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November 2002 event
Revealing Your Hidden Value
Event Summary | |
Date: | Thursday, 14 November 2002 |
Time: |
6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Registration 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Dinner and networking 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Program |
Location: |
Holiday Inn 4610 North Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: (703) 243-9800 Directions are below |
Cost: | Fees are listed below. |
RSVP: | To register, complete the online reservation form. Reservations, payments, and cancellations must be received by 5 PM, Friday, 8 November 2002. See the Reservation and Cancellation Policies for more information. Don't forget your business cards for networking! |
About the Event
Have you ever felt as though technical communicators don't get the proper respect and credit for the work we do?
Although many sources tell us that we are important to the success and the bottom line of organizations, few of us actually feel crucial where we work. If we did, we would feel more respected for our work, and we wouldn't have to worry that we might be the first ones laid off when the economy slows down. We wouldn't have to be concerned that businesses hire people whom we don't think are qualified to handle the responsibilities or do the work that we call technical communication. One way we can stop worrying and get more respect as well, is to take an active role in showing the value we add.
The technical communication profession enjoyed sustained economic growth for the last eight years of the twentieth century, so we entered this new millennium with high expectations for continued success. Our hopes were dashed as an uncertain economy took its toll. We have learned that this is going to be a lean year and that many companies will have fewer people to do the work.
In most organizations, technical communicators, whether employees or contractors, still struggle for recognition and appropriate funding. We are under heavy pressure to justify our roles and activities. Too many product managers and subject-matter experts still think that "anyone can write" and "documentation isn't very important." To meet this challenge, it is up to us to change that mind set.
During this one-hour presentation, Suzanna Laurent will discuss ways to demonstrate the value we add, how to measure that value, and add even more value.
Speakesr' Handouts and Presentations
About the Speaker

Suzanna Laurent, is a senior member of Oklahoma chapter who has just completed a successful 3-year term on STC's international board of directors. She was the Director-Sponsor for Region 5 from 1999-2002 and the 2001-2002 Bylaws Committee Manager. Her dedication and involvement did not stop when she left the board though, because now she is managing a new Leadership Tips committee for the Society, serving as 2002 Region 5 Conference Manager, and she is the Employment committee manager for her chapter.
She has presented over 100 chapter programs, leadership workshops, keynotes, and sessions at more than 32 conferences from Toronto to Hawaii. She has written more than thirty articles that have been published over 500 times in STC chapter newsletters around the world since 1999.
The American Business Women's Association-America's fourth largest women's organization-selected Suzanna for her outstanding career achievements as one of their Top Ten Business Women in the nation. She has also served on the national board of directors for ABWA.
Food
- Garden Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Choice of Entree:
- Tuscan Chicken: Grilled chicken breast topped with fresh tomato and basil compote, seasonal fresh vegetables, fettuccini tossed in basil, garlic, and olive oil
- Herb-Crusted Salmon: Seared salmon fillet topped with pommeray mustard and fresh herbs, served with basmati rice and seasonal vegetables
- Eggplant Napoleon: Layers of grilled eggplant, spinach, onions, garlic, and mozzarella cheese set on a bed of angel hair pasta, topped with marinara sauce, served with garlic bread
- Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
- Freshly brewed Folger's 100% Arabica Bean Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Hot Tea, and Iced Tea
Fees
$20 — STC members **
$15 — Administrative Council members
$15 — Students (member or nonmember)
$30 — Nonmembers
$15 — Nonmember first timer — Print free admission coupon
FREE — Program only and walk-ins (Dinner is not available unless you RSVP and pay in advance)
** Each STC member may bring one guest at the member rate. Members and guests must register and pay together.
Directions
Holiday Inn Arlington at Ballston
4610 North Fairfax Drive
Arlington, VA (just off I66)
Phone: 703-243-9800
Map and directions to Holiday Inn Arlington at Ballston in Arlington, VA.