Software user assistance encompasses a wide range of skills and technologies that are combined to improve the software user’s experience.

Join us on Saturday morning, February 11^th as Joe Welinske, president of WritersUA, presents the following topics to help you learn more about the current world of software user assistance and techniques for creating valuable content for your users. Feel free to attend one, two, or all three sessions.

Session Descriptions

9:00-10:00 - An Overview of Trends, Tools and Technologies in Software User Assistance

10:00-11:00 – Write More, Write Less: Embracing the Value of Crafted Words and Images

11:00-12:00 – Optimizing the Googleability of Your Content

Hosted by
STC-SWO and Seapine Software

Date and time
Saturday, February 11, 2012, at 9:00 am – 12:00 Noon

Location
Seapine Software, 5412 Courseview Drive, Suite 200, Mason, OH 45040  (Click here for a map.)

Registration
You must register and pay ($5 for STC members, $10 for non-members) in advance via PayPal.
Click here for PayPal payment instructions. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 8 at 5:00 pm. Space is limited to 20, so register soon!
—————————————————————————————————
About Joe Welinske
Joe Welinske, the president of WritersUA,  has been involved with software documentation development since 1984. He recently published Developing User Assistance for Mobile Apps. He has also taught online Help courses at the University of Washington, UC Santa Cruz, and Bellevue Community College. Joe received a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1981, and a M.S. in Adult Instructional Management from Loyola University in 1987. Joe served as President of STC Puget Sound Chapter from 2006-2008 and Membership Director for the Puget Sound Chapter of the Usability Professionals Association in 2010.

WritersUA is a company devoted to providing training and information for user assistance professionals. The WritersUA/WinWriters Conference draws hundreds of attendees each year from around the world to share the latest in user assistance design and implementation. The free content on the WritersUA web site attracts over 20,000 visitors each month.

Session Description

Your portfolio IS your MOST IMPORTANT tool to show your talents, abilities, and breadth of experience. Rather than a single traditional portfolio consisting of hard copy work, multiple hard and electronic formats are necessary to portray your skills. Join us on January 18, 2012, for an online presentation that focuses predominately on best practices for presenting your works electronically through leveraging different facets of your social network. Technical communicators who desire to create a professional portfolio will benefit from this discussion of

• What a portfolio is
• What types of projects to include in a portfolio
• How to use portfolio to land a job, project, or client

Session Timeline

• Introduction (3-5 minutes)
• Dissect portfolio options (5 minutes)
• Choose your platforms (10 minutes)
• Choose your projects  (15 minutes)
• Present your projects (10 minutes)
• Pull it all together (5 minutes)
• Q & A (5-10 minutes and throughout)

Handouts

• Social Media Marketing Quick Reference Guide
• Tools
• Presentation

Date and Time

• Wednesday, January 18, 2012
  7:00 p.m. EST

Cost

• Members: $10
• Non-members: $20
• All payments in advance via PayPal only

Click here for instructions about Pay Pal payments.

Registration Deadline: Noon on Monday, January 16, 2012.

Speaker Bio

Louellen S. Coker is the founder as well as chief writer, editor, designer, and all around chief of all things content at Content Solutions, a certified woman-owned business. She focuses on helping her clients effectively communicate their message within their organization as well as with their varied communities through writing, design and the web. She has conducted several conference presentations, published numerous articles, and taught workshops on Social Media Marketing.

Louellen holds a Master of Arts degree in Technical Communication from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University. She is an Associate Fellow of the Society for Technical Communication and is a past president of both the Lone Star Community of the Society for Technical Communication and the Women Business Owners of Denton County. She is also affiliated with several professional organizations including IEEE Professional Communication Society, National Association of Photoshop Professionals, and DFW Search Engine Marketers.

When Louellen isn’t leading her firm in creating strategic and user-driven creative cross-pollination of content, she’s either traveling with her husband, hiking all over the world, winning national and state championship sailing regattas, training for marathons, or running in them.

