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Managing Documentation Across Long Product Lifecycles: From First Flight to Final Service

In industries where products and systems are built to last, such as aerospace, defence, energy, transportation, automotive, construction, infrastructure and healthcare, technical documentation plays a vital role in ensuring safety, reliability and sustainability over decades.

We invite researchers, practitioners and innovators to submit papers exploring strategies, standards such as S1000D, technologies and case studies that promote the development, management and evolution of documentation throughout long product lifecycles. We welcome you to submit papers for presentation, and, equally importantly, for running workshops. Examples of potential topic areas are below, relating to heavily regulated sectors- these and other associated topic areas that you might consider of interest.

Here are some topic examples. We do, however, welcome other suggestions as well:

• Digital Transformation of Legacy Documentation: Modernising outdated documentation systems to align with current digital tools and formats to ensure accessibility, consistency, and future readiness.
• Integrated Product Support (IPS) Frameworks: Using IPS strategies to manage technical data, training, maintenance and support documentation throughout a product's entire lifecycle.
• AI and Automation in Technical Publishing: Exploring how AI and automated tools streamline content creation, validation, and delivery in complex technical environments.
• Accessibility – such as Translations or market adaptions: Maintaining the accuracy of documentation and regulatory alignment throughout each phase of a product’s lifecycle, from design to decommissioning.
• Lifecycle Management and Compliance: Maintaining documentation accuracy and regulatory alignment through each phase of a product’s lifecycle—from design to decommissioning.
• Risk Assessment: Using documentation to identify, evaluate and mitigate operational and compliance-related risks throughout the product lifecycle.
• Cyber Security and Data Protection: Safeguarding sensitive information in regulated sectors.

Presentation Formats

You can choose between these formats:

• Presentation, 45 min (conveys information, presentation with subsequent discussion)
• Partner presentation, 45 min (conveys information, presentation of a case study or real practice. Manufacturers and service providers: The starting point is the situation at the manufacturer's site)
• Tutorial, 60 min (for learning purposes, practical demonstration of an application or method)
• Workshop, 90 min (for learning purposes, interactive group work with participants, strong practical relevance)
• Meetup, 30 min (serves the exchange and networking between the participants in small groups, moderated discussion between the participants)

Target Audience

NORDIC TechKomm 2026 is aimed at technical communication professionals eager to explore and discuss the latest industry trends. With a particular focus on 'Managing Documentation Across Long Product Lifecycles – From First Flight to Final Service', the conference will explore the influence of Integrated Product Support (IPS), digital transformation and emerging technologies on documentation practices throughout extended lifecycle phases. We anticipate international participants from a diverse range of professional backgrounds, including technical writers, UX writers, information designers, technical communication managers, content architects, and many others.

How to submit your proposal

Please submit your proposal (including your presentation title, abstract and bio) by registering and logging in with the "my conference tool" on the tekom WebPortal. You can find all the information on how to submit your proposal on this page.

Evaluation of the Papers Submitted

Papers will be selected exclusively by the advisory board, consisting of local and international experts in the field of technical communication, for an audience of professionals with extensive experience and technical backgrounds.

How do you become a speaker?

Of course we won't leave you stranded – especially if you are planning to become a speaker for the first time. There are questions that we would be happy to clarify with you and uncertainties that we will gladly clear up for you. You can find more information on how to become a speaker here.