2025 IDC Design Symposium

8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

Registration 

8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Networking Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

KEYNOTE – Truly Human Leadership: Practical People-First Strategies to Unlock Performance

Too many organizations treat people as parts, not partners. Hamza Khan introduces the Light Triad of Leadership—treating people with dignity, fairness, and honoring their potential— as a foundation for a human-centred workplace that ultimately drives organizational performance. He provides practical human-first practices that unlock performance, innovation, and long-term resilience.

Participants will learn ways to embed dignity, respect, and belonging into daily leadership practice; how to apply human-centred strategies to build trust and collaboration; how to use the Light Triad model to shift from extraction to co-creation and ways to drive both stronger business results and human welfare simultaneously.

Presenter:

Hamza Khan, Future of Work and People-First Leadership Expert | Bestselling Author

Hamza Khan believes the future of work is more human, not less. He’s on a mission to help organizations revolutionize leadership and rehumanize the workplace by adopting a bold “people first” approach. Khan is a two-time bestselling author and multi-award-winning entrepreneur whose TEDx talk “Stop Managing, Start Leading” has been viewed millions of times. As a world-renowned keynote speaker, he empowers audiences to amplify human potential through collaboration and technology while prioritizing long-term impact.

Khan is the Co-Founder of SkillsCamp, an award-winning learning and leadership development company whose clients include FIFA, Shopify, Peloton, Deloitte, Microsoft, Mercedes-Benz, The United Nations, and hundreds of colleges and universities. These world-leading organizations trust Khan to enhance modern leadership, inspire purposeful productivity, nurture lasting resilience, and navigate constant change.

Khan’s latest venture, Saige, is an AI-powered leadership development platform that upskills leaders for the wisdom economy. He is also a visiting scholar, top-ranked university educator, and the bestselling author of The Burnout Gamble: Achieve More by Beating Burnout and Building Resilience and Leadership, Reinvented. As a respected thought leader, his insights have been featured by notable media outlets such as Inc., Bloomberg, and Business Insider.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

COMMERCIAL FIRESIDE CHAT – Data, Action, Dialogue: Why Workplace Research Requires a Layered Approach (presented by Teknion)

When access is limited and trust is fragile, how do we uncover what matters most to employees? This session introduces the Research Triangle, a framework that balances what people say, what they do, and what data reveals at scale. Through an interactive presentation and fireside chat with DLR Group and Teknion, the panel will share practical methods and real-world examples drawn from enterprise workplace strategy and design practice. Discover how layering data, human behaviour, and open dialogue can reveal your most valuable insights and lead to more authentic workplace strategies and design outcomes.

Participants:

Magnus Aspegren, Chief Creative Officer

Originally from Sweden, Magnus brings over two decades of global experience in design and innovation. He has led transformative initiatives across North America, Europe, and Asia in a career that spans sectors including architecture, consumer products, hospitality, textiles, and furniture. Known for his combination of creative leadership and strategic vision, Magnus has a deep passion for design in all its forms and a keen interest in how innovation can positively impact daily life. He believes in the power of curiosity and finding inspiration across all industries and geographies.

Before joining Teknion, Magnus served as Chief Innovation Officer at Stokke, where he developed the company’s global product strategy, founded an innovation hub in Amsterdam, and launched internationally successful collaborations. Prior to Stokke, he spent over a decade at BMW Group, leading design programs for BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce across studios in Los Angeles, Singapore, and Shanghai, while working with global partners such as Embraer, Singapore Airlines, Lenovo, and Samsung. Previously, Magnus held senior roles at Bang & Olufsen, Marriott International, Teague, AaBe Textiles, and completed award-winning design work at NBBJ Architects.

Jade Franklin, Vice President, Insights & Strategy, Teknion

Jade is responsible for initiating and leading Teknion’s approach to Insights, Workplace Strategy, and A&D program direction. She leads a team of trend forecasters, product ideation gurus, visualization specialists, and creative consultants.

With nearly 20 years of experience in the contract furniture industry, Jade has worked in all facets of the sales cycle and served a variety of vertical markets. Her past experience includes sales, sales enablement, workplace strategy, and leadership roles with both the manufacturer and dealer. Jade frequently speaks at industry forums about design, employee experience, and the evolution of work and place.

