We’re Still Here!

A New Meetup Group

Program Meetings

Call for Volunteers

Kim Rosenlof

President

president@stc-phoenix.com

Patricia O’Shea

Treasurer

One reason to celebrate is that the chapter still exists in 2013! Established in 1963, the STC Phoenix Chapter has celebrated prosperous times and weathered difficult times. While five STC chapters dissolved in 2012 alone, Phoenix has persevered and will remain an effective and viable chapter through its 50th year and beyond.

As part of the chapter’s efforts to become a more active resource for technical communicators across the Valley of the Sun, we’ve established the Metro Phoenix Technical Communicators (MPTC) Meetup (http://www.meetup.com/Metro-Phoenix-Technical-Communicators/).

This meetup provides an informal forum for technical communicators across metropolitan Phoenix to meet over breakfast or lunch and discuss trends, issues, and new developments in our industry. MPTC meetups will not include formal speakers or presentations, and the only cost to STC Phoenix Chapter members is the cost of your own meal.

All STC Phoenix Chapter members are automatically welcome to participate in MPTC events. We’ve already scheduled lunches in Tempe on January 21 and Scottsdale on January 30, with more to be scheduled in different locations around metro Phoenix soon.

Any dues or donations collected from the MPTC Meetup site go directly to the STC Phoenix Chapter. You do not have to be an STC member to join or participate in the MPTC meetup, but non-STC MPTC members will pay non-member pricing when attending any STC Phoenix Chapter events.  We hope participation in the informal MPTC meetups will ultimately stimulate more participation in our formal STC Chapter meetings.

The chapter plans to host at least four program meetings and other events during the year. We’re working on getting speakers and locations for these events, and will update you as soon as we have plans in place.

If you have any ideas for program meeting content or would like to participate as a speaker or volunteer, please email chapter president Kim Rosenlof at president@stc-phoenix.com.

Kim Rosenlof

President

president@stc-phoenix.com

Patricia O’Shea

Treasurer

treasurer@stc-phoenix.com

You still have time to renew your STC membership at www.stc.org. When you do, don’t forget to add the Phoenix Chapter to your membership! Then get your money’s worth by coming out to meetings and getting involved!

When: Weds, March 27, 2013

What: E-Learning: Do You Have What it Takes?

Speaker: Jane MacKenzie

Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AZ time

Prices:

$50 Non Member

Registration link

SIG website

In this webinar you’ll learn the skills you need at each stage of the e-Learning process and have an opportunity to evaluate which skills you have and which skills you need to acquire.

When: April 2-3, 2013

What: Ninth annual Internet User Experience conference

Standard: $695.00

STC member discount: $595.00

Group registration discount (5 or more): $495.00

Conference website

Registration link

AZ-UXPA website

The conference goal is to foster improving today’s user experience on the internet. This includes web, tablet, and mobile sites and applications as they are used in an expanding range of situations and environments. The conference achieves this goal by bringing you some of the most compelling speakers and the most experienced and effective trainers in the field of user experience today! See the conference website for details.

Meetup Schedule

Summit 2013

Summit 2014

Call for Volunteers

Hedtke’s Law

Kim Rosenlof

President

president@stc-phoenix.com

Patricia O’Shea

Treasurer

Our Metro Phoenix Technical Communicators (MPTC) Meetup Group (http://www.meetup.com/Metro-Phoenix-Technical-Communicators/) is in full swing! The group meets at various restaurants around town to discuss trends, issues, and new developments in our industry. Although the STC Phoenix Chapter sponsors this group and many participants are STC members, the MPTC Meetup group is open to all technical communicators across the valley. Invite your co-workers and friends!  Check out the upcoming meetup dates and locations and RSVP on the MPTC site:

April 11   Lunch at Kokopelli Winery in Chandler

April 24   Breakfast at The Breakfast Club in Scottsdale

May 14     Happy Hour at in Sand Bar Mexican Grill in North Phoenix

Summit 2013 is right around the corner! This year’s STC annual conference will be held in Atlanta on May 5-8. Our chapter treasurer, Pat O’Shea, is planning to attend and would like to hear from anyone else from the chapter who will also be attending Summit 2013. Contact Pat at treasurer@stc-phoenix.com.

