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2016 NCRA Firm Owners Executive Conference just weeks away

Register now to join court reporting, captioning, and videography firm owners from around the nation planning to attend the 2016 NCRA Firm Owners Executive Conference April 17-19 at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Attendees will enjoy first-class accommodations, ample networking opportunities, motivating keynote speakers, exquisite ocean views, and more.

“I’m looking forward to learning how other firms are doing as well as fine-tuning some of the systems I have in place,” said Jan Schmitt, RPR, owner of Schmitt Reporting & Video with offices in Vancouver, Wash., and Portland, Ore.

“I would tell a firm owner that the relationships made at this event are invaluable. Learning the latest in technology gets you ahead of your competitors,” added Schmitt, who has attended all but one of the NCRA Firm Owners Executive Conferences. “The greatest benefit is the relationships we’ve made along the way.  But the content is generally always helpful in running a court reporting firm.”

The first of several networking opportunities kicks off with an opening reception on Sunday evening, April 17 that will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and stunning ocean views. On Monday morning, attendees will enjoy a continental breakfast followed by Jane Southren, the first of two keynote speakers presenting at the event. Southren, a former commercial litigator turned coach and collaborator for the attorneys at her law firm, Lerners LLP, Toronto, Ontario, will share insights with attendees about recognizing and cultivating the relationships firm owners need to fuel their business success. Her keynote address will explore the differences between transactional relationships versus loyal relationships, how to identify them, and how to build more loyal relationships.

After a short networking break, Southren will deliver the second part of her presentation to attendees. Other sessions during the day will include a panel discussion about the findings of NCRA’s latest State of the Industry Survey report, led by NCRA President Steve Zinone, RPR; Kim Neeson, RPR, CRR, CRC, chair of the association’s Firm Owners Committee; and Mike Nelson, CAE, CEO & Executive Director of NCRA. The day will wrap up with another networking session in the afternoon.

Tuesday’s schedule includes a two-part presentation by a second keynote speaker Ann Gomez, a productivity consultant and founder of Clear Concept Inc., Toronto, Ontario. She will take the stage and address how business owners can improve time management by controlling chaos in their lives, planning priorities, and understanding how to own their time. Her presentation will introduce attendees to the key work habits needed to thrive in today’s busy environment and enable achieving more with less effort. The schedule for the day also includes additional networking sessions, as well as a two-part session led by Jeanne Leonard, CAE, NCRA’s Senior Director of Marketing, Membership & Communications, which will include a clever and fun scavenger hunt.

Closing reception will provide another networking opportunity where attendees will be able to firm up new connections and catch up with old friends.

This year’s event marks the first time NCRA is traveling to the Caribbean, as well as the first time the schedule will feature two keynote speakers who will address the tough issues of relationship building and time management.

The 2016 NCRA Firm Owners Executive Conference, which is designed exclusively for owners and managers of court reporting and captioning firms, is considered the Association’s most prestigious event.

A special hotel rate of $179 per night plus taxes and fees for NCRA members expires after March 25, and rooms are filling up fast. With an easy flight from the mainland and no passport required, San Juan promises attendees the perfect opportunity to shake the winter blues and return home motivated to build their business in the coming year.

Hotel registration is available online at NCRA.org/forsv; by phone at 787-721-0303, ext. 2156, or 800-468-8585; or by email at reservations.caribe@hilton.com. If booking via phone or email, please refer to group code NCRA16 to secure the discounted rate. Please be advised that a credit card is required to guarantee room reservations.

For more information, the full schedule, and registration information for the 2016 Firm Owners Executive Conference, visit NCRA.org/FirmOwners.

More information about Ann Gomez can be found at clearconceptinc.ca. More information about Jane Southren can be found at southren.ca.