B Sanborn, AIA Allied, EDAC, Design Research Leader | Principal

B Sanborn brings over a decade of experience translating workplace research into actionable design intelligence. As Principal and Design Research Leader at DLR Group and research educator, they specialize in uncovering how physical environments and formal and informal policies shape human behaviour, wellbeing, community capacity, and organizational culture.

B’s research methodology bridges anthropology, environmental psychology, and organizational behaviour to reveal patterns others miss – from hormonal considerations for workplace design to the hidden dynamics of designer-stakeholder interactions. Their framework for ethical research practice has transformed how organizations gather authentic workplace intelligence while navigating stakeholder fatigue, cross-functional relationships, and organizational constraints.

A published researcher with extensive work on coworking environments and their impact on collaboration and community building, B’s writing appears in the Journal of Corporate Real Estate, handbooks on design theory, and industry publications. Currently serving as Board Chair of the Environmental Design Research Association, B is recognized for bridging academic rigor to the complex reality of industry. They are a National Allied Member of AIA, serve on the Center for Health Design’s EDAC Advisory Council, contribute to the American Psychological Association’s climate change community, and shape cutting-edge workplace thinking through Workshape Labs’ global future of work initiatives.

B’s unique approach to research in practice helps design professionals gather meaningful insights while building trust through ethical engagement methods that fit real industry workflows.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

RESIDENTIAL WORKSHOP – The Ultimate Resource to Building a Profitable, Thriving Interior Design Firm

Join Stacey Cohen for a power-packed, 1-hour session highlighting the most impactful lessons from her renowned Design Your Business Workshop,  a proven framework that has helped hundreds of designers transform their firms into organized, profitable, and sustainable businesses.

Based on her signature Design Your Business program, this condensed version offers an inside look at the exact systems, processes, and strategies that hundreds of designers have implemented to streamline operations, strengthen team performance, and maximize profitability, all while avoiding burnout.

Stacey will guide you through the seven essential pillars of a successful design business, offering actionable takeaways you can implement immediately:

1. Potential Clients + Pitches – Attracting and converting your ideal clients
2. Finances – Pricing for profit and managing cash flow effectively
3. The Design Process – Structuring projects for efficiency and creativity
4. Project Execution – Delivering with precision and professionalism
5. Building Your Team – Hiring, training, and leading for success
6. Internal Systems + Communication – Creating a seamless workflow behind the scenes
7. Business Development – Sustaining growth and long-term success

Whether you’re launching your firm or scaling an existing one, this session will equip you with practical, proven insights to help you run your business with efficiency, ensure profitability, and maintain freedom in your personal life.

Presenter:

Stacey Cohen, Founder and Principal, Stacey Cohen Design

Stacey Cohen is the founder and principal of Stacey Cohen Design, a luxury interior design firm known for its for its white glove, start to finish approach to interior design. With over 17 years in the industry, Stacey has led high end residential and commercial projects across North America, earning a reputation for creating timeless spaces.

In addition to her full-service firm, Stacey launched Room Edit, an online e-design platform that makes interior design more accessible and affordable. Through this platform, clients receive personalized room designs and a clickable shopping list, instilling confidence in their furniture purchases.

She is also the creator of Design Your Business, an online workshop that has helped hundreds of interior designers transform the way they run their firms. The program has made a measurable impact on the profitability, structure, and long-term growth of design businesses across North America.

Most recently she founded Design Talk, a thriving community of over 1,700 interior designers, offering mentorship, sourcing resources, and direct access to industry partners. Her work is dedicated to empowering designers with the tools, education, and connections needed to build successful, sustainable design firms.

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Networking Break

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

PANEL DISCUSSION – Surface Matters: Defining Natural & Next-Gen Engineered Stone, Tile & Wood Flooring Trends for 2026 (presented by Ciot)

From bold veining in natural stone to next-gen engineered surfaces, innovative engineered wood flooring designs, and statement-making tile, surfaces are shaping the future of residential design. This accredited CEU explores the latest global and local trends forecasted for 2026. Join Ciot’s panel of experts as they unveil material trends that will inspire tomorrow’s interiors—equipping you with insights to design projects that feel both timeless and ahead of the curve.

