Across the river and into the action: A first-time attendee’s reflection on #NCRAMinneapolis

By Melissa Kornaus

As a proud Saint Paul resident, I don’t usually cross the river without a really good reason — those of us in the Twin Cities tend to be fiercely loyal to our respective sides. But when I found out the 2025 NCRA Conference & Expo was coming to Minneapolis, I knew this was one time I was packing a bag and heading west.

Though I had the comfort of being on “home turf” — and even recognized a few friendly faces from my school (Anoka Technical College) — I’ll admit: large conferences aren’t exactly my natural habitat. As an introvert still early in my court reporting journey, I was nervous about stepping into a space filled with seasoned professionals, lightning-fast fingers, and more steno talk than even I was used to. But something happened the moment I walked through the Conference doors. I was swept up in the energy, the enthusiasm, and the incredible sense of community that only court reporters seem to generate.

I attended as many educational sessions as I could, notebook and highlighter in hand, soaking up advice, tips, and inspiring stories. From tech tools to realtime tricks, every presenter left me feeling more equipped and more excited for the career ahead. One major highlight? Watching the Speed Contest awards and realizing just how fast human fingers can move. For a student still working through early speeds, it was both humbling and incredibly motivating.

But beyond the sessions, what really stuck with me were the conversations. I met students from across the country who were all figuring it out just like me, and I got to hear stories from working reporters who had been exactly where I am and had made it to the other side. There was something magical about talking to someone who once struggled with 80’s or 100’s and now confidently works in the field. It gave me hope, direction, and a sense of belonging I didn’t expect, but will always remember.

Attending the NCRA Conference for the first time helped me celebrate this new profession I’ve chosen, and I left feeling a little more connected, a little more confident, and a whole lot more inspired. Would I cross the river again for it? In a heartbeat.