Tag: Summit news

Wednesday is always the saddest day at Summit. I checked out of my room, stowed my bags with the bellhop (a very painless process for a change. Great work, Hyatt!) and then headed to Jennifer Goode’s presentation on Podcasting as a Teaching Tool. Goode gave a comprehensive overview that included the definition of a podcast, examples of great podcasts, some fascinating statistics (did you know that podcasts have an 85% completion rate?) and a rundown of the equipment you need to start podcasting now. You can get started with just two microphones (preferably with pop filters and boom arms) a soundboard, and some mixing software, such as Audacity (which is free and very easy to use). You will of course also need a topic, script, and people to interview, and then a place to publish your work. Goode’s presentation covered all of this and still allowed time for questions. Continue reading “STC Summit 2018—Day 4—Wednesday”

On Tuesday morning I attended The Fourth Industrial Revolution—Preparing for an AI World, by Peter Scocimara. In his engaging session, Scocimara presented a history lesson and led us through the first three industrial revolutions. He then set the stage for the fourth, which is just beginning as humans begin creating artificial intelligences that may soon outstrip us and lead to drastic changes in how we live and work. His advice? Learn for the sake of learning, develop creativity, integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning, and become an informed citizen. Continue reading “STC Summit 2018—Day 3—Tuesday”

Monday kicked off with the opening keynote and general session. The keynote was presented by Carla Johnson, who discussed branding and the concept of “brand detachment disorder” that sets in when you think that your company could never use the ideas of the giant companies. Take Lego, for example. Lego makes simple plastic bricks. But they also have Lego-branded stores, movies, monthly Lego subscriptions (for both kids and adults), an online Lego news show, and a Lego TV series. Your company may not be able to do all of that, but you can borrow ideas from anywhere. Can’t afford a TV show? Try a monthly podcast for customers. Start small and build. It’s what every company has done. You can take ideas from anywhere to improve your brand, your team, and your work. Johnson’s presentation left me feeling like I really could suggest some “big ideas” at work and have a hope of getting them implemented. Continue reading “STC Summit 2018—Day 2—Monday”

This article will be presented in four parts, so check in daily for each installment.

This year marked STC’s 65th annual summit and to celebrate, we went to Orlando, Florida. STC-SM received the Pacesetter Award for Innovative Programming, which Maryann Bowen accepted on behalf of the chapter at Sunday’s Leadership Program. Continue reading “STC Summit 2018—Day 1—Sunday”

It was a pleasure and privilege for me to attend the STC Summit in Anaheim, California this year. As a first-time Summit attendee, I had no idea what to expect and wasn’t even sure if the conference would be worth the time and expense involved. An introvert by nature, I was also unsure whether I could feel at ease in such a large group setting.

I am pleased to say, however, that I came away with more inspiration and information than I can summarize in this short article. I left the Summit overflowing with ideas and could fill pages just trying to recap some of the things I learned and the topics I discussed with the many people I met. Instead, I want to take a few moments to encourage those of you who have not attended the STC Summit or other STC conference that participating in such events is well worth it! Continue reading “STC Summit 2016: Reactions From a First-Time Attendee”

Greetings from Anaheim, California! I’m here at the STC Summit and just attended the annual Leadership Program that kicks off the Summit each year. Some of the highlights were:

• • The basics of running a community — Emily Alfson (also an STC/SM member!) delivered an informative talk about some of the many tools available to STC members looking to gain information about running successful STC communities. These resources include the Community Handbook, the Treasurer’s Handbook, the STC website, the CAC website, social media, and more!

Continue reading “STC Summit 2016: Leadership Program Recap”

Did you attend the STC Summit this year in Columbus? Or did you miss it and want to find out about the event? Don’t miss our upcoming networking opportunities to discuss the STC Summit.

We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming locations:

• September 17 at Granite City in Troy, 5:30-7:00pm: Happy hour and/or dinner networking event.
• September 29 at Sweetwater Coffee and Tea in Ann Arbor (at 3393 Plymouth Rd in Plymouth Green Crossings), 7:00-8:30am:  Breakfast networking event.

There is no entrance fee, but everyone will be responsible for their own meal and drinks. Ask the host to be directed to the STC/SM table.

By Sharon McDonnell

I imagine some of our chapter members would like to know if paying for the Vice President’s registration to the annual conference had any value. I certainly hope you think so, because I was very happy with my first STC conference. I got lots of great ideas and guidance for the upcoming year. Here are some of the sessions I attended on Leadership Day:

• “Resource sharing for low volunteer communities” with David Caruso
• “Awards and recognition” with Lori Meyer
• “Succession planning and volunteers” with Ben Woelk
• “Revitalizing your membership” with Christopher Ward
• Changing of the Society guard
• Awards presentations

Continue reading “SUMMIT 2015 Vice President’s Report”