Moderator:

Trevor Kruse, CEO, Interior Designers of Canada

Trevor Kruse has enjoyed a 35-year career as a professional interior designer along with nearly three decades of volunteer service on provincial, national, and international boards, including the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO), the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), the Society of British Interior Designers (SBID), and the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI). He has forged strong relationships with academia, government, media, industry partners, and design trade shows and events, along with IDC’s allied associations such as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), the Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC) and the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ).

Panelists:

Fernando Mammoliti, Chief Business Development Officer, Ciot

With more than four decades of experience, Fernando Mammoliti is recognized as a trailblazer in surface design and a leading authority in both natural and engineered stone. As Chief Business Development Officer at Ciot, he drives the company’s national and international growth, fostering strategic partnerships and advancing innovation across product categories. Guided by a lifelong passion for natural stone and a curatorial approach to sourcing, Fernando travels the world in search of extraordinary materials—championing creativity, craftsmanship, and design excellence throughout the industry.

Kristina Panzera, Vice President of Marketing, Ciot

A third-generation leader carrying forward her family’s legacy, Kristina Panzera blends tradition with innovation at Ciot. As VP of Marketing and curator of Ciot’s tile collections, she travels the world in search of emerging design trends, bringing a discerning eye and global perspective to every collection. Her passion for materials and design continues to shape Ciot’s reputation as a trendsetter in the world of surfaces.

Dino Ionescu, Director of Operations, eurolegno Luxury Floors (a division of Ciot)

Director of Operations at eurolegno Luxury Floors, Dino has been an integral part of eurolegno’ s North America footprint and has been Director of Operations based in Montreal for over two decades. His knowledge of the luxury hardwood sector is immense and supports the architectural & design community with education supported by research.

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Networking Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

COMMERCIAL PRESENTATION – How Heavy is Interior Design?

Every product and material choice in interior design carries more weight than we think. This session connects the climate crisis to daily design practice, showing how designers can use specification, data, and emerging tools to make measurable change. Through real-world case studies, participants will learn how to reduce embodied carbon, choose materials more responsibly, and design interiors that build a better future — one decision at a time.

Presenters:

Jack Rusk, Co-Founder and CEO, C.Scale

Jack Rusk is the CEO and co-founder of C.Scale, a software platform democratizing access to whole life carbon data and design strategy. C.Scale was founded on the belief that data-driven tools can help get “all hands on deck” in the work of transforming buildings and cities from a climate burden to a climate solution.

In the last few years, he’s presented research at over a dozen conferences a year, applied machine learning to streamline early-phase carbon estimation, consulted with the Biden White House on measuring and managing supply chain emissions from buildings, and led the development of LCA methodology and data solutions for hyperscale tech companies, Autodesk, and Schneider Electric.

He currently volunteers for the Living Future Energy+Carbon Technical Advisory Group, the AIA DDx working group, Mindful Materials Tech and Data working group, and as an AIA representative on the Embodied Carbon Harmonization and Optimization (ECHO) Project.

Ryan Bruer, OAA, Architect | Co-Founder of Ha/f Climate Design

Ryan is an architect and artist passionate about communal stories that connect people to materials and city-building. His work is informed by his art practice which explored printmaking through material circularity, local repair, and exchange in Hamilton. This context reveals the social and environmental impact and opportunity of building, a perspective Ryan brings to project design strategy. Ryan oversees creative pursuits and research, specializing in thoughtful design and technical rigor. He has extensive experience with feasibility studies and residential design. As a co-founder of Ha/f, he has advanced life cycle assessment in architectural offices across Canada to drive immediate carbon reduction in residential construction. Ryan also leads the Ha/f Research Seminar at the University of Waterloo’s School of Architecture.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

RESIDENTIAL PRESENTATION – Fashion & Interiors: Common Threads That Shape Our Spaces (presented by Benjamin Moore)

