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The Association of Registered Graphic Designers represents over 4,000 design practitioners, including firm owners, freelancers, managers, educators and students. RGD was created by an Act of the Ontario Legislature (Bill Pr 56) to grant designers with the designation "Registered Graphic Designer"​ or "RGD," and is the only graphic design association in North America to have this type of legislation. The RGD designation is a signal of quality and competence. Successful candidates have met a rigorous set of standards and completed a test and portfolio interview, administered by the Examination Board for Registered Graphic Designers. Through RGD, Canadian designers exchange ideas, educate and inspire, set professional standards and build a strong, supportive community dedicated to advocating for the value of design. Our vision is for a graphic design profession that is valued for its contribution to life, commerce and society. Other initiatives include: Programming: - Annual DesignThinkers Conference (spring in Vancouver/autumn in Toronto) - Local events, eg. film screenings, Design Socials and Portfolio Reviews - Mentorship Program Professional development: - Weekly professional development webinars - The Business of Graphic Design: A Professional’s Handbook Communications: - RGD Newsletter - Updates on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn Awards: - International Social Good Design Awards - National Student Awards - In-House Design Awards - DesignThinker of the Year Award - Design Educator of the Year Award Advocacy: - Creative Earners Survey of Salaries & Billing Practices in the Canadian Design Industry - No SPEC - Free, Fee or Flee Accessibility: - AccessAbility Handbook and resources