TCUK conference

Latest news

Call for proposals now open – includes example topics of interest

Behind the scenes

Get insights into the planning of TCUK25, and find out why we’re doing things the way we are with our series of articles behind the scenes of TCUK25.

Most recent articles:

• Making proposal selection fair
• Why TCUK is in November
• Choosing the Venue for TCUK25

What makes TCUK different?

TCUK is a conference with a unique feel. Hosted by the ISTC, it is focused on strengthening our Technical Communication community. The committment to high-quality, practicable learning is shown in the carefully curated and varied programme. Core to the philosophy of TCUK, however, is our dedication to creating a welcoming, safe environment that encourages connection between all attendees: delegates, speakers and sponsors.

This unique blend of community and learning, of networking and CPD, makes TCUK a great way to grow your business, develop your staff, and (just as importantly) leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

Organised by a team of volunteers from the community, supported by sponsors who understand and serve the community, and attended by people who enjoy being part of the community, you are sure to come away with rewarding connections and new insights.

Stay informed

Sign up to the ISTC’s free newsletter, InfoPlus, to receive monthly updates on the lead up to the conference.

Explore a recent conference

Visit our archive page to learn all about what happened at our most recent in-person conference, including the full timetable programme.

Call for TCUK25 session proposals

Why speak at TCUK25?

Influence and network with your professional community in an open and friendly environment.

TCUK is a conference that has a uniquely intimate feel, so you get to connect with your audience in the session as well as throughout the conference. Many people return year after year, due to the high engagement and community feel of the conference.

Past speakers and workshop leaders tell us they found the atmosphere relaxed and supportive, and they were pleased with how eager delegates were to connect with them after speaking.

If your session proposal is accepted, you, or the lead speaker for group-led sessions, receive free entrance to both days of the conference and only pay for the cost of your accommodation and the celebration dinner, a substantial saving on our all-inclusive ticket.

Who can speak at TCUK25?

Anyone – members, non-members, scientific and technical communicators, people from other related fields, people with experience of transferable skills, experienced speakers, new speakers, and everyone in between. There’s no minimum level of experience needed, you don’t have to have spoken at another conference, and we have support materials if you’ve never created or presented a talk or led a workshop before. Speaking at a conference like TCUK can improve your confidence and add to your communication toolbox.

There are no restrictions on what you can suggest as a workshop or talk, we’re always looking for new, innovative, and interesting content.

What do you look for in a proposal? 

When we select proposals, we consider the following:

• Your proposal clearly describes what you are planning to do, what the focus is, and how people can benefit from your session.  
• Your session must be relevant to our members. 
• New, innovative, and interesting content.

We aim to provide a balanced programme that is varied and coherent.

Check out our series of articles about putting together a proposal and presentation.

How do I apply?

Please fill out a session proposal form. You can send as many proposals as you like. The deadline for submissions is 1st August 2025.

What should I talk about?

There are no restrictions on what you can suggest as a workshop or talk, we’re always looking for new, innovative, and interesting content. If you’re not sure what to talk about, we’ve had some requests from previous delegates and our own ISTC members:

• New trends and the future of technical communication
• Information design
• Domain models
• Content governance in UX writing
• Accessibility – what best practice should we aim for?
• Workshops or taster sessions for a range of technical communication products
• Use of AI in technical communication
• How AI influences our profession
• User testing and research
• Style guides and design systems
• Estimating project timelines
• Moving from software into e.g. pharma or manufacturing
• Gaining influence and getting involved early
• Interactive workshops
• Facilitated feedback/troubleshooting sessions

And delegates always want to hear the latest on perennial topics like:

• Getting the best out of your help authoring tools.
• Employability – building a portfolio, marketing yourself, picking the right skills.
• Related but separate fields, for example, where UX meets technical communication.
• Transferable skills, for example, managing people, working in a remote team, managing your time.
• The evolution and future of technical communication.
• What’s great about being a technical communicator?
• Working with a content management system.
• Technical communications across different media, for example, visual presentation or enhanced reality.
• Content ops
• Career progression, and getting into technical communication
• Best practice across technical communications
• Resources or tools that have helped you

What should I know?

Read our standard agreement for speakers at TCUK.