Congratulations — you’ve signed up for the NCRA Conference & Expo!🎉Now it’s time to get excited, because this isn’t just another event on your calendar. It’s your chance to connect with the people, ideas, and opportunities that can shape your future career in court reporting and captioning.
Whether this is your first Conference or you’re a return attendee, there’s plenty waiting for you in Bellevue.
Welcome students!
On the first day of the Conference, Thursday, July 16, beginning at 8:00 a.m., the Next Generation & Legacy and the Membership, Marketing, & Outreach Committees are hosting a special giveaway for students and the first few new professionals who stop by. Be sure to visit them near the registration area. “The Next Generation & Legacy Committee is excited to connect with students at this year’s Conference,” says Chris DeGrazio, the Committee’s Chair. “We look forward to meeting you and helping you build connections for a successful start to your career!”
Following the last session of the day, join your fellow attendees in the Expo Hall at 6:00 p.m. and see what exhibitors have to offer. Drinks and appetizers will be served. Take the opportunity to meet and mingle.
Fuel up at the Student Breakfast
Coffee? Check. Breakfast? Check. Great conversations? Absolutely. The Student Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. is the perfect way to kick off a full day of fun on Friday! Meet fellow students from across the country and make lasting connections. The Student/Teacher and the Next Generation & Legacy Committees will also take a few minutes to share the resources, initiatives, and projects developed especially for you as a student transitioning to a new professional.
Sessions created for students
There are several sessions designed to help students prepare for every stage of their journey. You’ll hear from professionals who have been in your shoes and are ready to share their best tips
- Cracking the RPR: Proven Strategies, Practice Routines, and Test-Day Confidence Boosters
- Presented by: Marybeth Everhart, RPR, CRI, CPE; and Rashonda Price, RPR
“This seminar will help prepare students for certification success with proven strategies for effective online practice, targeted techniques for mastering transcription exams like the RPR, practical methods for identifying and overcoming test anxiety, and actionable approaches to pinpoint and strengthen your weakest skills for greater confidence and performance,” says Everhart.
- Mastering Live Dictation & Speaker IDs
- Presented by: Jennifer Sati, RMR, CRR, CRC, CRI; and Erick Sati, CLVS
“This session is designed for court reporting students, new reporters, and working professionals who want to strengthen their realtime skills, particularly in the area of accurate speaker identification,” says Sati. “Participants will learn how to identify speakers in multi-voice environments, develop strategies to handle high-pressure scenarios, and gain best practices for clarity, accuracy, and workflow.”
- New Professionals Q&A
- Presented by: Rashonda Price, RPR; Sierra Zanghi; and Andrew Ha
“School prepares you for one thing, to get your license,” says Ha. “But what about everything that follows? Starting our careers is a whole different hurdle, and as new working professionals, we want to share with you what it’s like being fresh and inexperienced and figuring out in real time how this job is supposed to work.”
Other recommended sessions include:
- Avoid Avoiding and Prevent Procrastination
- Ask Me Anything about Workplace Etiquette
- Stop Fighting Your Brain: Write the Way It Was Designed
- Brief It!
- Becoming Devoted: How Daily Practice Can Change the Trajectory of Your Career
- Fast Fingers, Calm Mind: Managing Anxiety in a High-Pressure Profession
There are so many other sessions available to enjoy! Attend sessions that spark your curiosity. Even if a topic seems outside your comfort zone, you may discover a new interest or career path you hadn’t considered before. The Conference is your opportunity to see the profession in action and imagine where your own journey could take you. See the online schedule but check your NCRA app for the latest dates, times, and location.
Challenge yourself
Here’s a little Conference challenge: Introduce yourself to someone new every day. It might feel a little intimidating at first, but you’ll quickly discover that court reporters and captioners are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Strike up a conversation between sessions, sit with someone you don’t know at lunch, or ask a speaker a question after a presentation.
You never know where one conversation might lead. It could turn into a mentorship, an internship, your first job — or even a lifelong friendship.
One last tip …
Bring a notebook or iPad and come ready to take notes, ask questions, and leave with ideas you can put into action. Have questions about speedbuilding? Wondering what it’s really like to start your first job? Curious about certifications, internships, or finding a mentor? Conference is the place to ask! You’ll discover that the professionals around you were once sitting exactly where you are — and they’re eager to share what they’ve learned.
Make every moment count
We’re excited you’re joining us. We can’t wait to see you at the Student Breakfast and throughout the Conference. Soak up as much knowledge as you can — and have fun while you’re doing it. Here’s to new friendships, new opportunities, and an unforgettable experience!
Not registered yet? There’s still time!
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