Ahhh, Conference time! The NCRA Conference & Expo is coming up soon — and it will be time to gather with friends and colleagues and chat about all that is new and interesting in the professions of court reporting, captioning, and legal videography — and all those topics associated with it. Welcome, one and all!
To help you prepare, we reached out to members who have attended the NCRA Conference & Expo the past few years to see if they would share the secrets that make the event a must-attend year after year — and what you can do to make the most of attending this year.
| Your last chance to register at the regular Conference rate is ending soon! Starting July 2, on-site Conference rates go into effect. Don’t sleep on these savings! |
So much to love
“I love attending the NCRA Conference. It refreshes me. It’s like a family reunion.
“I don’t attend convention just for the CEUs; it’s all about the education. And it’s about visiting with old friends, as well as making new ones. I love meeting students and hearing about where they’re from and where they are in their journey. I love visiting with the vendors to see new things available for this awesome profession.
“And I love the freebies as well.
“I enjoy telling my local colleagues that I know a court reporter in almost all states across the United States, and even some overseas reporters.
“And, of course, it lets me travel to states that I have not visited before. Because this year’s Conference is in Washington, that means I get to visit Alaska and Canada. Can’t wait!”
–Leticia V. Salas, RDR, Houston, Texas
Ribbons galore!
“After picking up your registration packet, be sure to visit the badge ribbon table to secure all the ribbons you’ll want to add to your name badge before they run out of the fun and popular ones!
“While en route to the Conference, use time on the plane, in the car, or on a train to review the whole Conference schedule and make note of the sessions you really want to attend as well as the session dates and times to fulfill your Conference attendance experience.
“Take time to familiarize yourself with what’s located around the hotel after your arrival in case you need to locate a restaurant or coffee shop or the entertainment district during your stay, or need access to an ATM or shopping venues to obtain items you forgot to pack.”
–Debbie Kriegshauser, FAPR, RMR, CRR, CRC, CLVS, Dallas, Texas
Stay at the center of things
“One of my faves is staying at the official Conference hotel. If you’re more than an elevator ride away, you miss so much! Several years ago, we ended up with a fabulous party in the elevator lobby on the eighth floor where folks transferred to higher floors — and/or just hung around and visited a while. Many still talk about it.
“Second, talk to folks you don’t know. Strike up a conversation about their locale, their clothing, their career, their ribbons, where the bathroom is, what sessions are good … talk to everyone! I’ve met many of my very closest friends at past conventions and started going alone when I didn’t know anyone. This is our one time of year where people understand us!
“Third, stay late or come early. I like to attend everything during Conference and rarely get to tour the host cities, which are in some really fun and new places coming up. This goes along with “attend all parts of the Conference”! There’s so much more than CEUs.
“Fourth, get ideas to present for next year, whether as a speaker or a topic to pass on to the planners that you’d like to learn about.”
–Melanie Humphrey-Sonntag, RDR, CRR, CRC, Cheyenne, Wyo.
Take time to greet people
“If you aren’t used to being around the NCRA Board members, national Speed and Realtime Contest winners, and the rock stars of the profession in general, you may be surprised — as I was — that they are just regular people! You can just walk right up and say howdy. They’re genuinely excited to meet you! So don’t be shy!
“I find it’s really easy to meet people if you are willing to say hello and introduce yourself. You’ll walk away with more friends than when you arrived.”
–Amy Doman, RDR, CRR, CRI, Carmel, Ind.
The thrill of the contests
“One of the little-known secrets at NCRA Conference & Expo — and it requires you arriving early — is to sit in on the Realtime and Speed Contests. To hear the high speeds being dictated and to realize that all those rock stars in the room are getting it, it’s breathtaking! It’s definitely worth coming in early to see and experience this. And who knows — it may inspire you to work on your speed and realtime skills and become a contestant in the near future! [Ed. Note: It is free to stop by to watch the contests on Wednesday. Be sure to arrive early as the doors are closed promptly when the contests start. In addition, you will have to surrender any and all electronic devices, such as phones, smart watches, and tablets, at the door. Consult the Conference schedule for additional information.]
“Another secret that is an exciting one is to be sure to attend the Awards Luncheon on Saturday. Watching the contestants’ sheer joy at having their names mentioned as a qualifier is incredible. And even though it’s a contest and they’re competing against each other, they have such a camaraderie that they are cheering for and celebrating each other as the names are called. It’s elating!”
–Janine Ferren, RMR, CRR, Fishers, Ind.
Extreme philanthropy
“My special secret about Conference is what a wonderful feeling it is to give back and to be appreciated for it. Everyone loves to be made special, and there is no better place for that to happen than at the National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF) Angel Thank You Luncheon where you get the nicest meal of the Conference surrounded by the most generous donors in our profession.
“To hear the speeches, acknowledgements, and award winners and to be witness to the extreme philanthropy — there is no better feeling than to be an NCRF Angel at the Conference. There are friends waiting to be discovered! We all write on a machine doing very similar jobs, but we don’t always get to talk to each other. Conference is full of friends who gather yearly to spend time together again. The biggest secret, however, is that new friends are there to be met and enjoyed.
“I connected with one last year, and we are going on vacation together next week. Don’t miss out on finding your new friend at the best Conference in our industry.”
–Meredith A. Bonn, RPR, CRR, NCRF Chair, Webster, N.Y
It’s the little things that make a difference
“Bringing business cards can be a great way to share your information while networking. If you’re a student and don’t yet have cards, you could print up something inexpensive on your computer with your contact information.
Important information and up-to-date changes can be found in the Conference app, from session descriptions to the Conference schedule, so download ahead of time to stay in the know.
“Fantastic giveaways await you in the Expo Hall! Conference rooms can be chilly, so bring a sweater and you may be the envy of your friends!”
–Jeanna M. Zunker, RPR, CRI, St. Cloud, Minn.
Where the gang hangs out
“Go to the hotel bar around 9 or 10 p.m. each evening and mingle.”
–Rich Germosen, FAPR, RDR, CRR, North Brunswick, N.J.
It’s the place to build relationships
“Not really a secret but … NCRA Conference & Expo is an amazing way to network, have a great time, see old friends, and make new ones. I have so many friends across the United States, and beyond that I have had for decades and always love meeting new ones and fostering new friendships! Those relationships turn into people you can ask for advice, support, and even a good person to share your trials and tribulations — even mentorships or an ad hoc advisory council as you work. Let’s do this!”
–Sandy Narup, RPR, Apopka, Fla.
Keep an eye out for practicing students and working colleagues
“I love to see students randomly practicing. Once, at the end of Conference, I saw a student on the sidewalk practicing while waiting for a ride to the airport. Last year, I saw a group of students tucked in the corner practicing.
“Another one of my favorite things about the Conference is grabbing lunch (or going to the bar) and talking about the seminar we just attended, which always sparks new ideas.”
–Amie R. First, RDR, CRR, CRC, CPE, Orlando, Fla.
Student alerts!
NCRA supports students! Attendees of the Conference & Expo are always thrilled to welcome the many students who make their way to the event. To this end, NCRA goes to great lengths to keep the student registration package for Conference affordable — student member registration is $320 compared to $760 for the full member registration.
The Saturday night Member Celebration, which is not included in your Student Package, can still be a part of your experience with a little patience. Some members donate back their tickets. Check at the registration desk Saturday afternoon to see if you can score a ticket to this exclusive event.
Finally, make sure to connect with Membership, Marketing & Outreach chair Chris DeGrazio, from Fort Pierce, Fla., near the registration area on Thursday morning before the business meeting for the student giveaway!
This article was originally published in the JCR.
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