Coffee Chat w/ Symon Oliver
Event
Alumni
Graduate Student
International Student
Undergraduate Student
Coffee Chats is a series of casual gatherings with industry guests. Hosted at the CEAD in small intimate groups, these gatherings will provide a space for group conversations with practitioners who are interested in supporting OCAD U students and grads to offer mentorship, and share their professional insights and journey, while collectively creating a community.
115 McCaul St.
Level 3
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers
Faculty of Design
Free
115 McCaul St.
Level 3
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers
Faculty of Design
Free
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Coffee Chat w/ Symon Oliver
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Location: In-person, CEAD, 115 McCaul St. 3rd Floor
RSVP to attend
Coffee Chats is a series of casual gatherings with industry guests. Hosted at the CEAD in small intimate groups, these gatherings will provide a space for group conversations with practitioners who are interested in supporting OCAD U students and grads to offer mentorship, and share their professional insights and journey, while collectively creating a community.
Symon Oliver - Founder & Design Director at Tennis
As founder and Design Director at Tennis, I lead the design of systems that transform complex challenges into user-centred, scalable solutions. With over a decade of experience across UX, product and experiential design, digital transformation, and operational strategy, I shape intuitive, resilient experiences that align with user needs and business goals.
Symon Oliver - Founder & Design Director at Tennis
As founder and Design Director at Tennis, I lead the design of systems that transform complex challenges into user-centred, scalable solutions. With over a decade of experience across UX, product and experiential design, digital transformation, and operational strategy, I shape intuitive, resilient experiences that align with user needs and business goals.
Studying Design and Media Studies at OCAD University laid the foundation for an approach grounded in research and systems thinking. Early roles in digital research labs led to work in human-centred design, data visualization, and service innovation—experiences that deepened a commitment to aligning technology with human needs.
At Tennis, that foundation has evolved into a methodology combining holistic design with strategic business goals. We focus on delivering measurable outcomes—from improving user engagement to streamlining operations and enabling organizational change.
Instagram (Tennis)
Website (Tennis)
General themes for the talk:
- Importance of personal brand and marketing
- Networking
- Avoid hourly billing (value based pricing)
- Financial and business literacy
**This event will take place at the RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (115 McCaul St, Level 3). This event will not be recorded to preserve the conversational nature of the series.
115 McCaul St is located at the corner of Dundas St and McCaul St on the southeast side. All levels of the building can be accessed via elevator or stairs. The building is wheelchair accessible. There are gendered washrooms on level 3 and gender-neutral private washrooms on levels 1 & 2.
Spots limited. RSVP Required
If you are no longer able to attend, please change your RSVP status for us to open the event to others.
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Be mindful of those in our community who have scent sensitivities; please help OCAD U maintain a healthy, scent-free campus.