From the President

November 2015

This month I report on the UX Conference, which was a chance to meet members, promote TechCommNZ, and learn from some fantastic speakers. Events coming soon include the Plain English Award presentations, and the TechCommNZ AGM in Auckland. And - don't forget to complete our Salary Survey and be in the draw to win!

UX New Zealand - Wellington, October 2015

Has usability come of age? In late October, Peter Russell and I attended the UX New Zealand conference in Wellington, which was stunningly well attended - with well over 300 delegates drawn from NZ private enterprise and government, and a great line-up of local and overseas speakers. I find that number seriously impressive - it surely shows a growing commitment to, and awareness of, usability.

Matt Mayfield and the Optimal Workshop team ran a great event and generously supplied TechCommNZ with a primo exhibition space. We were able to say hello to existing TechCommNZ members, and promote membership to others. We made many new friends with our courtesy phone charging station, too!

For me, highlights included Caroline Jarrett explaining the science - and octopus - of survey writing, and Donna Spencer answering a few FAQs about information architecture. However there were many other fascinating presentations too, and I have more notes to write up, which may well appear on the blog one day soon.

There are whispers of another UX conference next year, and it would be great to see a technical communicator presenting on content usability and accessibility. Could it be you?

Annual General Meeting

The AGM is in Auckland on Sunday, 6 December, at 1:00 pm. Thanks to those who have registered already - we appreciate your support. Sadly, Emily Cotlier, who has been a valued TechCommNZ board member for eight years, including 2 years as Vice-President and several years as Wellington Branch Coordinator, is taking a break from the national committee. We hope that someone seeking a new challenge will step up to take her place - and she has written a lovely blog to explain why you should consider a role.

If you'd like to come along, please register and we'll look forward to seeing you at Sal Rose.

And lastly...

Later next week we'll find out who has won the Plain English Technical Communicator of the Year Award. I'm excited.

Our Annual Salary Survey is open again, so make sure you complete it before midday on 16 December 2015 to go in the draw to win!

Until next time,

Happy content development,