TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Email acmhelp -at- acm -dot- org, selber -at- psu -dot- edu (Stuart Selber)
Fax 1-212-944-1318
Telephone (8:30 am - 4:30 PM EST): (US and Canada) 1-800-342-6626
(other) 1-212-626-0500
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
At the century's end, SIGDOC 1999 provides a forum in
which documentation specialists, researchers, and
educators can assess the state of the discipline. What
can we learn from the history of documentation
practices? What do we currently know about planning,
designing, and testing documentation systems? What
challenges do we face, both in delivering useful
documentation systems and in preparing documentation
specialists for expanded roles in the computer age?
SIGDOC 1999 offers a forum for considering these
questions and more. The host city of New Orleans
provides a particularly appropriate backdrop in which to
consider the conference theme, Tradition and Change in
Documentation. The richly textured diversity of the city
models the complex weave of social, cultural, and
technological settings in which documentation systems
are developed and used.
In addition to three days of tutorials and panels
covering a wide range of topics and skills, SIGDOC 1999
is pleased to recognize this year's Rigo and Diana
recipients, who will receive their awards and give
presentations:
Rigo Award Winner Dr. Terry Winograd, Department of
Computer Science, Stanford University. Recipient of the
Rigo Award for Life-Time Contribution to Computer
Documentation.
Diana Award Winner Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute, Department of Language,
Literature, and Communication. Recipient of the Diana
Award for Organization Support and Promotion of Quality
Computer Documentation. Award received by Dr. Robert Krull.
ABOUT NEW ORLEANS
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, SIGDOC 1999
offers an ideal vantage point from which to see and
explore the wonders of New Orleans. We've arranged the
conference program to provide open evenings, allowing
ample time for experiencing all that the French Quarter
has to offer. Sample world-famous French Quarter
cuisine, enjoy spicy Cajun jambalaya at K-Paul's
Louisana Kitchen or wind up the evening with late-night
beignets and café au lait at Cafe du Monde. Sway to the
sounds of local jazz legends at the Preservation Hall or
stomp to zydeco at Patout's restaurant. Or take in one
of any number of fascinating attractions, from browsing
the offbeat merchandise at Marie Laveau House of Voodoo
to drag queen shows at Lucky Chang's restaurant and
club--New Orleans has something strange and memorable to
offer to everyone. As the locals say, "Laissez les bon
temps rouler!" Let the good times roll!
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Omni Royal Orleans is in the heart of the French
Quarter, one of the prime U.S. visitor destinations, and
the French Quarter is New Orleans' biggest attraction.
The hotel is on the corner of St. Louis and Royal. It is
one and one-half blocks from Jackson Square and two and
one-half blocks from the French Market and from the
Mississippi River.
Our four-star hotel in this prime location will cost
SIGDOC 1999 attendees only $120/night, single or double!
This is the best value in the French Quarter--most
lower-rated hotels cost much more. If you'd like to
extend your trip to New Orleans, the rates will apply
for three days before and four days after SIGDOC 1999,
as long as rooms are available. Make your reservations
early; the SIGDOC special rates are available only until
August 6th or until the SIGDOC room block is full.
The French Quarter is very popular, so we recommend early
hotel reservations.
Space is at a premium in the French Quarter; some
outdoor parking lots even have elevators to stack cars!
Therefore, the hotel charges for parking. Also, our
special SIGDOC room rates apply to individual traveler
rooms, deluxe twin rooms (two twin beds), and deluxe
queen rooms (one queen bed). They do not apply to rooms
with two double beds, nor to rooms with king-size beds.
Not all room types may be available for the four days
after the conference; be sure to check if you want to
extend your stay. The hotel has no rollaway beds.
To make your room reservation, call the Omni Royal
Orleans directly at 504-529-5333 or fax them at
504-529-7037. You can also call Omni-Rez at 1-800-THE
OMNI. Reservations must be guaranteed by credit card or
check for one night's room and tax. Be sure to mention
ACM SIGDOC 99 to get our special rate. If you're unable
to attend, you must cancel room reservations at least 72
hours in advance. (Hotel guests who do not arrive and do
not cancel will be charged for one night's room and tax,
and the rest of their reservation will be canceled.)
Stuart Selber
Department of English
Penn State University
University Park, PA 16802
814.863.8032 (phone)
814.863.7285 (fax) mailto:selber -at- psu -dot- edu http://www.la.psu.edu/~sselber/