Fashion & Interiors: Common Threads That Shape Our Spaces

Whether through patterns, materials, or color, the influence of fashion has always played a role in how we dress our surroundings. Similarities and connections drawn between fashion and interior design create a compelling narrative that serves as a point of inspiration for Colour Trends 2026. Through an analysis of three major design movements of the 20^th century – Arts & Crafts, Art Deco, and Mid-Century Modern, correlations between decorative styles and fashion are illustrated, alongside their iconic color palettes. Throughout the course, a renewed interest in classics refreshed for today’s interiors is demonstrated through a reverence for craft and attention to detail. Inspired by cues from fashion, the Colour Trends 2026 palette invites an approachable sensibility with exceptional use of colour.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain an understanding of key fashion influences of the 20^th century and their connection to major interior design trends.
• Look at the current trend cycle and how both micro and macro trends can affect consumer behaviors, aesthetics, as well as color preferences.
• Understand the transition to Color Trends 2026 from previous Colour Trends palettes.
• Discover concepts and points of inspiration that influenced the development of the Colour Trends 2026 palette.

Presenter:

Sharon Grech, Media Spokesperson, Colour Marketing & Design, Benjamin Moore

Sharon Grech is a graduate of the University of Toronto’s Art & Art History Program and has since dedicated her career to exploring and celebrating the world of colour.
During its long run, Sharon was a popular guest expert on tv’s Cityline for 25 years, demonstrating the power of colour and paint to unify and beautify any space.
As an in-house spokesperson for Benjamin Moore & Co., Sharon works with their Colour Marketing & Development Team researching colour trends, which they distill each year into the company’s annual Colour of the Year and Colour Trends Palette. Sharon is also a member of the Color Marketing Group, the premier international association for color design professionals.

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

COMMERCIAL PANEL – Architecting The Modern Retail Experience: From the Shop Floor to the Customer’s Door

In this dynamic, fast-paced session, retail strategist and top global retail industry thought leader Michael LeBlanc sets the stage with a keynote on the State of Retail Today—exploring how modern retail is being redefined by bifurcation of strategy & choice, why the “boring middle” is where brands go to fade away and that retail stores are at the centre of a modern successful retail strategy.

Building on that foundation, Michael will welcome an expert panel of leading retail designers and operators shaping the next generation of physical retail. Together they’ll explore how retailers are re-architecting the store experience—from the associate’s perspective to the customer’s journey—and what it takes to design spaces that truly perform.

Expect a vibrant, practical conversation on what works (and what doesn’t) in innovation and in-store technology, the growing role of “store as media”, and how design decisions impact both the front-line associate and the brand experience. The panel will close with a forward-looking discussion: What will the store of 2035 look like?

Moderator:

Michael LeBlanc, President and Founder, M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc

Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, 25 year retail veteran with brands such as Black & Decker, Hudson’s Bay, The Shopping Channel, and Pandora Jewelry, and now a senior retail advisor to Retail Council of Canada, top retail influencer, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada’s top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada’s top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.

Panelists:

Diane Archibald, Vice President, Store Planning, Design & Facilities Management at RCL – Reitmans Canada Ltd

Diane Archibald has been a passionate advocate for retail and brand experience throughout her career. Beginning as a Visual Specialist and Merchandiser, her deep-rooted love for the industry has remained constant. Today, a seasoned and accomplished Retail Design Executive, Diane champions creativity, quality, and innovation in shaping compelling retail environments.

As Vice President, Store Planning, Design & Facilities Management at RCL – Reitmans Canada Ltd, one of Canada’s leading apparel specialty retailers, she is responsible for shaping environments that not only reflect brand identity but also resonate with consumers in a rapidly evolving, omni-channel retail landscape.  With a strong focus on innovation, customer experience, and operational excellence, Diane is recognized for her ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver impactful results.

Diane is deeply committed to the retail industry and the teams she leads—mobilizing talent, inspiring excellence.  Her leadership reflects a deep belief in the power of thoughtful design to elevate brand experiences and drive meaningful engagement.

Winnie Leung, Director, Store Design at Indigo

Winnie Leung has been deeply dedicated to her craft of creating user-centric spaces and sharing that passion with others for nearly two decades. As the Director of Store Design at Indigo, Canada’s leading destination for booklovers, she leads the development of innovative retail environments, design engaging and flexible spaces that serve as physical expressions of the brand, while delivering an elevated customer experience.