Can’t get to Summit 2013 because of your travel budget? That will not be a concern next year as Summit 2014 will be held in Phoenix!

As the host chapter, STC Phoenix Chapter will be planning some fun events to welcome STC members from around the world to Phoenix. Events may include one or more happy hours, a baseball game at Chase Field, tour of downtown Phoenix museums, and other events.

Hedtke’s Law Presented at March Program 

The Phoenix Chapter hosted a dynamic program featuring guest speaker John Hedtke (www.hedtke.com) at a happy hour meeting on March 15 in Tempe. An STC Fellow from Oregon and published author of 26 books, John shared his thoughts on “Being Famous in Your Profession,” providing tips on networking, publishing books and articles, and maintaining a presence in your professional community. In addition to the obvious tactics such as attending events, meeting people, speaking at events, and writing books and articles, John also discussed soft skills important to building your standing in the community.

According to John, one important skill involves sharing your opinions with others and being ready to respectually discuss and disagree. John noted that having opinions is part of being human, and thus presented Hedtke’s Law: “Something that doesn’t offend somebody couldn’t possibly interest anybody.” Being willing to offer an opinion and reasonably defending your opinion will help increase your standing in the community, even when others disagree.

Watch for more dynamic programs meetings coming up from your STC chapter soon!

August Webinar

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!

Meetup Schedule

Summit 2014

Kim Rosenlof

President

president@stc-phoenix.com

Patricia O’Shea

Treasurer

SOFTWARE USER ASSISTANCE WEBINAR  

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, August 13 at 4:30 pm. That’s the day when software user assistance guru Joe Welinske will present a live webinar to STC Phoenix Chapter. Titled “Key Trends in Software User Assistance,” the webinar will review the latest tools, technologies and techniques involved in creating user assistance (including but not limited to online help) for various software platforms.

Have you checked the STC Phoenix Chapter Job Bank lately?  Whether you are currently in between jobs or looking for a new opportunity, the STC job bank can be a great source. New jobs continue to be posted on our job bank (thanks to volunteer Michelle Parcell) and tweeted (thanks to volunteer Gloria McConnell).

Job seekers can also obtain job postings by email. Send a request to employment@stc-phoenix.com to be added to the job posting email list.

Technical writing/editing jobs pulled from Indeed are also listed in the chapter website Member Services page (click the Jobs tab in the right sidebar).

Employers seeking applicants can also submit job postings to the job bank for free. Click here for information on posting jobs to the chapter job bank.

Our Metro Phoenix Technical Communicators (MPTC) Meetup Group (http://www.meetup.com/Metro-Phoenix-Technical-Communicators/) is in full swing! The group meets at various restaurants around town to discuss trends, issues, and new developments in our industry. Although the STC Phoenix Chapter sponsors this group and many participants are STC members, the MPTC Meetup group is open to all technical communicators across the valley. Invite your co-workers and friends!  Check out the upcoming meetup dates and locations and RSVP on the MPTC site:

May 14    Happy Hour at in Sand Bar Mexican Grill in North Phoenix

May 30    Dim Sum at C-Fu Gourmet in Chandler

Can’t get to Summit 2013 because of your travel budget? That will not be a concern next year as Summit 2014 will be held in Phoenix!

As the host chapter, STC Phoenix Chapter will be planning some fun events to welcome STC members from around the world to Phoenix. Events may include one or more happy hours, a baseball game at Chase Field, tour of downtown Phoenix museums, and other events.

Summit Proposals

Mark Your Calendar

Webinars

Membership News

Call for Entries

Kim Rosenlof

President

president@stc-phoenix.com

Patricia O’Shea

Treasurer

September 19

Lunch at Cafe Boa in Ahwatukee

RSVP at Meetup dot com/Metro-Phoenix-Technical-Communicators

Have you been noticing a particular trend in your work that you’d like to discuss with others? Do you have a techcomm skill that you’d like to share with others? Have you been wondering how you can participate in the 2014 Summit here in Phoenix without paying the entire $875 (early bird) fee?

