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Presented by

The world doesn't need more

ordinary ideas.

Creativity depends on the courage to reconsider. CMD+Z is about stepping back, questioning the obvious, and choosing to think again. It’s where better ideas, bolder work, and new possibilities begin.

That's why we created CMD+Z.

The future doesn’t arrive on its own… it’s imagined, shaped, and created by people willing to think differently. CMD+Z is about discovering new ideas, fresh perspectives, and unexpected connections. 

This event is for creatives who know that the best idea isn’t always the first one.

Limited number of tickets available for this first-time event.

YQM

Join us in Moncton

Thursday, September 24, 2026
9am-6pm

Aberdeen Cultural Centre
Moncton, NB

Speakers + Panels + Workshops More!

Experience a jam-packed day with Atlantic Canadian creative leaders who have built remarkable careers by following their own path.

Who's CMD+Z for?

Designers. Writers. Photographers. Illustrators. Strategists. Filmmakers. Agency teams. In-house creatives. Freelancers. Students. Educators. Or anyone who makes a living through creativity.

CMD+Z is a chance to step outside the day-to-day, challenge what you know, and explore what comes next.

Meet the Speakers

James White

Digital Artist
Originally from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia now living in the northeast of England, James White has spent almost 3 decades building a career in digital art and design. As founder of the Signalnoise Studio, his bold, retro-inspired work has attracted clients including Hasbro, Nike, Metallica, Atari and many more. He now serves as Art Director at ModRetro, where he combines his passion for illustration, branding, and classic video games.

Aaron Mckenzie Fraser

Photographer
The Mayor of Sketch Harbour, Aaron's specialty is location based environmental portraits and architectural interiors/exteriors for magazines, advertising, and promotion for a long list of National & International clients including Billboard, Rolling Stone, Cineplex, Nike Bauer, Bell Canada, Amnesty International, Destination Canada, Trailer Park Boys, Maclean's, The Globe and Mail, and Bloomberg.

Jon Claytor

Graphic Novelist, Writer, Artist
A Sackville-based graphic novelist, painter, and writer. After establishing his career in oil painting, Jon co-founded the SappyFest music festival and went on to author graphic memoirs and novels, including Take The Long Way Home and Nowhere. A Juno nominee and Amazon Canada First Novel Prize finalist, his work has been featured by the CBC and on covers for artists like Gord Downie.

Gil Flanagan

Creative Director, Designer
An award-winning creative director and designer based in Moncton. As Co-Founder of Hey Rebel Creative, Gil brings over two decades of agency and client-side experience to lead creative strategy, branding, and design across print, digital, video, and social. Her collaborative approach combines strong ideas and smart strategy to craft work that truly connects.

Dave Anderson

Media Executive, Sound Designer
A senior production leader, executive producer, and composer with over 20 years of experience shaping Atlantic Canada’s media industry. As founder of Village Sound (Halifax) and VillageSoundTracks.com, Dave leads business development and creative strategy for film, television, and commercial clients across the region. He was named an Atlantic Business Magazine Top 50 CEO for his leadership in Atlantic Canada’s creative sector.

Jud Haynes

Designer, Illustrator
A freelance illustrator, graphic designer, screen print artist, and concert promoter. Jud is a St. John's based creative who built a body of work by staying true to his own voice. Clients include Letterkenny/Shorsey, Blue Rodeo, Wintersleep, Chris Hadfield, Massey Hall, CBC TV, and the National Arts Centre.

Tanya Duffy

Creative Director, Designer
A creative director, design researcher, branding specialist, and business owner. Tanya is a Fredericton-based creative who has built a body of work by preserving and shaping regional visual identities. Projects and clients include Pursuing the New: A Modern Graphic Design History of New Brunswick, St. Thomas University, and branding the municipality of Tantramar, NB. She also owns The Details, a women-led multidisciplinary design and creative agency.

Ashe Green

Creative Director, Designer
Award-winning designer and entrepreneur based in Charlottetown. Ashe is the founder of Hijinks Agency, where she and her team help purpose-driven organizations build brands that connect. Her work is driven by a belief that thoughtful design can strengthen communities, inspire action, and create lasting impact. Ashe is PEI’s only RGD-certified designer.

Shawn King

Creative Director, Strategist
A Halifax-based Senior VP and Executive Creative Director at NATIONAL with 30 years of agency leadership. A former partner, Chief Creative Officer, and Amazing Race Canada competitor, Shawn combines high-level creative strategy with a common-sense approach to drive internationally recognized work. Proof that big agency impact starts with great ideas and simple execution.

