Get to the track early to make the most of the 2024 NCRA Conference & Expo happening in Louisville, Ky., Aug 1-3. This year educational sessions start on Thursday afternoon, but you’ll want to save your seat for extra boot camps and workshops starting at 8 a.m. and squeeze in a few extra credits during your time. Separate registration is required.
Captioning Boot Camp Workshop – 8-11 a.m.
Presenter: Anissa Nierenberger, RPR, CRR, CRC, CRI
From beginning to advanced, calling all current and wannabe CART and broadcast captioners. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be perfect to be a captioner. Becoming a top-notch captioner starts with taking intentional baby steps. Nierenberger will walk you through this transition step by step. She will talk about becoming your best realtime self while broadening your dictionary vocabulary to handle what can/will come your way. Complimentary instructional materials are provided to help you begin your journey! (Highly Recommended: Please bring your computer and writer).
Realtime Boot Camp Workshop – 8-11 a.m.
Presenter: Kathryn R. Sweeney, FAPR, RDR, CRR
Think you’re ready to take the Certified Realtime Reporter exam? Want to make sure? Want to do a test run and get some insider advice on how to pass this dreaded test? Kathryn Sweeney was the Chief Examiner for the CRR exam for 18 years. She has seen it all and has some great insight into why this test is so easy to fail. All her advice comes from seeing candidates make mistakes and knowing that one or two simple changes could help them pass. Among other things, she will give you guidance on dictionary management, software settings, equipment requirements, updated NCRA online testing procedures, test file submission, “What Is An Error?,” and, most importantly, what not to worry about when taking this exam. Registrants are strongly encouraged to bring their steno machines and laptops to provide realtime for themselves, as well as all cables and adapters (extension cords and power strips are a plus!). There will be two practice exams given, so you will want to take full advantage of this opportunity.
Advantage Software Vendor Training Workshop – 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Presenter: Jeremy Thorne
Join us for an exhilarating vendor workshop where Jeremy will unveil an exclusive sneak peek into our highly anticipated Eclipse 12 software, aligning perfectly with the Conference theme of “Fast-track your skills to success.” Attendees will discover how to harness a host of new features and enhancements, and a key highlight will be the opportunity to sign up for beta testing and to experience it firsthand. Jeremy eagerly awaits your collaboration and feedback, demonstrating seamless transitions between beta and release setups without compromising stability. Eclipse leads the field in court reporting innovation — this event is a must-attend!
Stenograph Vendor Training Workshop – 8 a.m-12 p.m.
Presenter: Cindi Lynch
The most accurate translation results aren’t just due to clean writing; they’re also achieved by knowing how to use the features and options available to you in CATalyst. Similarly, it’s the little things you forget that you can do that can make the most significant difference in terms of how many more pages you can produce per hour! In this class you’ll not only learn about the latest features and enhancements in the current version of CATalyst, you’ll renew your acquaintance with features, options, and shortcuts to improve your translation results and significantly reduce your editing time.
Firm Owners Focus – 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
This business-focused event hosted by NCRA is especially geared toward owners and managers of firms. Attendees will have opportunities to connect, learn, and energize as they network and join in sessions on such timely topics as team dynamics, generational fluency, and more (lunch included).
Dictionary Jumpstart – 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Presenter: Anissa Nierenberger, RPR, CRR, CRC, CRI
Are you really, really happy with your realtime translation? No?!? This is in large part due to an unhappy dictionary that needs some love and attention and building! Attend this workshop and you’ll receive Dictionary Jumpstart Lite (a $99 value), and Anissa will teach you how to build the right way. Hint: This doesn’t mean entering only perfect entries! We’ll enter up to 1,000 words per hour and get your dictionary on track to make you look like a realtime rock star!
Don’t forget these other events happening on Thursday:
National Realtime Contest – 1-2:30 p.m.
Sign up to compete in this year’s Realtime Contest or just stop by to cheer on your colleagues as they stretch their skills as champions. (The Speed Contest is held on Wednesday, July 31, 9-10 a.m. Registration to compete is required, but spectators are permitted. To view the Realtime Contest, you must be in attendance prior to the doors closing at 1 p.m.)
General sessions start in the afternoon with Generational Fluency from 1:15-2:15 p.m. Learn how to understand and communicate across generations. See the full schedule.
Welcome Reception – 6:15-7:45 p.m. Welcome to Louisville! Join your fellow attendees 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.
Register now for Conference and any additional sessions.