Winnie’s recent projects include Indigo at The Well, a flagship store in downtown Toronto that seamlessly integrates immersive design with community spaces. This project, along with others, has earned multiple industry accolades, including recognition from the Retail Design Institute, Retail Council of Canada, Retail TouchPoints, ARIDO, and AWMAC.

Beyond her role at Indigo, Winnie remains committed to nurturing the next generation of designers through her active involvement with design schools, where she serves as a mentor, guest critic, and speaker. Winnie also serves as the Chair of Marketing supporting the Retail Design Institute’s mission and advancing the dialogue around retail design.

Lesley Hawkins, Partner, Marsley Canada, FMR Vice President, Retail, adidas

Lesley Hawkins is a keynote speaker, business strategist, podcast host, and transformational leader with decades of experience leading teams and growing brands.

As former Head of Retail for adidas Canada, Lesley led 1,200 frontline employees through the chaos of the post-pandemic world. Her people-first leadership helped rebuild trust, boost morale, and reignite business momentum – proving that when people thrive, business follows.

Lesley’s speaking style is candid, witty, and deeply engaging. She connects through real stories that inspire and equip leaders at every level. Her signature talks- including The Power of Raising Your Hand, Stop Blending, Start Leading, and Leading Through Change – spark action and lasting impact.

Off stage, Lesley supports small businesses to scale operations, evolve strategy, and respond to shifting market conditions. Lesley hosts The Lesley Hawkins podcast in which she leads her guests through candid, personal conversations that reveal the turning points that shape who we are.

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

RESIDENTIAL WORKSHOP – Designing for the Senses – Phenomenology in Practice

An interactive workshop experience where interior design professionals will explore the transformative power of multisensory design through hands-on learning and collective discovery. Explore the powerful intersection of philosophy and interior design through a sensory-rich approach to creating meaningful spaces.

Presenter:

Erin Jenner, MA.ID, BID, NCIDQ, ARIDO, IDEC

A visionary interior designer, educator, and advocate with over two decades of transformative impact in interior design, Erin embodies the intersection of professional excellence and educational innovation. With roots in Toronto’s design firms and professional experience spanning corporate, government, healthcare, and residential projects, Erin brings real-world expertise to every endeavor.

A Humber College (’99) and Savannah College of Art & Design (’15) graduate, Erin’s academic journey culminated in her graduate research focused on design activism and social justice in education – principles that now form the foundation of inspirED learning lab. As founder and CEO of inspirED learning lab, Erin has created a groundbreaking virtual space where design professionals cultivate curiosity and collective growth.

Her approach to education—centered on social justice, inclusivity, and challenging traditional pedagogy—has inspired countless students across Ontario’s institutions. A passionate advocate for equity in design, Erin’s leadership as ARIDO Education Director and her work as Project Advisor for RIDA, reflect her commitment to evolving the profession. Through inspirED, she continues to foster environments where diverse perspectives thrive, and future designers discover their opportunity to transform communities through thoughtful design.

Erin’s mission: inspiring a new generation of design professionals who lead with creativity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to positive social impact.

3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Networking Break

3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

WORKSHOP – AI as Mentor & Thought Partner to Expand Your Business

This 1-hour interactive session introduces a new way to engage with AI—not as a tool, but as a mirror to your thought process. Using just a mobile phone, participants will explore how clear intent and structured thinking can turn AI into a strategic thought partner. No technical experience is needed. We’ll run a guided voice-first exercise to demonstrate how real-time AI feedback can unlock clarity, speed, and new creative directions for your business or practice.

Presenter:

Ahmed Mekallach, Founder and CEO, MYTE Group AI

Ahmed Mekallach, Eng. is the Founder & CEO of MYTE Group, where he helps teams and individuals build their own AI-powered operating systems to scale clarity, creativity, and execution. A systems architect by training, Ahmed works at the intersection of human intent and machine intelligence — empowering people to move from idea to outcome with speed and sovereignty. He recently shared this approach on the TEDx stage and is known for turning abstract technologies into deeply human tools.

4:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Networking, Wrap-up Cocktails

8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

Registration

8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Networking Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

PRESENTATION – Research for Practitioners: Can Practitioners Add to the Body of Knowledge for Interior Design?

