Debra Jonhson
By Debra Johnson
Vice-President
Orlando Central Florida Chapter STC
vicepresident@stc-orlando.org
It’s May and the 2013 annual STC Technical Summit is now just a memory!
…but what a memory it is!
What a whirlwind five days! Jammed packed… this event was full of brain-busting information. I can’t believe how well this summit was tailored solely to my needs…I can’t believe it. I felt so special… LOL. I don’t know how they knew exactly what I needed.
Ok, get a grip, Deb …and get back to reality…The five days started with a bang… After I arrived on Friday to my old hometown of Atlanta, I made my way to the Hyatt Regency in downtown. Saturday morning opened for me with Andrea Aames and Alyson Riley’s Strategic Information Architecture Boot Camp where they started immediately with definitions, foundational concepts, best practices, and practical tools I can use to advance my skills in information architecture (IA), Content Strategy and Knowledge Management skills, they transitioned rapidly into the other four key learning objectives… I realized now more than ever, as they said over and over, “content matters.” Alyson and Andrea talked about how companies and organizations are realizing the strategic value of content as a business asset, as well as how important it is to think critically about ways to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and innovate.
My goal for the boot camp was to hone my skills as a Strategic Information Architect. I was intent on becoming better at delivering, what my two “drill sergeants” call, “the business value that comes from high-value, highly visible content in exceptional information experiences.” It was an amazing weekend.
Sunday night was the welcome reception and then on to Monday, where I attended the recommended sessions that supported the IA theme, the annual business meeting, and welcome reception … I was in heaven. Tuesday brought more sessions and the honors banquet, where our own Dan Voss received the 2013 President’s award for his tireless promotion of the Society’s student mentoring program and his outreach to the next generation of Society members. Icing on the cake was our chapter receiving the Community of Distinction for an 8th time!!!!
Can’t wait to share my experiences with you at Washlines XIX in August!!!
Don’t forget our May Chapter meeting. It’s all about Project Management! We will also have our annual business meeting, award this year’s Melissa Pellegrin Scholarship in addition to our speaker! It’s our last program meeting for the 2012-2013 year. Next up in June… is the end of the year banquet and installation of the new officers.
REGISTER/RSVP is required at http://stcorlando.eventbrite.com/#
PROGRAM: Thursday May 16, 2013
Refreshments and Networking start at 6:30pm
Program starts promptly at 7:00pm.
LOCATION:
(Former Harcourt Building)
6277 Sea Harbor Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
Wyndham Vacation Ownership Corporate Office
6277 Sea Harbor Drive Orlando FL 32821 (former Harcourt building)
PARKING: Park in the garage. Check in with security. Please bring your printed ticket with you to show at the door! For questions, email VP – Debra Johnson – vicepresident@stc-orlando.org
If you would like to pay your meeting fees in advance by check or M.O.,
please mail your payment to:
The Orlando Central Florida Chapter
of the Society for Technical Communication
Post Office Box 540444
Orlando, FL 32854-0444