The ARIDO Ontario Summit and Annual General Meeting 2024 marked a distinguished milestone as it celebrated the 90th Anniversary of ARIDO, in collaboration with esteemed partners including CaTECH Systems Ltd., Doing Things Simply, Häfele, Haworth Group, MARANT Construction Ltd., and UNIQ Dimensions Inc. This event underscored ARIDO's longstanding commitment to public safety and the promotion of design excellence within the Ontario interior design sector.
The celebration was structured as a two-day hybrid event, honoring ARIDO's significant contributions over nine decades. The first day, March 20, was dedicated to a virtual series of educational sessions that were in alignment with ARIDO’s dedication to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion within the interior design community. These sessions, supported by Blum Canada, commenced with a land acknowledgment and featured discussions led by notable speakers such as Russell Pollard on Strengthening Workplace Culture, Leadership and Inclusion; Lisa MacVicar on Intersectionality; and Dr. Fatima Samji on ARIDO’s Exam Alternative Project: An Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Framework for Assessment of Canadian Interior Designers.
Educational opportunities
The second day, March 21, provided a blend of educational opportunities, networking and engaging activities for both in-person attendees at the Haworth Toronto Showroom and virtual participants. The day began with a welcome featuring a floral arrangement and a memory wall by the Toronto International Design Centre, where attendees could share their favourite ARIDO memories. The Sound Solutions Architectural Products coffee station delighted guests with a selection of cookies, cupcakes and the inviting scent of blended coffee.
The program included awards and recognition for ARIDO members, an insightful session on Indigenous art in interior design led by speaker Brian Porter, and an ARIDO townhall supported by Flat Iron Building Group with updates from board members on community model, examination alternative project and more. The evening's networking reception, sponsored by BIYORK Canada, celebrated ARIDO’s 90th anniversary, featuring other event supporters; Arcadis, HOK, JANUS et Cie, and Sherwin Williams. The event concluded with the ARIDO Annual General Meeting, where members contributed their insights and support for the organization's future endeavours.
Landmark event
This landmark event not only commemorated ARIDO's 90 years of excellence but also showcased the organization's dedication to advancing the interior design profession and fostering a more inclusive community.