S1000D @ Oslo

We hear that the European Tech Data event being held in Oslo from 1^st to 4^thOctober this year and is open for bookings -ended by both S1000D TPSMG and EPWG meetings. There will also be a PLCS meeting and discussions are underway about holding a SCORM day after the Conference – watch this space for details.

The theme of the conference is the Need to create interoperability / integration in the Specification world. At this conference, S1000D, ADL SCORM, and PLCS are under the microscope, with lead speakers from all three specifications and representation from Government and Industry.

So often those involved in a particular Specifications tend to be 'blinkered' about developments in other areas so it is refreshing to see this degree of co-operation.

This is a critical time for all of the Specifications as governments review the cost of change and the benefits of integrated processes. What is achieved in Oslo could well shape the future.

Updated Programme and other Details

If you visit the CTS Website you will also be able to see up to date details regarding the programme. I know that there are some slots without names on but the bulk of those presenting are well known and I am sure that we will all be very interested in their thoughts and experience.

Networking - Valuable use of Time

Technical Publications tends to be a very isolated world and one of the main reasons for attending conferences such as this is the ability to network and swap experiences. I have noticed in my trips to the States over the last 15 years or so is that they are very much more switched on to the concept of networking.

In the UK we tend to be a bit isolationist. There is the general feeling that Technical Publications is part of a demonstrably 'Cinderella' area of industry where there is a huge reluctance to spend money (even when there is a huge advantage in doing so). No wonder there are problems rolling out knowledge. Evidence of repeated mistakes is not difficult to find.

This reluctance to allow Publications People to attend conferences is not recent as I know from my time on the organising committee for the Tech Doc series of seminars in the UK 'last century'. Even then money was always very tight.

Lets hope that, with more S1000D projects coming on board, the networking aspect of conferences is better recognised.