who we are

The Los Angeles InDesign User Group is where folks who use InDesign hang out with other folks who use InDesign. Attend one of our monthly presentations and you might learn a few things, but the truth is that CreativePro has bigger, more comprehensive ones. If you have a question, one of the members might supply an answer, but Adobe Community Forums is probably a better place for quick answers. More eyeballs.

Why Us?

What we provide is an authentic user-to-user experience where individuals who speak the language of page layout and digital publishing get together to let their pixels down. In fact, it might be that our presentations are just an excuse to hang out with kindred spirits, much like football is an excuse to drink beer.

At LAIDUG, not only can you talk about the program we all know and love, find out the latest updates, learn new techniques, swap stories about novel workarounds, but also inspire others who are having a bad day, engage with folks who don’t happen to live next door, and form relationships that turn into lifelong friendships. Discover a business opportunity, find a job, snag some swag, or win a raffle prize including Adobe software!

LAIDUG engages in the difficult process of appealing to InDesign users of all skill levels and unique interests with a smorgasbord of programs that range from the serious and technical to the fun and unexpected. A particular focus of the group is extending information about page layout and digital publishing into diverse and underserved communities. All regular LAIDUG meetings and events are free to the public.

BEYOND L.A.

Although we began as a Los Angeles group, thanks to the pandemic we now have members all over the world. We aren’t the Last Adobe InDesign User Group on the planet (note the acronym), but we are the last InDesign-only group in the English-speaking world.. There are three InDesign user groups in Germany.

Join us

Past Field Trips

Bridge Publications
Designory
History for Hire
HPR Graphics
International Printing Museum
Los Angeles Times
Ogilvy & Mather
Roland Corporation

OUR TEAM

Alan Bell, Manager
Alvin Takamori, Co-Manager

Advisory Board:
Alan Bell
William Baughman
Randy Dunbar
Alan Gilbertson
Jeffrey Schimsky
Andrew Keith Strauss
Alvin Takamori
Ricardo Torres

MEETINGS

Meetings are held via Zoom every month on the third Thursday. A 30-minute pre-meeting chat precedes each meeting. Meetings begin promptly with a few minutes of administrative business, after which we introduce the speaker and get on with it. Meetings conclude with a Q&A followed by raffles. Then we wrap. Our meetings are compact yet packed with the interaction and information you really want and need.

Before COVID, in-person meetings were held bimonthly. Locations varied throughout Los Angeles County to ensure that at least one meeting during the year was in everyone’s backyard. Typical meeting facilities included libraries, community centers and schools. Occasionally meetings were held where design work actually happened—perhaps at a design studio or printing company—and sometimes included a tour of the plant.

How You Can Help

Founded in 2005, the Los Angeles InDesign User Group is officially supported by Adobe Systems, Inc., but is an independent organization managed by local volunteers. We have financial, infrastructure and staff needs.

Donations

LAIDUG is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization financed through the sale of raffle and event tickets, the purchase of branded items and the occasional tax-deductible contribution. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent that the law allows. Please consult with your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your donation.

Volunteers

Volunteers are always needed. If you have a skill or a talent, let us know. Chances are we need it. Or if you want to help but would rather choose from a list of our specific needs, ask for our “wish list.”

Presenters

The women and men who present at LAIDUG meetings are typically Adobe employees, evangelists or trainers. Or they might be representatives of companies that make program-related add-ons. Sometimes the podium is held by a knowledgeable InDesign user. Some topics are on how to use the program. Other presentations are on topics of interest to InDesign users, such as sister Adobe applications or more general design-related information and discussions.

Discounts

A popular way for companies to connect with LAIDUG members is by offering members-only discounts for products and services. Discounts are an easy and excellent way to develop an ongoing relationship with members of the organization.

Venues

When we are able to again, we hold meetings at locations all over Los Angeles County so that at least one meeting during the year is in everyone’s backyard. We typically meet in libraries, community centers and schools. Occasionally we hold meetings at design studios or printing companies, and sometimes these venues include a tour of the facilities.

If you are able to offer a meeting space—with or without a tour—we’d love to hear from you. Or, if you know of a facility that might work, let us know that, too.

Stuff Only You Know

Maybe you know the owner of a restaurant who would make a dinner meeting more than just a fantasy. Maybe you’re friends with a tour boat operator who would take the entire group to Catalina Island for just the cost of gas. Maybe Tim Cook is your best buddy and would be delighted to send the corporate jet to L.A. to pick us up for a meeting and tour of the Apple facility in Cupertino. Or maybe your next door neighbor is Barbra Streisand, who would have no problem with you hosting a meeting at her compound in Malibu.

Well, maybe. You tell us what it is that you can pull off.