Josi Brideau

Art Director, Designer, Artist
An award-winning Art Director, Designer, and visual artist with 30 years of experience shaping high-impact work at m5 the agency in Moncton. Josi’s creative portfolio spans major national and local campaigns for clients like Statistics Canada, Canada’s National Arts Centre, Tourism NB, L’nuey, and Toca Percussion. Passionate about building community alongside her art practice, she co-founded Moncton Sip ‘N Sketch, a weekly gathering that brings together area creatives to draw, paint, and connect.

Kristen De Palma

Illustrator, Muralist
Halifax based, Kristen is a muralist and lettering artist known for her vibrant, vintage-inspired work across book covers, packaging, and editorial illustration. She blends creativity with strategy to create meaningful work for brands including Adidas, Pepsi, Trader Joe’s, and Jägermeister.

Greg Hemmings

Filmmaker, Storyteller
A filmmaker, entrepreneur, and pioneer in positive-impact storytelling. The founder of Hemmings House Pictures, Greg holds an Honorary Doctor of Letters for his contributions to the arts and social change. Through his coaching initiative, Rewiring the Muse, he now guides visionary leaders to overcome creative blocks, beat burnout, and lead with renewed purpose.

Seb Thériault

Designer, Illustrator
A bilingual graphic designer and illustrator based in Moncton. Seb is the talent behind Sterio Design, creating poster and album art for national and international clients and artists like Pearl Jam, Bad Religion, The Pixies, Simple Plan, and NOFX. Proof that creative work can be as loud and uncompromising as the bands it's made for.

Joce Saulnier

Designer, Art Director
Riverview-based designer and art director with 35 years of experience and a gift for clean, crisp, timeless design. Joce specializes in logos and typography; her clients include Canada Post, where her work has appeared on Canadian stamps, The Friends of Fundy, and Boatskeg Distilling. Her work has been featured in Logo Lounge 9, 12, 14, and 15. As an Acadian, Joce has the ability to work in both French and English.

Kate Wallace

Writer, Storyteller
A writer and storyteller based in Rothesay, New Brunswick. Formerly the Executive Director of ArtsLink NB and an arts reporter for the Telegraph-Journal, Kate founded Kate Wallace & Co. to deliver high-impact brand storytelling and copywriting for regional organizations. A national award-winning journalist with degrees from McGill and Concordia, her work spans journalism, filmmaking, and an upcoming memoir on ADHD parenting.

Additional speakers and programming will be announced soon, but these alone are worth the trip.

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Accommodations

ZZZ...
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Canvas Moncton by Hilton

7

minutes walking distance from event

Available 1 or 2 nights from September 23–25. Reservations must be made by August 31 to guarantee availability.

  • Check-in/out: 3pm, 12pm

  • Parking: $18/night

  • Fitness centre

  • Cancellation: 48 hours before check-in

To secure the event room rate, you must use the BOOK NOW button below.

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229
$

per night
+ taxes

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Residence Inn by Marriott Moncton

10

minutes walking distance from event

Available 1 or 2 nights from September 23–25. Reservations must be made by August 31  to guarantee availability.

  • Check-in/out: 3pm, 12pm

  • Parking: $10/night

  • Complimentary breakfast

  • Fitness centre

  • Indoor pool, Hot tub

  • Cancellation: 48 hours before check-in

To secure the event room rate, you must use the BOOK NOW button below.

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184
$

per night
+ taxes

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Hilton Garden Inn Moncton Downtown

16

minutes walking distance from event

Available from September 23–25. Reservations must be made by August 31  to guarantee availability.

  • Check-in/out: 3pm, 11am

  • Parking: Free

  • Fitness centre

  • Indoor pool

  • Cancelation: 48 hours before check-in

To secure the event room rate, you must use the BOOK NOW button below.

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139
$

per night
+ taxes

Textured Metallic Gradient

Reserve your Seat

Creative Pass:

$399

Student Pass:

$199

Group Rates

Bringing a group of 6 or more?
Use code cmdz+group at checkout to save 10% on your tickets.

CMDZ+GROUP
Save 10%

NOTE: Only applies to 6 or more Creative Passes in a single order.

For special rates for schools/student groups, email hello@creativeunion.club

Our Partners

Shoutout to the incredible partners backing our debut conference - we couldn't do this without you!

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We proudly recognize the following agencies for making student attendance possible:

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Partner Opportunities

Interested in supporting CMD+Z by becoming an event partner? We can't wait to hear from you! Send us an email to get the ball rolling.

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679 MAIN ST, SUITE 306  MONCTON, NB CANADA E1C 1E3
HELLO@CREATIVEUNION.CLUB

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CMD+Z is hosted by Creative Union, a member-based community club led by group of local creatives on a volunteer basis. Learn more about Creative Union

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