2026 IDC Design Symposium

IDC’s ninth Design Symposium returns this fall! Canada’s design and architecture community is invited to come together to learn, connect, and network.

Participants can expect to hear inspiring keynote speakers and panel discussions, attend design tours of significant member projects, connect and network with industry peers, and celebrate the best of interior design at the IDC Value of Design Awards.

Dates: Oct. 20 and 21, 2026

Location:
Ricarda’s
134 Peter Street
Toronto, ON M5V 1X6
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Register your interest in attending the 2026 Design Symposium

Interior design professionals and students can register to be matched with a Symposium sponsor and attend the event as their complimentary guest. Please note that submitting your interest does not guarantee attendance. Selected attendees will be contacted directly.

TUESDAY, OCT. 20, 2026

Time	Programming
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.	Registration & Networking Breakfast
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.	OPENING KEYNOTE – Super Human Leadership: How the Next Great Leaders Will Use AI to Become More Human by Dr. Bailey Parnell
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.	Networking Break
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.	PRESENTATION – Design Strategy: Integrating Strategic Foresight by Sabrina Ash, B+H
11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.	Networking Break
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.	PRESENTATION – Technology-Led Design for the Future-Proofed Workplace by Courtney Elling, CISCO
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.	Networking Lunch
2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.	PRESENTATION – Almost Bespoke: Creating More Human, Inspiring Furniture at Scale By Alyssa Coletti, Nonfiction Creative
3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.	Networking Break
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.	PRESENTATION
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.	Break
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.	VODA Cocktails (separate VODA ticket required to attend)
7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.	IDC Value of Design Awards (separate VODA ticket required to attend)

Symposium schedule is subject to change.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 2026

Time	Programming
8:30 am – 9:30 am	Registration & Networking Breakfast
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.	IN CONVERSATION – University Commons by Sean Crawford, Zeidler (Calgary, AB)
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.	Networking Break
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.	IN CONVERSATION – awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik by Keshia Caplette, Kindrachuk Agrey Architecture (Saskatoon, SK)
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.	WORKSHOP – Design Your Influence: Building a Brand That Stands Out by Ekaterina Dobrokhotova, Miele
12:45 pm – 1:00 pm	Break
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm	Dine with the Designer
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm	Break
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm	VODA TOUR – Limberlost Place @ George Brown Polytechnic (185 Queens Quay E)
4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.	Break
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.	VODA TOUR – Simon’s @ Eaton Centre (260 Yonge Street)
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.	VODA TOUR – Limberlost Place @ George Brown Polytechnic (185 Queens Quay E)
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm	Networking Cocktail Party