SpeechTEK 2009 is almost here, Speech-Heads, and my Speech Brother Eric B. and I are literally chomping at the bit.

If you haven’t registered yet, DO IT! What are you waiting for.  Carpe Diem!

As a Great Speech-Head once said: “In some circles, SpeechTEK is a far, far greater thing than the Superbowl, the Kentucky Derby and the Oakland Roller Derby all rolled into one.”

Hey Speech-Heads,

I know with SpeechTEK 2009 (a.k.a. The Big Dance) fast approaching, most of you aren’t yet looking ahead to 2010.

But here at Speech Tech HQ, my Speech Brother Eric B. and I are doing just that.  Last night, we met up for a Mind Showering Session in an effort to put together The Speech Technology Editorial Calendar for 2010.  And while we tossed out a lot of great story ideas, WE ALWAYS  NEED MORE!

And that’s where YOU come in, Speech-Heads: What do you think the magazine should cover in 2010?  What stories do you want to see written, what hot topics need examination, what did we miss this year, what do you want to know?

Eric B. and I are now accepting suggestions, comments, thoughts, proposals, and ideas for the 2010 Ed. Cal.  So, feel free to drop us a line: aboretz@infotoday.com and/or ebarkin@infotoday.com.

Hey Speech-Heads,

As you are by now doubtlessly aware, my Speech Brother Eric B. and I are gearing up in a BIG way for SpeechTEK 2009.

This year’s SpeechTEK is being held in NYC at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square.  And just like everyone else here at The Home Office, we want SpeechTEK 2009 to be THE BEST EVER.  To that end, Eric B. and I have been meeting with our Editorial Team, tossing around ideas, pitching concepts, suggesting changes, talking shop, taking the 30,000 foot view, mind showering, and participating in brain dumps.

Some of our ideas have turned out great.

Some of our ideas…not so much.

So, in the interests of Full Disclosure, we present you with the following:

TOP TEN REJECTED IDEAS FOR SPEECHTEK 2009

10. VUI Designer Kissing Booth

9. “Pants Optional” Breakout Sessions

8. Welcome to SpeechTEK Key Party Keynote

7. Mandatory “Do A Shot Every Time Someone Uses an Acronym’” Policy

6. CEO Dunk Tank

5. The First Annual IVRave

4. Free Tiger Cubs To The First 100 Registered Attendees

3. Conference Track Dedicated to Hearing Aid Technology

2. Economic Downturn Pancake Breakfast Buffet

1. Mergers and Acquisitions Petting Zoo

Over the weekend, my Speech Brother Eric B. and I were searching the Web for Hot Speech Sites–picture the two of us huddled over a computer in trashed hotel room, “Painkiller” by Judas Priest blasting from the stereo, champagne flowing like water, groupies everywhere, chaos–when we happened upon Gizmoz.

For those of you who don’t know, Gizmoz is a site lets users upload pictures, create animated avatars, and record corresponding messages.  And like any good site, Gizmoz makes use of TTS!

Naturally, my Speech Brother Eric B. and I created a message for all you Speech Heads out there:

OK, Speech-Heads, here’s the Speech Deal:

As you may know, the Higher Ups here at Speech Technology are still accepting speaking proposals for SpeechTEK 2009.  The deadline was January 19th, but  we’re extending it until next week.

I have been told that customer case studies are preferred.  And I have been told that you should check out the link to our Call For Participation Page!

As my Speech Brother Eric B. would say: “Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.”

Dear Friends,

This is just a quick note to let you know that even now my editor and his editor and his editor’s editor are gathered at a secure location, planning the Mother Of All Speech Technology Conferences: Speech TEK 2009.

The website is up.

The Call For Speakers is forthcoming.

So SAVE THE DATE: August 24, 25, and 26 at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.

Sincerely,

Speech Tech Blog

Dearest Readers:

I have returned from Florida–the sun, the sand, the interactive voice response system workshops–and now seems like a good time to update you on a couple of things:

1. In the wake of Nuance Conversations 2008 in Orlando, it would be foolish of me not to remind you about Speech TEK 2009 at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.  The conference is scheduled for August 24, 25, and 26.  Granted, that is something like eight months away.  But, no matter!  We at Speech Tech Blog, recommend that you SAVE THE DATE and check out speechtechmag.com for more information.
2. Now also seems like a good time to remind readers that if they enjoy our madcap postings here at the Speech Tech Blog, they may be interested in signing up for Speech Technology eWeekly — our weekly wrap up of all that is happening in the world speech technology.

Just a few things to consider.  No pressure.  I’m not judging you.  My feelings won’t be hurt if you don’t sign up.  I’ll walk it off.  Really.  It’s not like my entire self-esteem is riding on this one crucial decision.

All Best,

Speech Tech Blog