From the President

November

Blood on the floor?

The recent AGM held in Christchurch broke records for the number of attendees, but I'm glad to report that there was no blood on the floor. Steve Moss stepped down from the presidential limousine (irony alert), and I clambered aboard.

Thanks to all who came along and participated in the lively AGM discussion. Particular thanks go to Grant Mackenzie, Rob Grover, and Claire Nicholson, who provided solace in the face of Steve Moss's departure from the executive - by volunteering their time and expertise to our team. We'll need all three of them, and then some, to fill the hole Steve leaves.

For years and years, Steve Moss built websites, relationships, and mentoring schemes. He ran workshops, webinars, branch events, and conferences. He invested a significant amount of effort, with ASTC, in developing the TCBoK (our Body of Knowledge) and considering accreditation. This is a once-over-lightly of the full list of the works he did on behalf of you and me and all TechCommNZ members. I'm so grateful to him, and particularly happy that, although he is no longer on the committee, he is still actively involved in many of these initiatives.

We've made some adjustments to who does what, and there is currently no Vice-President. If the details of these changes interest you, please browse the updated committee details on this website.

Congratulations to our neighbours

The two Australian Societies for Technical Communication, ASTC (NSW) and ASTC (Vic), have recently combined to form the Technical Writers Industry Association (TWIA). This is a temporary body formed to merge the two ASTCs into one, and represents the culmination of years of discussion and work. Things move slowly when everyone involved has a day job and is giving their time - so it is hugely significant that they have achieved this. Congratulations from TCANZ!

Post-conference high...

After months of planning and scheming, the TechCommNZ 2014 conference started with a wonderful powhiri and ran like a well-oiled machine. The Rydges in Christchurch was a gorgeous, if sometimes chilly, location. If we can put a spaceship on the moon, I do sometimes wonder why we still struggle with air conditioning. It's interesting reading the conference feedback - some of the things some people hated were the same things others loved! Oh, the trials and tribulations of being a conference organiser. Unless we come to our senses, we'll be running another conference in 2016 in Wellington. Can't wait!

Thanks to all who attended, and all who provided feedback. I particularly want to thank the attendees who showed their support by coming along; the volunteers who gave hours and days of their time; the speakers who crafted their presentations and mastered their nerves; the sponsors who provided cash and prizes; the Rydges staff; Simon Morton, who helped to make our conference dinner extra-special; Dave Gash and Tony Self, the unforgettable conference quiz-masters; and anyone else I've neglected to mention.

Emily Cotlier has provided an attendee's summary of the conference for this newsletter, and Grant Mackenzie has shared his partial review on the blog.

Do you want to be involved?

The folks on the TechCommNZ national exec love doing what we do, and we'll keep doing it. Membership of TechCommNZ brings friendships and professional development and fun. But it isn't an exclusive club - we are very happy to share the stimulating workload. If you want to get involved in a big way or a small way, please let us know! This newsletter would benefit from an editor, or new contributors. Our blog welcomes your thoughts - either as comments or full-blown blogs - on any subject of interest to TechCommNZ members. It's a great way to get your name out there.

Keep the TC flame alive
Em