NATIONAL COURT REPORTERS CONVENTION IN LAS VEGAS

Every year court reporters from around the country get together at their annual convention to network, attend workshops and seminars, meet vendors, and to elect their officers and directors for the upcoming year.  This year’s convention will be at the Bally’s Hotel from July 28^th to July 31^st.

The emphasis continues to be on the latest technology available to reporters in helping them make the record.  There is always much to learn and evaluate as far as the types of steno machines, software, and hardware that are on the market today.  The convention setting allows for a comprehensive review and analysis of everything a reporter needs to be at the top of his or her game.

But technology alone does not a good reporter make.  Solid theory and exacting writing skills continue to be the foundation to continued success.  This is why court reporters continue to sharpen their skills and test for ever higher designations that will earn them the respect and recognition of their colleagues and prepare them for whatever testimony comes their way. 

Two special events at every annual convention are the speed contests.  The national speed contest consists of three, five-minute legs of literary at 220 words per minute, legal opinion at 230 words per minute, and testimony at 280 words per minute.  To qualify, one must have a minimum accuracy rate of 95%.  The reporter with the best combined score wins.

The other contest is the realtime competition, which consists of two, five-minute legs of straight matter at 220 words per minute and two-voice dictation at 225 words per minute.  To quality, one must have a minimum accurate rate of 95% WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF EDITING.  The reporter with the best combined score wins.

Needless to say, only the most elite reporters are allowed to compete for these titles.  The winners of these two contests have their legacy sealed in NCRA’s history.

Lastly, the annual convention is also a time to reflect on the great strides reporters have made in the past and contemplate the challenges that face the profession in the years to come.