STC has invited its members to contribute ideas, studies, experience, and expertise to the 2014 Technical Communication Summit by presenting on a topic or hosting a roundtable discussion.

Proposals are due at 5:00 PM EDT (GMT-4), Monday, September 16.

If you are interested in co-presenting or hosting a roundtable with the STC Phoenix Chapter, please contact Kim Rosenlof immediately at president@stc-phoenix.com.

For more information on Summit topics and proposals, visit:  http://summit.stc.org/call-for-proposals/

Metro Phoenix Technical Communicators Lunch

Where:  Cafe Boa (banquet room)

5063 East Elliot Road, Phoenix, AZ

When:  Thursday, Setpember 19, 12:15 – 1:15 pm

What:  Lunch with fellow technical communicators in the East Valley. This is the Cafe Boa in Ahwatukee (NOT Mill Avenue). Meet others and discuss techcomm topics. Lunch is on your dime.

STC Phoenix Chapter 50th Anniversary Bash!

Where:  Phoenix City Grille (banquet room)

5816 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ

When:  Tuesday, October 15  Happy Hour: 5:30-7:30

What:  $15.00 per person at the door for appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks. Well cocktails, premium drafts, and house wines can be ordered from the Happy Hour menu for an additional $4.00 each.

RSVP at the Metro-Phoenix Technical Communicators (MPTC)

Meetup site.

Free webinars

Joe Welinske is offering access to his recent webinars for free!

• Key Trends in Software UA
• Touch, Voice, and Gestures
• Multi-screen Content Authoring
• Optimizing the Googleability of Your Content
• Usability Testing for Print Documentation

To view them, visit: http://www.welinske.com/user-assistance-webinar-videos/. 

IDL SIG webinar

What:  Becoming an eLearning Hero featuring Mike Enders

In this webinar you will learn:

• simple ways to analyze content
• how to mold content from a linear information dump into an interactive course that your learners will love
• how to position your courses strategically within the larger context of business outcomes, which is something your boss will love

When:  Wednesday, September 18   1:30 – 3:00 PM EDT

For more information, visit:

http://www.stcidlsig.org/wp/news-and-events/upcoming-webinar-09-18-13/

STC Tryout

Join STC by September 16th for $75.00 and obtain membership benefits for the remainder of 2013. That’s a good deal, but the BIG deal is that when the membership renewal initiative starts, you can renew your membership for 2014 at a discounted rate that will be offered only to all current STC members.

New for 2014

When renewing your STC membership, take another look at the Gold level membership. Gold level membership will include all the benefits of the classic membership, plus membership in one chapter, membership in multiple SIGs, 50% discount on one online course, 5 live web seminars, and the Really Early Bird registration rate for the Summit whenever you register. The Summit registration fee could be a value of as much as $500!

Let’s Celebrate!

October Meetup 

Officers Needed

IDL SIG Webinar

Membership Renewal

Kim Rosenlof

President

president@stc-phoenix.com

Patricia O’Shea

Treasurer

Join us to celebrate Technical Communication week and the chapter’s 50th year!

Where:  Phoenix City Grille (banquet room)

5816 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ

When:  Tuesday, October 15  Happy Hour: 5:30-7:30

Short Program at 6:30

What:  $15.00 per person at the door for scrumptious hors d’eourves and one happy hour drink.

RSVP at the Metro-Phoenix Technical Communicators (MPTC)

Meetup site.

When:  Wednesday, October 9, 12:15 – 1:15 pm

What:  Lunch with fellow technical communicators. Meet others and discuss techcomm topics. Lunch is on your dime.

RSVP at the Metro-Phoenix Technical Communicators (MPTC)

Meetup site.

Chapter Officers Needed for 2014

Have some good ideas for improving the chapter? Want to spruce up your resume? Need a little leadership experience? Whatever the reason, NOW is the best time for you to become involved in your STC Phoenix Chapter as an officer.

