If you are planning to attend the NCRA Conference & Expo in Houston this week, you are in for an exciting lineup of speakers from across the country (and even the globe!) sharing their expertise to help you succeed in both your professional and personal life. But the schedule is also packed with events and activities beyond the sessions.
Expo Hall
Make sure to save time in your day to visit the sold-out Expo Hall. The Hall is jam-packed again this year with exhibitors. Dozens of vendors will be on site to showcase the latest in new products and services specifically for the court reporting, captioning, and legal videography professions. Vendors will be offering products ranging from software to equipment to support services and more.
Learn more about our Exhibitors and Sponsors
Networking highlights
In-person events such as the NCRA Conference are great places to network, but to make the most of your time and build your network, it’s helpful to start with a plan. Here are some highlights of the Conference that you won’t want to miss.
Thursday, July 27
- NCRA Annual Business Meeting, 8:30-11 a.m.
Take an active role in your Association by attending the Annual Business Meeting. Every NCRA member is invited to hear about the state of the Association at the open event, where you can hear reports from NCRA leaders, discuss Bylaws Amendments and other important issues, and contribute to vital Association business.
During the Annual Business Meeting, NCRA voting members in attendance will vote for a Registered Member for the open position on the Board created by the resignation of Phyllis Craver Lykken, FAPR, RPR, earlier this month.
You do not have to be registered for the Conference to attend. Can’t attend in person? Follow live captions here.
- Welcome Reception in the Expo Hall, 5:30-7 p.m.
Join your fellow attendees Thursday evening in the Expo Hall. At this casual event, you can get a jump start on meeting old and new colleagues from around the country while you see what all our exhibitors have to offer. Drinks and appetizers will be served.
Friday, July 28
- NCRA Premier Session, 8:30-10 a.m.
The Premier Session will feature new NCRA President Kristin Anderson, RPR, delivering her inaugural address; introduction of the 2023-2024 Board of Directors; announcement of the 2023 Distinguished Service Award honoree; and keynote speaker Dennis M. Holmgren.
Saturday, July 29
- Awards Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Awards Luncheon will serve as the venue for announcing this year’s CASE Award of Excellence recipient; the winners of several NCRF scholarships and grants, including the Carl Sauceda Grant; and the recipient of the 2023 Jim Bouley Family Lifetime Award for Altruism. The Luncheon is capped with the announcement of the Speed and Realtime Contest qualifiers.
- Member Recognition Gala: Boot Scootin’ in Houston, 7-10 p.m.
Dress in your favorite country outfit and dance the night away to country music at the Saturday night “Boot Scootin’ in Houston” Member Recognition Gala. Enjoy dinner, drinks, fun, and more!
And don’t forget these other opportunities to network:
- Breakfasts in the Expo Hall for registered attendees who are also hotel guests, Friday and Saturday morning, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
- Coffee breaks in the Expo Hall (various times Friday and Saturday)
Plan your Conference experience with the new NCRA Event Mobile App.
- Receive event alerts and updates
- See who’s attending
- Build your personal schedule
- Track your session attendance to earn CEUs
- Connect with other attendees and speakers
- Browse Sponsors and Exhibitors
- View venue information
- Share your excitement on the event Discussion Wall
Registered attendees should have already received a personal app email invitation with instructions on how to access the event app. For app inquiries, please contact webworks@ncra.org.
Beyond the Conference
After you’ve enhanced your skills, recharged your batteries, and become inspired by the sessions and workshops, contests, social events, networking opportunities, and more, there is still plenty to do! The Conference’s host hotel, Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown is centrally located in the business hub and within walking distance of Discovery Green, the Downtown Aquarium, and professional sports and music venues. So plan ahead for some time to relax and enjoy the city. NCRA President-Elect Kristen Anderson, RPR, has some great ideas for you in her Guide to Houston.
We’ll see you there!
Learn more about the Conference and register here.
