MadCap Software recently hosted the 10th Anniversary of MadWorld at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. With a nod to the very first MadWorld in 2013, special guest Simon took to the screen to set the stage for this year’s event. The conference started off strong with founder and CEO Anthony Olivier welcoming attendees and Jean-Francois Ameye announcing our newest AI integration in MadCap Central.   

With this new update, you can now harness the power of ChatGPT by generating creative ideas, evaluating subject matter expert input, and meticulously reviewing your content in seconds. You and your team can breathe easy knowing AI Assist operates under the highest security protocols, managed by your trusted account admin. 

Conference room at MadWorld with Anthony Oliver speaking on stage

Session Highlights & Takeaways 

Shortly after the big AI announcement, MadCap Software’s VP of Customer Success, Jennifer Morse, took the stage for her session “What’s New: Unveiling the Latest Developments from MadCap Software.” The session featured the introduction of new features, enhancements, and exciting updates that were set to redefine the content creation, management, and delivery landscape. This session was perfect for both seasoned MadCap users and newcomers, offering valuable insights into the ever-evolving array of solutions at their disposal.  

One of the exciting announcements also included the presentation of a new product added to the MadCap Software suite of content solutions is the newly acquired IXIA CCMS a DITA Component Content Management System (CCMS). 

Group shot of all the speakers at MadWorld 2023

Leigh White introduced us to the new world of DITA XML Structured writing and our latest product - IXIA CCMS and gave us firsthand knowledge about this new product. Throughout the presentation, White drew comparisons between the CCMS and the familiar Flare platform, helping users relate to the new system. She also delved into various concepts that might have been new or unclear to the audience, prompting further curiosity and interest.   

In line with the theme of introducing MadCap Flare users to structured content, Dipo Ajose-Coker held a couple of sessions on applying the principles of structured writing to topic-based content creation our users are more familiar with. By applying these principles, users are better able to prepare their content for a move to DITA XML should they need to, but also, they gain in terms of content reuse, translation and harmonizing content creation and management across large teams and organizations. Dipo’s second session focused on the experience of migrating to a DITA CCMS, knowledge that might be valuable to anyone considering this change in content strategy. 

This new product reinforces our belief that leading innovation is what drives us at MadCap Software - with a suite of products designed to grow with you and adapt to the size and content complexity of your organization's needs. 

On the last day, long-time MadWorld attendee Scott DeLoach packed the house with his workshop, “Intelligent Content Strategy,” where his audience dove into key components, best practices, and how Flare empowers authors to create adaptable and user-centric content.  

MadCap employee helping customer in front of a laptop

Top Notch Support at the Tech Lounge + Rockstar Attendees 

If you joined us in person, then you know the Tech Lounge was open and ready for business each day offering attendees access to the technical support team for personalized assistance. Participants could have their questions about Flare projects or specific feature functionalities addressed during this time, enhancing their learning experience, and ensuring the smooth operation of their projects with some of MadCap Software’s superstar tech team members.

When they weren’t in session, our attendees had many opportunities to meet our sponsors, network with their peers, and play a little BINGO along the way. Master Control’s own Savannah Woods was our grand prize winner, scoring the much-coveted MadWorld electric guitar.   

MadCap community superstar Nita Beck joined in on the fun as she was honored for her many years supporting MadCap Software and being a valued member of our technical writer community. 

Nita Beck holding a pick cocktail standing in front of signature cocktail sign

A big thank you to our amazing staff, team of experts, and our sponsors TXTOmedia, Scriptorium, Zoomin, Comtech Services, and Ryffine. We could not have done it without you! To learn more about their experience check out Scriptorium’s insights on MadWorld 2023

“I had such a wonderful time presenting at MadWorld! It was great to connect with so many like-minded technical writers, and everyone was super engaged in the topics and asking great questions, which is a presenter's dream!” - Leah Catania, TraceLink 

“Enjoying the MadWorld 2023 conference! So grateful for opportunities to learn, share, problem solve, and especially to mingle with likeminded content nerds. (And can't forget about those beautiful SoCal tacos)”  - Stacy Brower, CU*Answers 

“Another MadWorld in the books! As always, connecting with the MadCap Software team, MadCap Flare user community, and fellow technical communications colleagues was inspiring! We learned, we laughed, and we enjoyed amazing food and drink!”  - Hennah Rahman, Rivian 

Orange MadWorld sign on rooftop near lunch tables on the grass