Vancouver, B.C., is the hub of all things design this month, as the GDC National Annual General Meeting (April 23-25) slides nicely into one of the industry's biggest events in 2010. Design Currency 2010: Icograda Design Week in Vancouver (April 26-30) offers designers, business leaders and government the opportunity to experience current design thinking. For those attending from our province, GDC Manitoba invites you to meet up with our traveling delegation in Vancouver. Give us a shout!

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GDC Manitoba once again hosts its spring-season Portfolio One-On-One event, an evening get-together for new graduates of graphic design from Red River College and the University of Manitoba to meet with design professionals and receive valuable tips and critique on their books.

Where: Kings Head Pub (120 King Street)
When: Tuesday April 27, 2010

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 


(Appetizer platters will be supplied; drinks will be your responsibility!)  


If you're interested in participating as a mentor, there is still time to email education.mb@gdc.net and be a part of this event. And there is plenty of space at The Kings Head for socializing, so come early and/or stick around after your reviews!

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Fresh from her presentation at GDC Manitoba's inaugural PechaKucha Night, Meghan Athavale (Manlab, PO-MO Project) will lead a lunch talk, titled Making A New Market, on transmedia: what it is, how to create a transmedia piece and what can be accomplished using this exciting technology. Meghan will discuss how the work of large interactive media companies has inspired her to start her own low-budget small business in order to do work that is interesting, challenging and innovative.

What: GDC Manitoba Presents: Making A New Market
When: Tuesday May 4, 2010 -- 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Where: Tipping Canoe, 101-141 Bannatyne Avenue (east of Main Street)
How Much: free for GDC members, $10 for non-members. Those wanting to attend should register first here.

As a bonus, Meghan will also explain the process behind the Wonderland Interactive Party, PO-MO Project's first product launch event, which will feature a 35-foot-long installation, projectors and motion-sensing cameras. It promises to be an amazing night. For information and tickets, click here.

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Enjoy an evening of accomplished design and hard work produced by students in the RRC Graphic Design program on Thursday May 6. Unique to this year's Open House event -- themed In Command Of Our Future -- is a presentation by Robynne Raye, co-founder, designer and principal of acclaimed Seattle studio Modern Dog.

Food and refreshments will be served. Bring your invitation (coming soon; check your mailboxes!) to Industry Night as admission for you and your guests. Be sure to bring your business cards and enter to win fantastic door prizes! If you can't make it that evening, the exhibits will remain on display through the evening of May 7.

What: Red River College Graphic Design Open House
When: Industry Night: Thursday May 6, 2010 -- 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: Red River College, 160 Princess Street

Robynne Raye's presentation begins at 7:00pm.

The University of Manitoba's design thesis students are hosting their show on the same evenings (May 6-7), but don't let this conundrum fool you -- it's actually an incredible opportunity to view both shows, as the UofM students' exhibition will be held just down the street in the second-floor space above Mondragon (91 Albert Street). Double your fun!

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Hey, remember winter? Remember GDC Manitoba introducing Winnipeg to the PechaKucha Night concept on that chilly February night? Come May 20, we'll be on hand again at the Park Theatre (698 Osborne Street) presenting another amazing slate of speakers and topics at PechaKucha Night, Vol. 2 -- so save the date! And watch your inboxes for information and speakers for what promises to be another great evening. The inaugural event was a smash success; you'll want to be a part of the second coming.

Happy early spring, everyone!