Summit '13: Hints for New STC Summit Attendees

Guest post by Paul Mueller

The 2013 Technical Communication Summit provides many programs, social events, networking opportunities, and more.  It can be overwhelming as your days and nights are packed during this event.  This article provides some tips about getting the most from your time at the Summit.

First Time Attendee Webinar and Other Information

Attend the First Time Attendee webinar, hosted by Nathaniel Lim and Rhyne Armstrong from 4:00-5:00 PM EDT (GMT-4) on Thursday, 4 April. [Editor’s note: This webinar is free to Summit attendees, but you must register to attend.] This webinar provides many valuable tips for anyone attending the Summit. If you miss the live webinar, a recording will be posted. STC Notebook’s also provides many articles about the Summit, including those by Danielle Villegas who is writing a series about A First-Timer’s Summit.  In addition, Tom Johnson provides some great tips on his blog.

Consider a Preconference Certificate Program or Workshop

STC provides a special conference plus certificate course package that includes a two-day certificate program on Saturday and Sunday (4-5 May) before the Summit. The certificate programs offer concentrated information in a specific area of interest, such as business management, usability, or technical editing. If you prefer a half-day workshop, STC provides several programs Sunday afternoon by well-known industry leaders. For more information, see the Summit website.

Checking In and Sunday Evening Activities

Once you have checked into your room in the Summit hotel on Sunday, you can go to the STC registration area and get your name badge, Summit program, and other materials (if it hasn’t already been mailed to you). Wear your name badge during Summit activities to gain access and help people learn your name.

Sunday evening begins with the welcome address by STC President, Alan Houser, and our keynote speaker, David Pogue. The program and Summit website provide more information about the entertaining keynote planned for this year. Following the keynote, the Exhibit Hall officially opens with a reception that offers finger foods, networking opportunities, and time to visit with many of the Summit sponsors and exhibitors. You don’t want to miss these events!

There Are So Many Sessions … How Do I Choose?

In addition to our keynote speaker, the Summit has many well-known speakers throughout the program, such as Ginny Redish, Lee LeFever, Sara Wachter-Boettcher, Jean-luc Dumount, and more. As you go through the program, select several sessions in each time slot and prioritize them based on your interests. If you are in a session and it is not quite what you thought it would be, feel free to leave and go to the next session on your list. Also remember that many sessions are recorded as part of SUMMIT@aClick, which allows you to get the most from your Summit experience and work around scheduling conflicts. Look for the recording icon in the program, but remember that interactive discussion sessions, such as progressions, are not recorded.

Have Fun and Socialize

The Summit provides programs and activities in a wide variety of formats. This variety helps you learn in the ways that are best for you and it helps you stay engaged. You can do more than listen by going to the lightning talks, progressions, and the project showcase. You may also want to learn about LEAN Communication in the hands-on LEGO session.

Don’t forget the many social activities, such as the Communities Reception on Monday night and the Honors Reception and Banquet Tuesday night (the Banquet requires an additional fee). Stay tuned for other events and gatherings, such as the TweetUp (usually Monday night), the Karaoke experience (usually Tuesday night), and many impromptu meetings each evening in the hotel bar.

Pace Yourself, Take Breaks, and Enjoy the Summit

Pace yourself and rest when you can. Take a break now and then, and remember you do not have to attend a session in each and every time slot. STC provides coffee and light snacks during breaks in the Exhibit Hall on Monday and Tuesday. Feel free to sit and enjoy visiting with other attendees and speakers. Informal conversations often spark interesting topics and help you recharge.  Speaking of recharging, be sure to use the recharging stations to power up your phone or laptop battery.

Visit the exhibitors, Sunday night through Tuesday. The Exhibit Hall closes Tuesday evening, so don’t miss this opportunity to visit with tool and service providers from across our industry! Also, don’t miss the Vendor Showcases during the Summit where you can see products and services in action.

Business Cards

Be sure you bring enough business cards to make the connections that can help you throughout your career. You’ll be surprised by the number of people you meet. About 800 people attend the Summit each year, and you may also want to use business cards to enter prize drawings. Don’t be surprised if you give out 100 business cards or more. It’s better to bring some home with you than to run short.

What Should I Wear?

Business casual is good for almost everything at the Summit, although many attendees will dress casually too. Temperatures can vary in the conference rooms, so you may want to bring a sweater, sport coat, or light jacket. Most people dress more formally for the Honors Banquet (business suit or sport coat, cocktail dress, and some tuxedos). Casual or business casual, you’ll be in good company . . . so be comfortable.