The Tekom 2024 conference in Stuttgart was an unmissable date in the diary for technical communication professionals. This three-day event brought together industry experts, innovative thinkers, and global brands to offer insights into everything from AI to localization and content strategy. Representing Vistatec at the conference, Emma Hilton and Aoife Murphy attended sessions, strengthened partnerships, and caught up with clients. Here’s what stood out at this year’s event.
1. AI-Powered Content Creation: Hype vs. Reality
It’s no surprise that AI dominated discussions at Tekom 2024. Automated quality evaluation (AQE), clean terminology management, and automated post-editing (APE) were among the topics explored. AI’s power to streamline workflows and drive efficiency was evident. However, as Emma noted, it wasn’t all about the possibilities—there was plenty of discussion around the challenges!
AI might be transforming content creation and global communication strategies, but companies are struggling to implement these solutions effectively. Regulatory compliance, data privacy, and ensuring high-quality AI-generated content remain significant hurdles. One session explored how large language models (LLMs) can be optimized with custom prompts and terminology, which highlighted a practical way to overcome AI’s limitations.
AI is indeed a great ally, but its success lies in careful implementation and understanding its boundaries.
2. The Art of Simplifying Complexity
One of the standout themes of Tekom 2024 was the growing complexity of content and the need for better strategies to manage it. Sessions emphasized the importance of streamlining review cycles and embedding quality assurance early in the process. Attendees shared techniques for consolidating workflows to reduce time and effort. This proved that simplifying complexity is an art as well as a necessity.
For Vistatec, this aligns with our technology-agnostic approach. Localization, content strategy, and technical translation are examples of how we help clients tackle these challenges head-on.
3. The Human Touch in Language Technologies
Tekom also explored the need for human ingenuity. Many sessions tackled the balance between technology and human expertise, particularly in language technology and technical translation. While real-time translation capabilities powered by LLMs are becoming the norm for customer support, the human element remains essential for precision and cultural nuances, among other factors. This theme permeated Vistatec’s conversations with clients and partners.
4. Strengthening Partnerships
Tekom 2024 was also an opportunity to build and strengthen connections. Vistatec partnered with leading language technology provider Phrase to host a dinner on the conference’s first evening. The relaxed atmosphere allowed for insightful conversations about the future of technical communication, AI, and global content strategies.
Networking opportunities were everywhere in the form of coffee breaks, interactive workshops, and more. For our representatives, meeting clients in person was a highlight of the event and connecting with many new contacts.
5. Globalization and Localization
Technical communication is inherently global. The conference reinforced the importance of globalization, localization, and terminology management. Sessions on content strategy and workshops on user involvement kept the focus on creating compelling content.
One hot topic was data-driven insights. Speakers shared how they use analytics and custom workflows to better understand user needs and adapt their strategies accordingly. Vistatec resonates with this approach as we continue to develop multilingual content solutions that meet the demands of a global audience.
6. Navigating Legal and Regulatory Challenges
Legal requirements and standards were another major focus of Tekom 2024. Companies face increasing scrutiny around compliance and data protection. Sessions explored how to align content creation processes with these standards without sacrificing efficiency and creativity.
For technical communicators, this means staying ahead of regulatory changes and adapting workflows to ensure compliance. As a company at the forefront of localizing technical content, Vistatec understands the importance of aligning innovation with responsibility.
Looking Ahead
Tekom 2024 was a glimpse into the future of technical communication. The themes we encountered align closely with the challenges and opportunities we help our clients navigate daily.
With AI, globalization, and regulatory changes reshaping the industry, companies need partners to help them navigate these changes. Vistatec is proud to be at the forefront of this. Tailored localization solutions, innovative content strategies, and progress-driven partnerships are just a few ways we help our clients thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
Would you like to learn more about how Vistatec can help your brand? Contact us today to speak to one of our experts.