This presentation will explore how research meets real world practice by bridging design, reflection, and social impacts through an inclusive global lens. Design research can empower practitioners to create meaningful change across communities and cultures. Participants will gain insight about differentiating between professional practice activities and formal research; identifying how practice-based inquiry can contribute to the body of knowledge in interior design; developing a clear and focused research question drawn from real-world design challenges or observations in practice; and applying practical methods for documenting, analyzing, and sharing research outcomes through professional and academic channels.

Presenter:

Lesley-Ann Noel, PhD, MBA, B.I.D. (she/hers), Dean of Design

Dr. Lesley-Ann Noel is a Trinidadian design educator and the Dean of Design at OCAD University. She is the author of “Design Social Change” and a co-editor of “The Black Experience in Design.” She is an active member of the Design Research Society, and co-leads its Education Special Interest Group and the Pluriversal Design Special Interest Group. She has developed tools for critical reflection, such as The Designer’s Critical Alphabet and the Positionality Wheel. Before joining OCAD U, she taught at North Carolina State University, Tulane University, Stanford University, and the University of the West Indies.

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Networking Break

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

WORKSHOP – Loop Em In: Selling Circularity In Interior Design

The circular economy can save money, reduce emissions, and support communities — but it only works if you can sell it! In this interactive session, we’ll showcase and solicit real-world tactics to embed circularity in interior design. Under the themes of engagement, value, and resilience, we’ll talk shop about what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next. If you’ve made strides toward circularity, this is your opportunity to tell us how you convinced your colleagues to close the loop. And as a bonus, all participants will be credited as contributors to a Circular Workplace Field Guide recapping our conversation.

Presenters:

Benjamin Errett, Head of Marketing, Green Standards

Benjamin Errett is the author of three non-fiction books, a columnist for the Toronto Star, and Head of Marketing at Green Standards, the sustainable decommissioning company. In partnership with major corporations and circularity advocates across five continents, Ben works to distill the benefits of the circular economy into accessible and actionable content.

Kathy Seli, Global Head of Strategic Partnerships, Green Standards

Kathy Seli is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience helping organizations navigate workplace change through innovative, sustainable solutions. As the Global Head of Strategic Partnerships at Green Standards, Kathy leads global partnership strategy, working with Fortune 500 companies and institutions to advance circular economy practices that reduce waste, lower emissions, and drive meaningful change in the built environment

11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Networking Break

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

PRESENTATION – In Search of a Happier Workplace

Have you ever said “ABC” to someone, they hear “XYZ” and you slap your forehead and say “what!”? Well, you are not the only one. Research shows us that 90% of all communications misses the mark. Why? Simply because we all see things differently, from our own perspective.

In this one-hour, interactive, experiential presentation you will discover:
• What your own preferred behaviour/communication style is,
• Recognize cues that will help you to recognize others’ preferred behaviour/communication styles.
• Take away tools that will help you communicate more effectively with others, both in the workplace and in your personal life.
• Improve your overall interpersonal skills and learn to become more versatile

SOCIAL STYLE is the world’s leading Behavioral Style model. It has been used by thousands of organizations to improve performance and organizational results and leadership skills. Each of the four Styles displays positive and negative characteristics when working with others, and research shows that people of any SOCIAL STYLE can be successful in any profession.

Presenter:

John Whitehead, Executive/ Leadership Coach

John is an experienced leader, facilitator and coach with over 40 years of senior sales management experience. Over the years John has experienced various sales management experiences from retail to direct sales, selling both tangible and intangibles. John has held senior operational positions with national organizations achieving significant recognition for his results.

John holds MA in Leadership from Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC, is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF) and a certified instructor in Tracom’s SOCIAL STYLE® and Versatility process, a level one facilitator and LPI coach with The Leadership Challenge®.

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Networking Lunch

1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

KEYNOTE – Psychology, Neuroscience, and Interior Design

Design of the built environment at every scale, from room interiors to streetscapes, has a measurable impact on psychological health and wellness. Colin Ellard will describe some of the methods that have been used to establish these links, illustrate their use with some case studies, and discuss the relevance of neuroscientific approaches to good design.

