Forum 2000 4-99 (December 1999) by Lisa Moretto

Every year technical communicators have the option of attending several conferences in our field. The decision about which to attend can be overwhelming. In 2000 though, the decision is clear; Forum 2000 is the place to be seen and heard.

There are four key reasons why you should attend Forum 2000 in London, England June 13-14:

• It only happens every five years.
• Idea Markets offer a lively interactive environment.
• The new Debate Session will be introduced.
• Participants are truly international and address a wide variety of international issues.

The Forum concept for conferences began in Sweden in 1975. Because of the international participation in organizing the conference, the original planners decided the Forum conference would be held every five years. This keeps the ideas and topics fresh with very little repetition from the previous conference.

The Idea Market is one of the trademark characteristics of the Forum conferences. Ulf Andersson developed this method of presentation after attending a large conference. He noticed that the best information was obtained during the coffee breaks when participants had the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas. An Idea Market is really a 90 minute coffee break. Imagine a large ball room with no chairs. Ten presenters (called Activators) stand next to two flip charts. One chart lists topics or issues they want to discuss, the other is left blank to record any outcomes from the discussion. Participants can roam among the Activators and find an interesting topic or discussion where they can "buy and sell" ideas. It's a chance to have questions answered and opinions heard.

At Forum 2000 a new Debate session format will be introduced. The program committee has paired two people with opposing views on the same subject. Each will present their controversial opinion then have time to refute the opposite opinion. The audience will be able to ask questions of either presenter at the end. Sticking with the original Forum concept, this new format should prove to be entertaining, provocative, and educational.

The Forum conference is sponsored by INTECOM, the international society of technical communication societies. The organizing committee is made up representatives from four INTECOM societies. Forum 2000 is sponsored by the ISTC from the UK, tekom from Germany, the IEEE PCS from Canada, and the STC from the US. This international influence helps attract participants from all over the world. At Forum 95, held in Dortmund, Germany, 33 countries were represented. With such a diverse population, the topics and discussion are sure to be on global issues.

So, if you're trying to decide which conference to attend this year, Forum 2000 should be on the top of your list. For more information follow the link from www.istc.org.uk.