Local as Perspective: The Lens of Shared Experience
• ā • The Catalyst @ The Rogers Communication Centre
part of a series on Local (loĀ·cal) | Resident/Native
About the speaker
Matt Rae is a Product Manager for Adobe Lightroom, where he focuses on crafting tools for photographers ā working at the intersection of creative technology and the communities that rely on it. With over 10 years of experience across Design and PM roles spanning autonomous vehicles, education, marketing tech, and now creative software, Matt brings a practitioner's perspective to every stage. He has delivered 50+ talks and workshops at events including DesignThinkers, General Assembly, and Calgary UX. Outside of product, Matt is a landscape and travel photographer based in Kingston, Ontario.
Local partners
The Master of Digital Media (MDM) is an interdisciplinary program that blends creative thinking, access to cutting-edge technology, and industry partnerships that prepares graduates to lead the future of digital disruption.
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We think there are few things better than a great neighbour who makes great coffee. Launched in 2020, Neighbourhood Coffee is led by Karen Hales, the heart and soul of our small company. We hand craft each blend having sourced the worldās best organic coffee beans. We then fresh roast them in small batches using a trusted local roaster. From the outset our intent was to become an integral part of Torontoās great iconic neighbourhoods. Our bags feature illustrations by local artists and we contribute to worthwhile underfunded causes. So we offer both a rewarding cup of coffee and a rewarding connection to the good people around you!
GraphicEd.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing education in the graphic arts by empowering students, educators, and industry professionals. It aims to shape the future of design through innovative programs, accessible resources, and hands-on learning experiences in graphic design, UX/UI, and related applied arts.
Additional details
š Doors Open 8:15am
š°ļø Event Starts 8:45am
ABOUT THE TALK Join Matt Rae, Product Manager for Adobe, world traveler, and passionate photographer for a visually rich and thought-provoking talk that blends creativity, career, and global perspective.
In this talk, Matt Rae explores how our unique environments and community connections shape the “lens” through which we see the world and approach our craft. By examining the intersection of individual perspective and local belonging, he illustrates why authenticity and human intentionality remain our most valuable assets in an increasingly automated creative landscape.
Location
Hosted at
The Catalyst @ The Rogers Communication Centre
80 Gould Street Toronto (2nd Floor)
Toronto, Ontario Canada M5B 2M7
When
ā
Co-host Lee Eldridge
Photographer Saad Khan
VP Food Sylvia Schmidt
Vice VP Food Kana Sakamoto
Registration Megan Quan
Volunteer Tommaso Panerai
Volunteer Namrata Narayan
Photographer Glen Chan-Choong
Videographer Richard Trusty
Social Media Coordinator Sarah Conway
Volunteer Rubiat Fusigboye