This page provides a list of topic areas and ideas to consider as you prepare your proposal. However, do not limit yourself to the following list of ideas. We welcome and review all proposals to create the most comprehensive program available. Remember, we are interested in topics that expand upon the theme of “Gain the Edge to Get Results.” If you have questions, please contact the Conference Committee (stcsummit AT gmail dot com) for more information.

Profession and Promotion (Demonstrating our Value)

  • Expanding the ‘reach’ of Tech Comm
  • Nontraditional products or services
  • How what you do adds to or enhances the organization
  • Demonstrating worth or Return on Investment (Making your case)
  • Generating revenue, saving costs, or adding profit (Improving the bottom line)
  • Reaching and influencing decision makers (Speaking their language)
  • Collaborating with or assisting other teams

Art/Design/Visual Communication

  • Graphics and illustrations
  • Page design and layout
  • Designing for retrieval/findability
  • Concepts, considerations, and issues in visual design and development
  • Designing and developing videos, writing video scripts
  • Applying game design techniques to teaching, content, and products

Management/Leadership

  • Managing “upward,” meeting the needs and expectations of upper management
  • Staffing and hiring
  • Project management practices and techniques
  • Personal career management (e.g., how to move into content management, user experience, management, independent consulting)

Writing/Communication

  • Writing API documentation
  • Editing, peer reviews, and other content improvement approaches
  • Leading cross-functional peer reviews and critiques
  • Writing for internationalization and localization
  • Implementing Plain Language legislation guidelines

Tools/Technology

  • Languages for implementation markup and styling, including HTML, XML, CSS, and XSLT
  • Languages for interactivity, including JavaScript, AJAX
  • XML-based publishing
  • Using industry-standard publishing architectures, such as DITA
  • Techniques and methods for conducting usability assessments

Training/Research

  • New developments in education and training
  • Research in usability and user patterns
  • Instructional design and elearning
  • Legal and ethical issues in design and communication

Cutting Edge

  • Augmented reality
  • Virtual reality
  • Internet of Things