offer additional opportunities to build connections.
Attend DesignThinkers in person in Toronto, home to vintage shops, independent magazine and book stores, renowned bars and restaurants, music venues and world-class art museums. Or attend online from anywhere in the world. Discounts are available on accommodation and airfare for in-person attendees.
DesignThinkers offers a space to connect with the design community, learn how leading designers and creative teams approach their work, exchange ideas with peers facing similar challenges and discover the ideas shaping the future of design.