The following positions are open for 2014:

Vice-President: Assists the president in setting up programs and events

Secretary: Records minutes of chapter meetings

Treasurer: Keeps the chapter books (no accounting knowledge necessary)

Folks, we need to have one or two people step up to keep this chapter going. Contact Kim immediately if you are interested in holding an officer position in 2014.

What:  Making Great Voice Recordings featuring Robert Hershenow

Do you record narration for e-learning, podcasts, or audiobooks?

Learn how to get the most from your voice, your microphone, and your recording software in this informative session. Robert Hershenow will demystify narrative recording with simple step-by-step methods, audio examples, and demonstrations.

When:  Wednesday, October 16, 2013 1:30 – 3:00 PM EDT

For more information, visit:

http://www.stcidlsig.org/wp/news-and-events/upcoming-webinar-101613/

Don’t forget to take advantage of the renewal rate discount for Classic membership $195 (Regularly $225). Also, check out the Member Get A Member Initiative and compete for prizes.

Program Meetings

Mark Your Calendar

Renewals

Chapter Officers

Kim Rosenlof

President

president@stc-phoenix.com

Patricia O’Shea

Treasurer

December 19

Lunch at Thirsty Lion, Tempe Marketplace

RSVP at http://www.meetup.com/Metro-Phoenix-Technical-Communicators

Gary Barker

In 2013, the STC Phoenix Chapter tackled the challenge of providing meeting opportunities to members scattered across Metropolitan Phoenix by hosting one to two Metro Phoenix Technical Communicators (MPTC) Meetups per month in different areas. In 2014, we’re going to expand that concept by adding STC Phoenix Chapter program meetings in various venues as well.

Our goal is host one Meetup and one program meeting per month in 2014. Some program meetings will consist of online webinars. Others will be located at corporate offices and other facilities across the Valley of the Sun. Your new officer corps and other volunteers have stepped up in the effort to obtain speakers and facilities for these meetings, which will provide more educational and networking opportunities for our members and guests.

Program meetings will be scheduled for the second Tuesday of each  month unless otherwise noted.

The preliminary schedule for 2014 includes:

January 14 — Make It Snappy: Web-Based Reference Guides (webinar)

February 11 — Brenda Huettner presents “Taking Charge of Your Career” at Total Wine Camelback

March 11 — Chip Gettinger and PJ Bartlett present “Future of Technical Communication in a Content World” at Total Wine Scottsdale

April 8 — Lynn Gorton, Rachel Houghton, and Kim Rosenlof present “Writing and Editing Progression Session” at Total Wine Tempe

May 13 — The New Face of Documentation (webinar)

More meetings will be announced as speakers and locations are confirmed.

IF YOUR COMPANY HAS MEETING SPACE THAT COULD BE USED FOR STC PHOENIX CHAPTER MEETINGS (TYPICALLY 14-30 PEOPLE), PLEASE LET US KNOW! THANKS!

Metro Phoenix Technical Communicators Lunch

Where:  Thirsty Lion, Tempe Marketplace

2000 E Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ (map)

When:  Thursday, December 19, 12:15 – 1:15 pm

What:  Lunch with fellow technical communicators in the East Valley. Thirsty Lion is a spacious English-themed pub with a wide range of menu choices (better than your normal bar food!). Meet others and discuss techcomm topics. Lunch is on your dime.

STC Phoenix Chapter Online Meeting and Webinar

Where:  Wherever you are!

When:  Tuesday, Janury 14  7pm

What:  Online chapter meeting featuring the archived webinar: Make It Snappy: Web-Based Reference Guides by Donte Ormsby

FREE to STC and MPTC members

RSVP at the Metro-Phoenix Technical Communicators (MPTC)

Meetup site.

The STC $195 renewal rate ($215 with Phoenix Chapter membership) expires on December 12. If you haven’t renewed your membership yet, do it now and save!

The ballots are in!

Thank you to everyone who voted in the 2014 STC Phoenix Chapter Officer election. Even though they don’t officially take office until January 2014, your new officer corps is already hard at work planning a great year!

President — Kim Rosenlof

Vice President — Jeanette Lee-Randall