NCRA’s Convention & Expo in Nashville, Tenn., was a week to remember. There were fantastic moments, many of which are highlighted in the convention coverage in this issue. But this annual event is about far more than the networking, educational opportunities, and official association business that happen on-site. The convention is a new beginning. It’s our opportunity to celebrate the successes of the past year and set goals for the coming year. It’s the headline event that energizes all of us for the year ahead.
And the energy is palpable. Attendees have shared with me that this year’s four-day event was the most upbeat and fun NCRA gathering they can remember. It really was a “Convention Royale.” This year the installation of the Board of Directors featured officers and directors who were all dressed in tuxedos — yes, the women, too — bringing together time-honored tradition with the contemporary style and edge that distinguishes today’s NCRA.
The educational seminars showcased the state of the art and the emerging opportunities in our ever-expanding profession. You had to be there to appreciate the buzz generated by the panoply of new technologies designed for court reporting, captioning, and legal videography. Our engaging speakers made topical presentations that captured the attention of their audiences. Learning is fun! Ask the 1,100 professionals who were present this August in the lavish Gaylord Opryland resort. There were seminars, vendor exhibitions, cocktail parties, the Grand Ole Opry, and endless opportunities for greeting old friends and making new ones.
If you couldn’t join us this year in Nashville, please join us next August in San Francisco. I can promise you, you’ll love it!
Many of the seminars in Nashville were videotaped and you can view them as e-seminars at NCRA.InReachCE.com. Make sure to peruse the in-depth coverage of convention highlights in this issue.
Did I mention we had a lot of fun? Casino Royale was the theme of the Saturday night party, and I can tell you it was one of the most memorable social events of my entire court reporting career. I’d like to thank everyone for being dressed to the nines and making the evening glamorous and festive.
Coming off of my convention high, I realize more clearly than ever that we have turned a corner as an association and as a profession. We have focus and direction, as our executive director Jim Cudahy explains in his column on page 11. Frankly, I couldn’t be more excited about my year as your president. We’re off to a great start.
Just as NCRA is poised for growth and success, so too is personal growth within your grasp. Last month I asked you to take at least one action to encourage young people to consider joining us in this rewarding profession. I hope you have taken that step. I also urged you to accept the challenge to become realtime ready and certified. There are mentors out there to help you; seek them out.
The annual Convention & Expo is the official kickoff event for the coming year. We all left Nashville with renewed energy to tackle the goals that matter to us. Together, you and I can accomplish great things.
