The STC 2008 Summit from a First-Timer’s Perspective

Monday, June 9th, 2008 | Runoff, Technical Communication

Last week’s STC Summit in Philadelphia was the first society-wide conference I’ve attended. I looked forward to the conference as an opportunity to learn to improve my technical writing and find out how the technical communication profession is taking advantage of Web 2.0.

Here are some positives and negatives from my experience at the summit.

The Positive

Networking. First, the conference was a great opportunity to meet technical communicators from around the country and the world. One conference-goer I met was from the United Kingdom and working in Paris. The organizations that we work for seem to span the spectrum of acceptance and implementation of Web 2.0. I enjoyed finding out what other tech communicators are doing.

And I admit, I did pass along my blog address to people.

Opening Keynote. Next, the opening keynote address by Howard Rheingold was an interesting look into how instant communication has changed the way people organize themselves socially. Rheingold largely left it up to us to figure out how what his address had to do with us, but I think what he was trying to get across was that electronic, instant conversation and communities have immense potential for our profession.

Variety of Education Sessions. The wide selection of sessions was a plus, though in some time slots there were almost too many to choose from.

Location. Having accommodations just a block away from the convention center was a big strength. We didn’t even have to go outside—there was an indoor route between the hotel and convention center. The Reading Terminal Market, where there was plenty to eat, lies right between them.

Newbie Sessions. A session was provided at a couple of different times for first-time attendees. There was nothing presented that was revolutionary, but it was a good orientation on how to get around and on conference etiquette.

The Negative

Closing Keynote. Dare I say that Richard Wurman’s closing keynote was neither key nor of note. It came off seeming very unfocused and disorganized, not to mention as a promotion for his current project. After several days of educational sessions and discussions, my brain was nearly dead, and I think we needed something more stimulating. (Let me add that I don’t blame this on STC; I mean that Wurman should have shown more respect for the honor that STC extended him by asking him to be a keynote speaker.)

Placement of Certification Program. I appreciate that with the pre-conference certification program, the STC officers are answering a call for training opportunities at the conference. I would like to see the certication program more central to the conference instead of simply an appendage.

Tom Johnson notes that he came away from the summit without having learned much. I think having certification offered during the conference could extend that opportunity to more people. I say that because the number of people at the opening keynote was much smaller than the number at the closing, so it’s possible that fewer people could attend (and afford) certifications than would have liked to.

Accuracy of Session Skill Levels. My opinion of the skill level designations on the sessions is that they could have been more accurate. I attended a session about DITA and wikis that was for “all” but seemed more on the technical side.

Conclusion

On the way to the airport, I and several other attendees talked to a member of the board of directors who happened to be riding with us. The discussion revolved around conference location, but he did sincerely ask us for feedback and suggestions on that subject. That speaks well for the board’s intent to receive feedback about the conference on all levels.

Overall, I had a good experience, though frankly, like Tom, I came away with less new information than I had hoped.

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