If you’re one of the unfortunate souls who missed out on Helvetica way back in April—it was one of the big buzz films at Hot Docs this year—then mark October 16 on your calendar…maybe with a clean sans serif, in bold. Even italicized, depending on your level of excitement.

Er, anyway, on October 16, the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (that’s RGD Ontario to their friends) will be hosting a screening of Helvetica at Regent Theatre D. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the film will be followed by a Q&A discussion with director Gary Hustwit. According to the good folks at RGD, "Helvetica is a feature-length independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture." So, in case you were wondering, no, it’s not just a film about a font. Tickets are $15 for non-members, and you can call 1-888-274-3668 or email info@designthinkers.com for more information.

But what, you are undoubtedly asking, is the occasion for this screening? Well, discerning reader, it is the kickoff for RGD Ontario’s DesignThinkers 2007 conference, which is running October 17 to 19 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Touted as "Canada’s largest, most important graphic design event," DesignThinkers will be an excellent opportunity to schmooze with other folks who have worn blank the apple key on their MacBook. Homegrown talent on hand will include Karim Rashid and Don Watt (CEO of DW+P Partners), plus a session with noted designer/filmmaker/author Hillman Curtis. Added bonus for conference delegates: there will be a crazy-fun opening party October 17 at Schmooze Nightclub, featuring projections from Toronto avant-garde film duo Exploding Motor Car. Interested? Registration information is here.

Image courtesy of RGD Ontario.