While the education sessions are more than enough to lure you to Phoenix for the 2014 Technical Communication Summit, the “hidden benefit” of the event is surely the networking. With hundreds of the top technical communicators from around the world converging in one location, it’s an amazing opportunity to meet new people and perhaps advance your career. Here’s a summary of the networking events in Phoenix that can add even more value to your registration.
Opening General Session
The Opening General Session is what kicks the whole party off on Sunday evening. Highlighted by the keynote address of Jonathon Colman, the Opening General Session puts everyone together in one big room. Talk to your neighbor and introduce yourself!
Welcome Reception
Immediately following the Opening General Session is the Welcome Reception, taking place in the exhibit hall. Find out about the latest advances from top vendors in the industry, and grab some free food while you’re at it! There’s a cash bar as well, plus many vendors have drawings for prizes in the Expo.
Communities Event
During the break between education sessions on Monday, check out the Communities Event in the Expo, with light refreshments. Learn more about STC’s Special Interest Groups and network with your fellow attendees.
Honors Reception and Banquet
The Honors Reception and Banquet is the highlight of the event for many. The banquet honors the brightest stars of technical communication, spotlighting the Society’s newest Fellows, Associate Fellows, and award winners. There’s an extra fee to attend the banquet (note: you must purchase your ticket by noon on Monday, 19 May, to attend), but the reception—with cash bar—is open to all.
Closing Luncheon
The Closing Luncheon is one last opportunity to talk with old and new friends when the sessions end on Wednesday. This buffet lunch lets you sit down with new friends and colleagues, make sure you’ve exchanged contact information, and even learn a bit about the 2015 Summit! (Note: you must purchase your ticket by noon on Tuesday, 20 May, to attend.)
SIG Meetings
Many of STC’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs) schedule business meetings during the Summit. These meetings are scheduled for Tuesday during the lunch break. See the conference program for the full schedule.
Coffee Breaks
There will be multiple coffee breaks in the Expo on Monday and Tuesday, and in the registration area on Wednesday. Grab a cup and talk about what you’ve learned at the Summit. See the conference program for the full schedule.
Optional Tourist Events
What better way to get to know your fellow attendee than by playing tourist together? The STC Phoenix Chapter has organized multiple tourist events for attendees, including trips to the Arizona Science Center and Phoenix Art Museum, plus a special showing of the documentary Helvetica. You must register for these events in advance; see http://summit.stc.org/hotel-travel/optional-tourist-events/ for full details.
Tweet-Ups
Every year, attendees organize “tweet-ups” at a local bar or restaurant—dinner, karaoke, drinks, etc. Keep an eye on Twitter during the conference for these fun evening events.
Hallways, Bars, and Restaurants
Sometimes the best networking can be just bumping into another attendee and starting a conversation. Many attendees frequent the hotel bars and restaurants in the evening (another good reason to stay at the official conference hotel!), and there’s almost always a group in the lobby looking for dinner partners. Follow #stc14 on Twitter, too, for impromptu invitations and gatherings.
Meeting Rooms
Finally, the meeting rooms are a great place to start a conversation (though not during the sessions, please). Since you’re both in the same session, you know you have at least one interest in common—see what other interests you share and if you might be able to help each other out. One attendee reports striking up a conversation with the person next to her and having it result in an ongoing freelance contract!
You never know where your next job might come from, who might be able to help you out of your next jam, or who you might be able to lend a hand or an ear to next month. Take advantage of the networking opportunities available at the 2014 Technical Communication Summit.
