This FAQ contains information on the changes that occurred in October 2020 to the DesignTO Membership Program.

 

1. Why did the Membership program change?

Thanks to feedback from our members and based on our research, we have introduced more options to become a member, with tiered benefits to suit the needs of current and future members.

2. When will the changes to the Membership program go into effect?

The new Membership structure will go into effect in October. Memberships prior to this will also have the new member programs changes apply to their existing membership. The new Member Library will launch end of October.

3. What is my new Membership level and benefits?

The chart below illustrates the new Membership categories and benefits.

Current Membership Category Name

NEW Membership Category Name

Membership Level Benefits

Community

Individual
  • Free ticket to DesignTO Festival Launch Party Fundraiser
  • Free subscription to DesignTO Member Newsletters
  • Free and/or discounted tickets to DesignTO Projects at the Festival and year-round
  • Exclusive access to Members Digital Library
  • Free digital subscription to AZURE Magazine
  • 20% off general admission to the Royal Ontario Museum + two extra months free on a ROM membership

Premium

Premium
  • All benefits listed above plus:
  • Exclusive DesignTO Premium Members’ Studio Tour
  • Free and/or discounted tickets to DesignTO Projects at the Festival and year-round for you and one guest

 

4. Did my membership benefits change?

Member benefits have changed. Although we cherish and hope you continue to support these businesses, we will be removing the following discount benefits: Made Design, Hot Pop Factory, Partial Gallery, Stylegarage, The Scented L’air, v2com and Design Exchange Museum. Additionally, private members’ events are no longer part of the Individual Membership. However, we are planning to have members-only events in the future. Lastly, Premium Members will no longer receive a printed Festival Guide in the mail (due to the pandemic we are not printing the guide this year), recognition of their support on the DesignTO website, or a discounted Community Membership.

New benefits include free and discounted tickets to year-round DesignTO Projects. Members will also receive access to recordings of these events in the new Members Library on our website.  The digital archive will also include recordings of past symposiums and other events, as well as fresh content including virtual backgrounds for your laptop, mobile phone and video meetings.

5. What happened to my Membership Card?

The new program changes mean that there is now no need to have a membership card. Members will receive access to benefits via emails from DesignTO, and via the gradual release of content on the Members Library.

6. How do I access the Members Library and Member Account Dashboard?

You will receive an automatic email from [email protected] providing your account username and to setup your account password. After that is complete, you can click here and login using your credentials to access the Dashboard and Library.

The dashboard allows you to manage your membership. If you’ve signed up for the Friends/Family or Company membership, the dashboard will also allow you to add the additional users to the membership.

7. What can I do in the Member Account Dashboard?

The dashboard allows you to see, add to, and change details about the membership including:

  • View and change your contact information

  • View your subscription information including your membership level, bill cycle (yearly or recurring), expiration date, creation date, and credit card expiry date

  • Download a receipt for your membership – (remember that DesignTO is not a charity, so you can’t claim your membership as a donation on your taxes)

  • Cancel your membership: members who purchased a yearly recurring membership can cancel their recurring payment at any time

  • Pause your membership: members who purchased recurring memberships can pause their memberships at any time and reactive them later. This feature is great if you are going away or can’t access member benefits for over a year.

8. Are there new Member Categories?

Yes, we have four new membership categories: Youth/ Senior, Dual, Friends/Family and Company. Each of these categories have their own unique characteristics as follows:

Individual – $50/year 

Individual Members receive a free ticket to the DesignTO Festival Launch Party, free subscription to DesignTO Member Newsletters, free and/or discounted tickets to DesignTO Projects at the Festival and year-round, exclusive access to Members Digital Library, free digital subscription to AZURE Magazine, 20% off general admission to the Royal Ontario Museum, and two extra months free on a ROM membership. 

Youth/ Senior – $25/year 

Youth/Senior Members receive everything in an Individual Membership for 50% of the cost. This membership is for people under the age of 25 and over 65. Members can provide proof-of-age at events.

Dual – $80/year 

Dual Members receive everything in an Individual Membership, for two people, with 20% savings.

Friends/Family – $150/year 

Friends/Family Members receive everything in an Individual Membership, for four friends or family members, with 25% savings. Members do not have to be from the same family or living at the same address. 

Company – $500/year 

Company Members receive everything in an Individual Membership, for up to 4 people from the same company. The Membership is transferable to anyone within the company.

Premium – $300/year 

Premium Members receive everything in an Individual Membership, plus free and/or discounted tickets for one guest per event. Premium Members are invited to attend an exclusive DesignTO Premium Members’ Studio Tour with a guest.