The core of the Summit program will come from the proposals that are submitted. Please review the track descriptions to make sure that the content you propose best matches the interest and needs of our participants, as described by the Program Advisory Committee. Focus on the tracks and direct your proposals to the topics they describe. Again, if you have questions, please contact the track manager early, before you submit your proposal. They can assist and guide you with your proposal submission.
Applying Theory and Research to Practice
Theory and research form the basis for technical communication; theory guides our practice and research supports the theory. Education and training teach people how to find, create, and use theory and research. In an effort to improve our theory, research, education, and training, we invite proposals in the following areas:
For more information about this track, consult the track managers for your track of interest
Producing and Publishing Information
In this age of Web 2.0, collaborative content generation, and user-centered design, it isn't enough for technical communicators to be familiar with the current tools and technologies. We also have to understand how social networks and user communities are using and consuming the information we create with those tools, and how we can become more responsive to their needs and input. Sessions in this track should address the challenges we face as new technologies shape the content and media of our workday and our lives. Presenters are encouraged to submit proposals that seek to answer questions such as:
How can traditional means of technical documentation be improved?
If you are a technical communicator who doesn't write documentation, what tools and technologies are important to you?
Where do you see the future of the semantic Web as it relates to technical communication?
For more information about this track, consult the track managers for your track of interest
Developing and Delivering Content
Writing, editing, and visual communication are the technical communicator's core competences. This track will help attendees keep updated on best practices in communicating content, provide practical information on using different media to communicate information, investigate writing for diverse audiences, and use text and graphics to communicate effectively. We welcome proposals addressing topics such as:
For more information about this track, consult the track managers for your track of interest
Developing Your Skills and Promoting Your Profession
Success in technical communication increasingly requires keen soft skills and a knack for self-promotion in addition to a broad array of communication, technology, and publishing skills. This track will help you find methods to hone your technical and soft skills, teach you how to effectively promote yourself and your department's services, and prepare you to become an evangelist for the profession to the rest of the world. Specifically, we seek proposals on topics such as:
For more information about this track, consult the track managers for your track of interest
Managing People, Projects, and Business
Proposals in this track should explore how managers can promote the business of technical communication, generate effective results for the organizations we serve, challenge staff to unleash their human potential, and grow. Specifically, we seek proposals that explore areas such as:
For more information about this track, consult the track managers for your track of interest
Designing and Assessing the User Experience
Technical communicators are adding value by taking a lead role in designing and assessing the experience of users with the products and services we document, often starting with the "out of the box" experience, and continuing through all phases of product use. This track explores the practical challenges associated with designing and assessing these user experiences, and welcomes proposals addressing the following topics:
For more information about this track, consult the track managers for your track of interest
Leadership Day (Sunday June 1, 2008) will offer a number of learning opportunities for those involved in STC communities. Part of the program will be selected “Case Studies in Leadership.”
You are invited to describe a specific example that details and exemplifies successful community leadership at any level in STC. The case study should be no longer than 20 minutes.
What are we looking for? First of all, what we are NOT looking for is a process. Leadership is much more than filing reports or managing volunteers. There are many levels, aspects and skills to leadership. Individual, team and organizational are levels while skills such as communication, delegation, decision-making and project management are but a few. Leaders share important attributes such as trust, respect, loyalty and confidence.
Tell us how an individual, committee or group made a difference in your community and lead the way. What were the attributes that were displayed? What skills? How did leadership make a difference?
For more information about this track, consult the track managers for your track of interest