Join DDA Canada Regions
The Decorators and Designers Association of Canada has created Regions to better deliver value to all our members across Canada. Regions replaces the former Chapters, which helped DDA Canada grow into the most influential association for decorators and design industry professionals in Canada. Chapters were modelled on the national board of directors and were effective in supporting membership for 30 years. As membership has expanded across Canada and has spread beyond a few cities, and as the national office has taken on more responsibilities, the Chapter model has become less relevant and effective. After several years of virtual-only events, it’s time to add back the in-person local events that members want to attend. That’s where Regions come in.
Boots on the ground
Regions have been created in provinces or territories where we have members: BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan/Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. Each Region provides virtual events to all DDA Canada members within the Region, to ensure that every member (no matter how remote), can connect with other members. In-person events have also been created at the local level, wherever we have an opportunity to bring design professionals together with suppliers.
Regional Directors are responsible for overseeing all regional activities. Regions are supported by a Regional Coordinator, who manages virtual events and provides administrative support for the local in-person events. Local Liaisons organize and run local in-person events in their communities. Local Liaisons are the real heroes of this transition, as they are our “boots on the ground,” who know their local markets and are willing to create events of interest to design industry professionals in their area. If you are someone who is ready to jump in and volunteer, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to jeanne.grier@ddacanada.com for more information.
Professional development
The recent transition to Regions has already provided more in-person events, more professional development, product knowledge, showroom visits, networking, and more growth and connection. In other words, the new Regional approach provides more of all the things members enjoy about the DDA. If you are a current or past DDA member who is looking for more support, this is an exciting time to be a part of our community. As we fill in the volunteer positions mentioned above, you will see more events online in more areas than ever before. If you are an Affiliate member (supplier to the design industry), you have the opportunity to host local events. If you are an accredited or student member, you will have more opportunities to meet other like-minded design professionals. If you aren’t yet a DDA Canada member, you can learn more on the website, ddacanada.com/membership, or reach out to office@ddacanada.com for more information. We can’t wait to meet you at a DDA Canada event soon.
ddacanada.com
Photos: Natalie Hayes