By Jane Wilson, Track Manager
The field of technical communication is constantly evolving, and many of those changes are most evident in the tools we use and how we deliver the content we develop. This year I am very excited about the Tools and Technologies track – it is loaded with sessions that will help us all to learn about innovative ways to develop or improve our information deliverables, as well as techniques and approaches for working with and documenting new technologies.
As a member of a writing organization that develops content in both Markdown and DITA, I am especially interested in hearing Alan Houser’s take on “Markdown, DITA, or Both?”. I’m hoping to pick up some tips to help evaluate when and why we should choose each authoring methodology.
Hanna Heinonen’s presentation on Using DITA XML to Deliver Content Dynamically is also at the top of my list. We are all trying to get the right information to the right audience at the right time, and it sounds like Hanna’s organization has developed a fascinating way to use structured content and metadata to create dynamic content that does just that.
Although it may sound like a contradiction in terms of the name of this track, Bernard Aschwanden’s session on “Tools Be Damned! Full Speed Ahead” is sure to generate some excellent ideas for how to innovate and create the best content possible for your audience no matter what authoring tool you are using.
These are just a few of the many great sessions being offered in the Tools and Technologies track – I wish I had the room to tell you about all of them! You can get more details about all the sessions in the Full Schedule on the Summit website, just select Tools and Technologies on the Tracks section on the left.
I look forward to seeing you all – virtually – at the Summit!
About STC's Virtual Technical Communication Summit
This year's virtual event features 80+ education sessions, a Virtual Exhibit Hall, networking opportunities, and social events. Education sessions are divided into three content tracks: Content Design and Delivery; Tools and Technologies; and Management, Leadership, and Career Development.
Attendance at the 2021 Virtual Technical Communication Summit provides 8 CEUs toward Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) currency.
Full Summit Registration includes access to all session recordings through 31 August! One-Day Registration is also available. Please note, One-Day Registration does not include access to Summit OnDemand recordings.
For more information, and to register, visit summit.stc.org.