The opportunities to network and learn new skills at NCRA’s Conference & Expos have always ranked high on the list for why members attend. That is perhaps even more so this year as the country begins to come out of lockdowns, shut-ins, and shutdowns. Registrations are rolling in for the 2021 NCRA Conference & Expo happening July 29-Aug. 1 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., as members take advantage of the special early access rate for full registration that closes May 31. Registrants are like so many others who are eager to get back to a somewhat normal life that includes being able to travel, visit with family and friends, and just enjoy a new view.
“My daughter and I are excited about attending the Conference this year because it is such a great opportunity to meet reporters, videographers, and agency owners in person with whom we have networked for years and also to make new connections, reconnect with longtime friends, and get inspired about our wonderful professions,” said Deborah Alvino, RPR, CRR, CRC, CLVS, a firm owner from Pismo Beach, Calif.
“We are both looking forward to the seminars and learning from others who love what they do, and the social events and camaraderie are always fun and memorable. This will be the first NCRA Conference that my daughter and I get to attend together. Chandler is a high-speed student at 225 now and will be an RPR and California CSR soon, so I am very excited to share this experience with her,” she added.
In addition to getting some pool time at the hotel, Joshua Edwards, RDR, CRR, a court reporter and captioner from New York, N.Y., said he is looking forward to networking and presenting with other state leaders at the National Congress of State Associations meeting. The 2021 event will mark the fifth NCRA Conference Edwards has attended.
“The NCRA Conference is a great place to feel a part of a strong community. Everyone understands the unique challenges of our jobs, and you discover that people are eager to share and help each other,” Edwards said. “It is a lot of fun. You won’t believe how much you will learn. It definitely reignites a passion for the field,” he added.
The early access rate is $600 for NCRA members and $900 for nonmembers, which is a savings of $50 and it’s just $5 more than the rates offered for the 2017 NCRA Convention & Expo that was held at the same venue. In addition, full registration includes a free breakfast on Friday and Saturday. You can also take advantage of special rates being offered by booking your room by July 2 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Full registration includes access to all concurrent seminars being held Friday through Sunday, the Teachers Workshop, a three-day Expo Hall pass, and tickets to the Opening Reception being held on Thursday, the Premier and Keynote session being held on Friday, the Awards Luncheon on Saturday afternoon, and the Member Recognition Gala on Saturday evening. And attendees can earn up to 1.2 continuing education credits.
Schedule highlights include keynote speaker Debbi Fields, founder of the Mrs. Fields cookie brand; the National Speed and Realtime Contests; a run to break the current Guinness World Record for speed and accuracy; numerous workshops; and learning zones that include sessions specially geared to meet the interests of officials; freelancers; teachers; legal videographers; and students. Visit the registration page to view a complete schedule and learn more about the presenters. There is sure to be more than one session that will draw you in.
“I think that it’s important for NCRA members to attend the Conference to show support for our professions, to encourage each other, to learn new ways to accomplish our goals, and to cheer on and award the fastest writers in the world,” Alvino said. “We are NCRA Strong when we pull together to lift each other up, stand united, and promote our professions; and this is the perfect opportunity to do all of that. NCRA President Christine Phipps has such a strong, beautiful vision for the future of court reporting, captioning, CART, and legal video; and we need to share that passion and build the Association side by side,” she added.
“I would encourage everyone to attend the Conference because we can all learn so much from each other, and we can come together after a challenging year to celebrate that court reporters are thriving and more in demand than ever before. I hope to see you there so we can make it the best Conference ever. Where else can you earn all of these CEUs and have this much fun in one weekend?”
Visit the 2021 NCRA Conference & Expo webpage for more information about registration, the venue, session highlights, and more. You can also learn more about the hotel’s health and safety protocols here.
As always, NCRA places the safety and health of its guests, presenters, and staff as its top priority and remains committed to its 2021 Conference & Expo.
