Call for Progression Speakers in Chicago/Rosemont

Next year’s STC Technical Communication Summit will be held from 20 to 23 May 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois.

A Lone Writer Progression session is planned and the SIG is looking for presenters (and their topics). If you plan to attend the conference and have an idea for a topic, I encourage you to develop your topic and present as part of the Lone Writer Progression. Any STC member may propose and present their topic.

What is a “progression session” anyway?

“Progression session” is a format for an educational session at conference that has as many as 10 different speakers presenting on various topics simultaneously. Each speaker will host a table with a presentation on a topic they have developed from their own area of practice. Attendees will choose a topic and sit at that table to hear a 12 to 15 minute presentation about that topic, and then move to another table to hear the next 12 to 15 minute presentation. This process repeats three times throughout the hour-long time slot. This means attendees will hear three of the topics presented.

Sessions in this format are very popular and are among the best attended at the conference. Progression sessions are a great way to share a lot of information in a relatively short time. Veteran presenters and new speakers alike can hone their speaking and presenting skills as they present new topics and research.

Subject Matter for Topics

We will be looking for topics of relevance to members of our SIG, but many of those areas are also important for technical communicators working in small to large teams. Some possible topics include working as a sole writer, selecting the best tool for your needs, convincing other team members of the importance of good technical documentation, succeeding in an Agile/Scrum environment as a lone writer, how to edit / proofread your own work effectively, etc.

How to Join a Progression Session

Beginning this year, all speakers must submit an individual proposal for their topics, including progression sessions. If you have an idea, don’t hesitate to propose it. As an experienced speaker for full talks, workshops, and progressions, a progression moderator, and proposal reviewer, our SIG manager, Ed Marshall, can help you with your proposal.

You will need to make your submission by 28 September 2011. So, organize your topic and get any supporting materials together! The “Powers That Be”
are adamant that the deadline will not be extended.

At a minimum, you will need the following information: 

• Your name and contact information
• Working title for your topic
• A short abstract or description of your topic
• A short professional bio about you, especially about any speaking or presenting experiences you may have had
• Any further details about your topic, such as an outline or graphics (if you have them). More information is better, but if your presentation is not fully developed, please propose it anyway!
• Be sure to mention any SIG affiliations you may have

Links

STC Summit Information Page

STC Call for Proposals Page

There is usually a $100 discount on Conference Registration Fees for Progression Speakers!

If you need help with your proposal or have questions, feel free to ask.

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