Educational Outreach Event

The Society for Technical Communication’s Southwestern Ohio Chapter (STC-SWO) is pleased to present our first ever Business Boost.

The Business Boost is for the local business community – not STC-SWO members.

Business owners, managers, executives, and engineers – Do you face these common business challenges?

• Presenting new technologies, products, or services to potential investors.
• Documenting compliance with federal regulations (HIPAA, OSHA, SOX, etc).
• Documenting compliance with industry standards (ISO, CMMI, etc).
• Developing policies and plans (business plans, safety plans, disaster recovery plans, etc.).
• Documenting and disseminating best practices for processes and procedures.
• Maintaining quality standards and customer satisfaction during periods of organizational change.
• Marketing complex products to a wide variety of audiences.

Good technical communication helps you answer these challenges. This educational event showcases cost-effective technical communication resources for business. Save time and money by deploying key products and services strategically in critical areas. Attend this informative event to learn how to leverage these resources to grow your business.

Who Should Attend

• Technology industry executives
• Providers of complex products and services
• Business owners, managers, and engineering team leaders

Representatives from New Horizons, ThirtySix Software, and Clarity Technical Communications will be on hand to talk about how companies are currently using their technical communication solutions to meet critical business needs.

When and Where

Thursday, November 10, 2011, from 9 am to noon
New Horizons Computer Learning Center
10653 Techwood Circle, Cincinnati, OH 45242
Phone (888) 838-2786

This event is free, but registration is required.
To register, visit the New Horizons website.

We hope to see you there.

Join us on Wednesday, October 19, for an interactive webinar showcasing content management in MS Word using SmartDocs:  a practical, inexpensive alternative when DITA-based content management is a non-viable option for your organization.

• SmartDocs makes it easier to manage and reuse your documentation content.
• SmartDocs integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Word.
• SmartDocs enables your people to create new documents faster, improve document quality, and keep your document content consistent and up-to-date.

Our speaker is Lisa Pietrangeli.

Lisa Pietrangeli is a Managing Partner and Director of Client Solutions at ThirtySix Software. She specializes in working with clients to develop customized content development strategies.

Before joining ThirtySix Software, Lisa worked extensively with companies around the world, helping clients to develop internationalization strategies for all stages of the content development process, from authoring through translation. Her extensive experience encompasses everything from project management, resource selection and management, to business development, localization consulting and managing the localization PM staff.

Lisa has presented and conducted workshops in many venues including TCWorld Conference, STC Summit, and many STC Chapter events. In addition to her professional experiences, Lisa holds degrees in Art History, Spanish, Italian, and American Sign Language. She has also spent time living and studying in Italy.

Date: Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Agenda:

• Networking: 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
• Dinner: 6:00 p.m.
• Program: 6:45 p.m.

Menu: A variety of sandwiches, salads, and beverages

Cost:

• Members: $20
• Non-members: $30 (in advance via PayPal only)
• Students: $17
• Program only: $10 for members and students; $20 for non-members

Click here for instructions about Pay Pal payments.
No shows will be billed.

Registration Deadline: Monday, October 17, 2011, by noon. To register, send an email to program@stc-swo.org.

Please include your name, email address, membership status (member, non-member, or student), and how you will pay (cash, check, or Pay Pal).

Non-members must pay in advance via Pay Pal. All no shows will be billed.

If your reservation is not confirmed via e-mail within 72 hours, please resend, or contact the chapter president at president@stc-swo.org.

Location:

Indiana Wesleyan Dayton Education Center

2912 Springboro Road West, Dayton, OH 45439

Directions:

From Interstate 75 (North or South):

• Take Exit 50A (Dryden Road) and turn right at the end of the exit ramp.
• Go to the first traffic signal and turn right onto Springboro West (NOT Springboro Pike).
• Indiana Wesleyan University is the 2nd building on the left (3-story tan brick).
• Come to the reception area on the 3rd floor to find our exact location in the building.