Presenter:

Colin Ellard, Neuroscientist, Author, Design Consultant

Colin Ellard is a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Waterloo and director of its Urban Realities Laboratory, which conducts studies of the human relationship with spaces and places at all scales from room interiors to urban streetscapes. Ellard is one of the world’s leading experts on the psychology and neuroscience of urban design. As well as his academic work, Ellard consults with governments, museums, architects, and corporations to help find ways to build better places using what is known of the human brain. He has published two successful books on these topics—You Are Here, which explores the human ability to find our way and Places of the Heart, a much-praised account of the human psychological and neurological relationship with place.

2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Wrap-up, break prior to Awards

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

DESIGN TOURS (Separate registration required to attend)

BPD Quadrangle Studio by BPD Quadrangle 3:00 – 4:00 PM (1 hour)

As one of the first workplaces in Canada to achieve WELL Platinum Certification under the WELL v2 standard, the BDP Quadrangle studio exemplifies a space designed for studio members and clients to feel engaged, productive, and healthy. With accessibility, inclusion, and wellness as guiding principles, the studio fosters a workplace that feels welcoming, safe, and seamlessly integrated.

Located within The Well—a LEED Platinum-certified office building powered by district energy—the studio reflects BDP Quadrangle’s commitment to sustainability.

The design team conducted a rigorous assessment of all building materials and furnishings against the International Living Future Institute’s Red List to minimize toxic ingredients, supporting both environmental and human health.

In recognition of its design excellence and impact, BDP Quadrangle’s studio was awarded the Value of Design Award of Excellence last year.

LOCATION: 8 Spadina Ave. Toronto, ON M5V 0S8

RioCan, Indigo, adidas by the Retail Design Institute (RDI) Canada 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (1.5 hours)

“Delivering inspiring indoor and outdoor experiences through food, retail, culture and commerce.”

With an expansive roster of brands and experiences, The Well has established itself as Toronto’s destination for discovery and connection. The latest store openings promise to enhance its vibrant mix of tenants, infusing the property with even more unique immersive retail experiences. Whether guests seek leading fashion brands, innovative wellness concepts, or the best of Toronto’s food scene, The Well’s thoughtfully curated line-up inspires locals and visitors alike to come together to enjoy a space that unites culture, community, and commerce.

This tour will be led by RDI team members. It will start with an introduction by RioCan then the group will split into two smaller groups with alternate store tour visits of the adidas and Indigo stores.

LOCATION: 8 Spadina Ave. Toronto, ON M5V 0S8

Warner Music Toronto by Gensler 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (1 hour)

Warner Music is more than a workplace—it’s a concert venue, exclusive recording studio, and a reflection of the brand’s storied history and reputation in the entertainment industry.

Located at The Well in downtown Toronto, Warner Music is a full-service destination for employees and artists alike. What’s more, Gensler’s generous space planning and specialized design delivers an immersive environment, equally capable of hosting live shows as it is facilitating quiet listening sessions or focus work.

Designed to seamlessly transition from day-to-night, Warner Music caters to a variety of spaces needs—public, semi-private, private. Walk through the front doors and you’ll know: “You have arrived”.

The Tour will be led by Sarah Taylor, Work Studio Director, Gensler.

LOCATION: 8 Spadina Ave. Suite 200 Toronto, ON M5V 0S8

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Awards Celebration Cocktails (Separate ticket required)

Enjoy a delicious cocktail before the Awards Celebration kicks off at Ricarda’s.

Please note, Design Symposium registration does not include attendance to IDC’s Awards Celebration. Attendees must have a separate ticket to attend this event.

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Awards Celebration Gala (Separate ticket required)

Join IDC at Ricarda’s in Toronto, Ont. to celebrate and honour our members’ achievements at this awards celebration. The event will celebrate winners of the 2025 Value of Design Awards (VODA), the Industry Partners-exclusive Innovation Awards, and the Innovation in Design Thinking Student Competition.

IDC awards will be presented during a sit-down dinner. Dress code is business attire.

LOCATION:

Ricarda’s
134 Peter St, Toronto, ON M5V 1X6 (View map)

Please note, Design Symposium registration does not include attendance to IDC’s Awards Celebration. Attendees must have a separate ticket to attend this event.