Things to Know:
- TCUK Behaviour Policy
- Why speak at TCUK?
- Who can speak at TCUK?
- What do we look for in a proposal?
- What should you talk about?
- Read our agreement
- How do I apply?
TCUK Behaviour Policy
The TCUK Behaviour Policy applies to all attendees, including all speakers. It is important that you read it and follow it.
Why speak at TCUK?
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 TCUK?
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 we 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.
↑What should you 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
Read our agreement
Read our standard agreement for speakers at TCUK.
How do I apply?
Please fill out a session proposal form. You can send as many proposals as you like.
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