In recession or in recovery, twenty-first century businesses need you. Unfortunately, not all of them know it yet. Please join us for the first STC-SWO meeting of the 2011-2012 year to find out how you can clue them in.

Former STC-SWO president Bettie Hall will lead us in an interactive session that centers around how your technical communication skills can meet a variety of business requirements. Together we will learn to:

• Recognize strengths and identify skills.
• Translate both strengths and skills into language that business managers understand.
• Develop a resume that showcases versatility, flexibility, and business value.

This working meeting will begin with a small group activity to help you identify skills and move into a facilitated large group discussion followed by Bettie’s presentation and and wrap-up Q/A session. throughout 2010-2011. Bettie Hall has spent more than 30 years as a successful researcher, educator, and communicator.

Click here to learn more about Bettie:  her  credentials, her accomplishments, and her family.

Meeting Logistics

Date: Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Agenda:

• Networking: 5:30 p.m.
• Dinner: 6:00 p.m.
• Program: 6:45 p.m.

Menu: A variety of sandwiches, salads, and beverages

Cost:

• Members: $20
• Non-members: $30 (in advance via PayPal only)
• Students: $17
• Program only: $10 for members and students; $20 for non-members

Click here for instructions about Pay Pal payments. No shows will be billed. Registration Deadline: Monday, September 19, 2011, by noon. To register, send an email to program@stc-swo.org. Please include your name, email address, membership status (member, non-member, or student), and how you will pay (cash, check, or Pay Pal). Non-members must pay in advance via Pay Pal. All no shows will be billed. Location: Indiana Wesleyan Cincinnati Education and Conference Center 9286 Schulze Dr. West Chester, OH 45069 Directions:

• From I-75 Take the Union Centre Boulevard exit (#19).
• Turn west (right if south-bound on I-75; left and across the overpass, if north-bound)
• Go to Mulhauser Road (first stop light).
• Turn left (south) onto Mulhauser
• Go to Schulze Drive (first left).
• IWU is straight ahead, on the right, next to the new Hampton Inn.

For information on carpooling from the Dayton Mall to IWU West Chester, contact program@stc-swo.org.

Can’t make it to the Summit? Chapter President Arr Jay Radler and Programs Chair Louise Tincher will present highlights from the 2011 STC Summit. Join us for the latest news from STC International and a summary of best tips from the conference.

Remember – STC Summit sessions will be available online through “Summit at a Click” on the STC website (www.stc.org).

The meeting will also include chapter elections for the 2011-2012 year. Current officers Arr Jay Radler (president), Thea Teich (treasurer), and Karen Rokich (secretary) are running for re-election. Challengers are welcome. You can pick up a ballot here.

We’ll end the meeting by recognizing individuals who have volunteered their time and energy throughout 2010-2011.

Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Agenda:

• Networking: 5:30 p.m.
• Dinner: 6:00 p.m.
• Program: 6:45 p.m.

Menu: A variety of sandwiches, salads, and beverages

Cost:

• Members: $20
• Non-members: $30 (in advance via PayPal only)
• Students: $17
• Program only: $10 for members and students; $20 for non-members

Click here for instructions about Pay Pal payments.
No shows will be billed.

Registration Deadline: Monday, May 23, 2011, by noon. To register, send an email to program@stc-swo.org.

Please include your name, email address, membership status (member, non-member, or student), and how you will pay (cash, check, or Pay Pal).

Non-members must pay in advance via Pay Pal. All no shows will be billed.

Location:

Indiana Wesleyan Cincinnati Education and Conference Center
9286 Schulze Dr.
West Chester, OH 45069

Directions:

• From I-75 Take the Union Centre Boulevard exit (#19).
• Turn west (right if south-bound on I-75; left and across the overpass, if north-bound)
• Go to Mulhauser Road (first stop light).
• Turn left (south) onto Mulhauser
• Go to Schulze Drive (first left).
• IWU is straight ahead, on the right, next to the new Hampton Inn.

