Welcome to the STC SummitFirst Timer Web seminar.

The session will start in a few minutes.

Please mute your phone and/or computer microphone.If your phone does not have a mute button, at the top of the display click the green phone handset icon and select “Mute my phone”.

Getting the Most (and you can get a lot!)

from Your FirstTechnical

Communication Summit

59th Annual ConferenceYour tour guides: Rhyne & Nathaniel

Our goal is to help make your experience at the world’s largest gathering of technical communication professionals productive, educational and fun!

Tip #1: Plan a daily schedule.

Select fromTechnical sessionsVendor showcasesSpecial sessionsLightning talks

Use the guide.

Factor in back-up options

Choose among different session formats:

“Lecture”

Mini-Workshop

Progression

•Case Study•Demonstration•Lightning Talk•Panel Discussion•Presentation•Research Report

Project Showcase

Meet the Editors

Tip #2: Take advantage of conference resources.

STC Central

Networking

Mini-Presentations

Competition Awards Display

•Certification•Community Affairs Committee•Competitions•Nominating Committee•Publications•Recognition•STC Education•Summit Program Committee

Tip #2: Take advantage of conference resources. cont.

Message Board RefreshmentsArea

Unofficial Gatherings

Student Lunch

on Monday

Tip #2: Take advantage of conference resources. cont.Chicago Information Booth

Local Info

Give-Aways

Dallas Booth 2010

Internet Cafe

Tip #3: Take advantage of ONLINE conference resources.

Employment BoothSpeaker Evaluations

Itinerary Planner Zerista

WiFi

Tip #4: Follow conference “etiquette.”Wear your nametag (where it can be seen easily).

Always carry business cards (then give them away).

Feel free to “beam” with other geeks.

Bring

the

whole

box!

Tip #4: Follow conference “etiquette.” cont.

Don’t let your cell phone annoy others.

If a session doesn’t meet your needs, leave (Use your back-up plan).

Keep networking! (It just means talking.)

Networking starters. . .

“Hi! I’m (your name) from (your city/state). Where are you from?”“What’s new at your company?”“It’s my first STC Summit -- how about you?”• (for newbies) “What do you want to

learn?”• (for non-newbies) “What

sessions do you recommend?”

Technical communicator folksWho are they? What do they do? Where are they from?

Program committee

Famous folks

Technical communicator folks, cont.Who are they? What do they do? Where are they from?

The rest of us!

STC office

Opening session

(5:30-6:45 pm)

Tip #5: Don’t miss the Sunday Stuff!

Exposition Hall (closes 5:00 pm

on Tuesday)Welcome reception

(7:00-8:30 pm)

Scott Berkun

Tip #5: Don’t miss the Sunday Stuff! cont.

Network!(It just means meeting people.)

Food

Wear yournametag.

Tip #6: Don’t miss the Communities Reception on Monday night!

Network!

Give-Aways

Food

Summit Open Jam

Monday at 8:00 PM

In the Hotel immediately after the Community Reception.

Play or sing with the band.Bring your musical instruments and dancing shoes.

Sponsored by

9520 Higgins RoadMonday at 9:00 PM

Summit TweetUp

Everyone is welcome!

(Sort of)

Organized by STC

Chicago Chapter

Tip #7: Attend Pre-Banquet Reception for FREE on Tuesday.

Reception before

Banquet

Optional Pricing

After Party?Check

Twitter. #stc12

(Sort of)

Tip #8: Attend Special Interest Group (SIG) Meetings.

Tip #9: Be healthy. Live well.Ask questions (the “famous people” & “big shots” will talk to you, too.)

Give yourself breaks (It’s OK to “skip a class”.)

Provide feedback.

Have fun!

Recognize yourself. Wear ribbons.Helpful for networking

Any questions

Pick Up Your 1st Time Attendee Ribbon.