Go east! The 2012 Annual General Meeting of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada is happening this weekend in Moncton, N.B. It's the first time the national AGM has taken place there. National council representatives and national executive members will meet from April 26-28 at the Delta Beauséjour Hotel.

Manitoba is well-represented at the national AGM. Participating on behalf of the local chapter are GDC Manitoba president Oliver Oike (CGD), vice-president and national representative Adrian J.K. Shum (CGD) and chapter membership chair Andrew Boardman (CGD). Also on hand will be Scott Gillam (CGD), past GDC Manitoba education chair, currently holding the fort as GDC national vice-president web chair.

2012 is an election year at the national AGM, with roles to fill and two candidates - Brenda Sanderson (CGD, Atlantic chapter) and Adrian Jean (CGD, member at large) - vying for the role of president. You can download a PDF of the entire slate of nominee bios here.

Members of the Manitoba chapter recognize the essential role of the only certifying body of Canadian design professionals, and demonstrate their support with active involvement and leadership year over year. In addition to duties at the chapter level, nearly half of the local board sits on at least one national committee and national council, adding fair, inclusive and responsible perspective from the province gained from over 20 years as a chapter. Other members not sitting on the board offer expertise in other capacities: taking on national communications projects like the gdc.net website, organizing commemorative events and more. Robert L. Peters (FGDC) is a longstanding member of the critical ethics committee.

Important decisions and initiatives will result from this meeting, and will be announced shortly afterwards. Our Manitoba attendees will be returning, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, with all the news and weekend goings-on.