For information on carpooling from the Dayton Mall to IWU West Chester, contact program@stc-swo.org.

In accordance with the chapter bylaws, voting for SWO-STC officers for 2011-2012 will be held at the scheduled chapter meeting Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at Indiana Wesleyan University, West Chester, OH.

Chapter members in good standing may vote in person or by proxy.

Ballots will be collected and counted by a designated chapter officer. Ballots will be available here and at the meeting.

If you choose to vote by proxy, please return your signed ballot to SWO-STC Treasurer Thea Teich (treasurer@stc-swo.org ) on or by May 24, 2011. You may also drop ballots off at the meeting through a third party. Just ensure your ballot is signed.

Election Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Election Time: 5:30 – 8:30pm (During the meeting)

Election Location:

Indiana Wesleyan Cincinnati Education and Conference Center
9286 Schulze Dr.
West Chester, OH 45069

Directions:

• From I-75 Take the Union Centre Boulevard exit (#19).
• Turn west (right if south-bound on I-75; left and across the overpass, if north-bound)
• Go to Mulhauser Road (first stop light).
• Turn left (south) onto Mulhauser
• Go to Schulze Drive (first left).
• IWU is straight ahead, on the right, next to the new Hampton Inn.

For information on carpooling from the Dayton Mall to IWU West Chester, contact program@stc-swo.org

In today’s global world, a company’s expansion plans are bound to take place beyond its nation’s borders.  Doing business in foreign countries can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with language barriers and cultural nuances.  SDL’s mission is to help corporations drive global revenues and reduce costs by providing the software and services to deliver global content.

This complimentary seminar will focus on how to incorporate localization best practices into your corporation’s Global Information Management (GIM) strategy.  Join us at this complimentary forum for a knowledge exchange to share overall best practices and strategies for global brand management with members of other organizations facing similar challenges.

We will address topics such as:

• The most common pitfalls in global brand management
• Three localization must-do’s when managing global brands
• How to build a localization process that allows your organization to drive brand awareness globally and adapt locally
• The Return on Investment (ROI) for global brand management

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to network and exchange localization knowledge with other industry leaders at a complimentary luncheon that takes place during the seminar. Space is limited so please register today.

Seminar Details

When: May 4, 2011, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Speaker: Abigail Porter, SDL Business Consultant
Since 2000, Abby has worked in the field of global brand management.  With a background in enterprise content management systems and a focus on enabling highly branded companies realize their global communications goals, Abby is a business consultant for SDL’s Language Services Division.

Deadline for registration is May 2, 2011. Please contact us at LanguageServices@sdl.com with any questions.

This webinar looks at small steps that you can take to get started with a content strategy before spending money on new tools or adopting new methodologies. The idea is to understand some basics about your company that will help you decide on a strategy. We’ll look at three big areas—determining your company’s strategic and technical direction, pinning down your operational standards or lack thereof, and the business and cultural context in which any content strategy has to be defined.

Presenter Neil Perlin has 32 years experience in technical communication, with 24 in training, consulting, and development for various types of online formats and tools, including WinHelp, HTML Help, CE Help, JavaHelp, RoboHelp, ForeHelp, Flare, and many now known only in legend. Much of that work involved assisting client companies determine their tool and methodology needs and integrate their new tools and methodologies into their culture; that experience provides the basis for this presentation.

Unless you’re doing everything possible to leverage your company’s investment in the content you produce, technical communication will remain a cost center. Join in this lively presentation to learn why content is a business asset and why this is important. You’ll also learn techniques for positioning technical communication as a revenue center instead of a cost center, including:

• Planning a strategy for your content and the processes required to produce and manage it
• Relinquishing ownership of your content
• Reusing content as required
• Calculating the cost to create content
• Reducing the cost to create content while increasing its value

Presenter Pamela Kostur is a partner in Parallax Communications, a consulting company in Toronto, Canada. Parallax specializes in content management and content reuse strategies, structured writing, corporate and marketing communications, technical communication, and content development.