Upcoming Chapter Events

by Opal Gamble, Program Manager

There is no shortage of events for Southwestern Ontario Chapter members in November and December!

If you have any questions about upcoming chapter events, or if you have a suggestion for a meeting topic, feel free to email Opal Gamble (Program Manager) or Paul Lofthouse (Program Assistant).

For details about our chapter's events for the rest of the year, as well as last minute updates or additions to the schedule, take a look at the STC calendar.

November 5 - Phone Seminar
Technical Communication Departments: Establishing a Baseline of Performance

Interested in verifiable data about the work that your colleagues in management do in technical communication? Based on the results of a recent study, this seminar presents a baseline of performance for technical communication departments. [Additional seminar and speaker details]

This free seminar ($35 for non-members) takes place at the Waterloo Recreation Complex, 101 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo, from 12:30-3:00 pm.

Please RSVP to Ted Edwins by Monday, November 3, 2003. In your email message, please state the names of attendees and membership status.

November 11 - Toronto General Meeting

Find out how technical writing's focus is changing from formatting to writing content.

7:00-9:30 pm in the Burgundy Room of the North York Central Public Library.

Everyone welcome. [Additional details about the meeting]

November 18 - Council Meeting

6:30-8:30 pm in the Seminar Room, Grand River / Stanley Park Community Library, 175 Indian Road, Kitchener.

All members welcome; RSVP to Heidi Marr.

December 2 - General Meeting
Internal Communications: Why? Who? What? How? When?

Join expert and long-time STC member, Sherry McMenemy, for an informative evening about the nuances of Internal Communications.

Sherry will define "internal communications" and discuss:

• why internal communications are valuable
• who contributes, influences, and participates in internal communications
• the skills required for good internal communications
• the differences between internal communications and technical communications
• what should and should not be communicated
• challenges in internal communications strategies
• available media/channels
• good and bad email
• when to communicate and how to get involved in the planning stage

About the Speaker

Sherry McMenemy has been working in communications "for a while." She started in technical communications, moved to web communications, and now leads a team in a variety of web and intranet projects, as well as marketing, IT, internal communications and GUI/interface development projects.

Sherry works for Descartes Systems Group in Waterloo as a Catalyst, Online Strategies. When she's not doing work stuff, Sherry enjoys embellishing her house using a variety of power tools.

The Fine Print

This month's meeting is in Room 1302, Davis Centre, University of Waterloo [map].

The doors open for networking at 6:30 pm; the meeting begins at 7:00 pm.

December 4 - Management SIG Meeting

The management SIG met for the first time this year on October 15. This small but diverse group discusses some o f the ongoing challenges that are faced by corporate managers and team leaders. Together, this group discusses issues, provides advice, and learns a lot about how other organizations work. This is an excellent support network.

This month's Management SIG meeting - noon at Virtek Laser Systems. RSVP to Margie Yundt.

December 10 - Phone Seminar
Adding Panache to Your Procedures

Like most technical communicators, you've probably written countless procedures. But have your procedures fallen into a rut? Are they good but not great? Do you know how to provide that "something extra" that can turn a mundane procedure into a great piece of technical product documentation?

This seminar covers all aspects of writing effective, powerful procedures. Participants will cover the purpose and theory of procedures and review the basic elements before moving on to advanced aspects of creating added value, using effective design elements, and testing. Throughout, you'll see examples of both good and bad procedures. [Additional seminar and speaker details]

This free seminar ($35 for non-members) takes place at the Waterloo Recreation Complex, 101 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo, from 12:30-3:00 pm.

Please RSVP to Opal Gamble by Monday, December 8, 2003. In your email message, please state the names of attendees and membership status.