From the President

October 2016

We always knew October was going to be busy. Next week I'm off to meet some of our Australian colleagues at the ASTC Conference in Melbourne. Like all conferences, it's an enjoyable way to network while soaking up new ideas. Then there's also UX New Zealand, and Clarity2016 following in early November. Meanwhile our planning for Collaborate 2017 is well under way, with some fantastic speakers confirmed. We're accepting proposals until 17 October – have you sent yours yet?

Hands-on Learning for TCs in October

It's an exciting month for the 80+ people who have registered to attend one of the TechCommNZ workshops that we are running around the country. We delight in bringing you professional development opportunities of this calibre – not one but two internationally-renowned experts in the field of technical communication.

The member price for each workshop is a snip at $340 +GST, and we can still accept a few late registrations if you're quick:

Under the Bonnet – web Coding for TCs – with Dave Gash Content Strategy in a Day
– with Rahel Anne Bailie
Auckland Friday 7 October
Friday 14 October
Wellington Monday 10 October
Tuesday 11 October
Christchurch Wednesday 12 October
Thursday 13 October

Waving the Tech Comm flag at UX New Zealand

If you're going to UX New Zealand next week, make sure you stop by the TechCommNZ stand to say hi. TechCommNZ board members Meredith Evans and Peter Russell will be representing all things TC, answering questions, and enjoying the legendary UX New Zealand hospitality and speakers.

IITP rebrands: meet IT Professionals NZ

On 27 September, New Zealand's body for software and IT professionals ditched the IITP brand in favour of "IT Professionals NZ". The new monika emphasises professionalism and is clearer and easier to say – well done, team!

Clarity2016 is coming to Wellington this November

Whether you love plain language for its own sake, or you're on a mission to make life fairer for people by making content clear, Clarity2016 is for you. Clarity and Write have a breath-taking line-up of national and international speakers. Judging by the quantity and quality, I'm going to have to make some tough choices when I'm there in early November.

We're sponsoring the Wi-Fi code, so anyone looking to connect will need to type in TechCommNZ – all part of our strategy to get noticed!

I look forward to reporting back on Clarity2016 in the next issue of TechCommWire.

And finally, in late-breaking news, 4 Copy Editors Killed In Ongoing AP Style, Chicago Manual Gang Violence. We hope no TechCommNZ members were harmed...

Regards,