Fact: There are just not enough stenographers who are willing and/or able to provide in-person (IP) CART captioning. And we are turning down or referring requests at least once a week. This is a sector of the industry that is GROWING, despite advances in AI. Most folks are either afraid of "writing naked," or they're intimidated by what they believe is complicated physical tech to make IP CART captioning possible. The truth is that you probably already have everything you need to perform the work; all you need is a few small pieces of equipment and some very simple training. This is applicable to both machine steno and voice writers. Participants will leave the sessions knowing: — Background information about the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HoH) community and who needs CART captioning — Modes of CART captioning delivery and examples of setup — Things to bring to every job — What to ask for at each job — Possible venues and their challenges — Best practices, both before accepting a job and for performing CART captioning services — Audio considerations — NCRA CART references — Considerations for determining charges Total CEU: 0.10.

This session will cover a brief history of the ways in which court reporters have been portrayed in movies and television and how today's court reporters can advocate for their profession by appearing on screen as well. This will be followed by a discussion of the filmmakers who have taken an active interest in court reporters and have put them front and center in their movies. Total CEU: 0.10.

This advanced session is designed for seasoned captioning professionals who are ready to push their skills to the next level. We’ll dive deep into the real‑world challenges that working captioners face: rapid‑fire dialogue, overlapping speakers, complex terminology, and the pressure of maintaining both precision and readability in live environments. Through hands‑on exercises, peer review, and guided practice, participants will refine their realtime strategies, strengthen their linguistic decision‑making, and explore techniques for producing captions that are not only accurate, but audience‑centered and stylistically consistent. We’ll also examine evolving industry expectations, emerging technologies, and best practices for maintaining professional resilience in high‑stakes captioning scenarios. By the end of the session, attendees will walk away with sharper reflexes, stronger editorial instincts, and a renewed sense of confidence in their ability to deliver exceptional captions under any conditions. Total CEU 0.10.

The concept of "Belonging" has emerged as a transformational concept across the nation, especially in conversations regarding institutional transformation, including in our legal system. It is championed by attorney John A. Powell, the Director of The Othering and Belonging Institute. This session will include a description of "Belonging," how it can be used by all legal professionals to improve their work experiences and the experiences of those they serve, and practical applications of "Bridging" and other terms. Total CEU 0.10.

In an interpreted deposition, not only can a competent and professional interpreter make a long and demanding day run more smoothly for the court reporter, but they can also significantly affect the quality and integrity of the record. Because even the most skilled reporter cannot transcribe what they do not hear clearly. Attendees will be taken on a guided journey by two established court interpreters to examine, in the age of AI, what their responsibilities entail at each stage of a deposition and the workflow they employ to address each task — from the initial deposition inquiry to the event that formally marks the closing of the assignment. In addition to sharing practical tips and best practices for working effectively with court interpreters, we will demonstrate, through real-life examples, how AI can both enhance productivity and become a hindrance. By illustrating court interpreters’ work processes and the ways in which AI is integrated throughout those processes, we will draw parallels between two distinct yet closely connected professions and identify shared challenges posed by emerging technologies. As integral participants in the legal system, we must work collaboratively to educate and advocate for the responsible, ethical, and safe use of technology within the legal community and to speak thoughtfully against the indiscriminate, cost-driven adoption of AI. Total CEU 0.10.

Whether you're covering a packed courtroom, a tight deposition suite, or a multi-party arbitration, your audio setup can make or break the quality of your record. This session walks through practical mic configurations for every setting, from corded and wireless options to extensions and accessories that give you flexibility without sacrificing sound quality. We'll cover how to choose the right equipment for the room, troubleshoot common audio challenges on the fly, and build setups you can adapt as conditions change. We'll also explore digital tools for electronic job diary bookkeeping to help you stay organized from assignment through delivery. Then we'll zoom out and look at the bigger technological shift happening around us: artificial intelligence. We'll explore how AI is affecting the environment through its massive energy and resource demands, and how those demands are reshaping real estate markets in ways that may surprise you. As professionals who depend on technology every day, understanding these larger forces helps you stay informed and ahead of the curve. From the smallest adjustment to your mic setup to the broadest implications of AI, this session is about giving you the knowledge to navigate technology at every level. Please note that due to a power outage, the first few minutes of this presentation were not recorded. You can find the information covered in the PowerPoint located under the handouts tab. Total CEU: 0.10.

Join Deb DuBuc, Program Chair of Realtime Court Reporting at Des Moines Area Community College, and freelance reporter Alex Lederer as they examine the role AI tools can (should?) play in preparing students and new reporters to pursue the perfect transcript. We are not talking ASR here; we want to foster those writing and transcription skills necessary for certification. Rather, we will share some tips and facilitate discussion about tools both within and outside CAT software that schools can (should?) be teaching to empower graduates to enter the workforce with confidence, knowing they have the transcript production skills that will set them apart and make them assets to the firms/courts with whom they seek employment. Join us to learn more or share your favorite AI-enhanced “must-know” with the educators training tomorrow’s workforce. Learning outcomes: — Consider how responsible AI use may enhance student learning while maintaining the core competencies required for certification — Compare educator and industry perspectives on the role AI tools can/should play in the training of the next generation of reporters — Discuss ethical considerations and best practices for incorporating AI into court reporting education without undermining essential writing and transcription skill development — Discover AI-powered tools that can support court reporting students in developing stronger transcript production, editing, and proofreading skills — Demonstrate practical strategies for teaching students to use AI tools responsibly to improve transcript accuracy, consistency, and formatting during the editing process Total CEU 0.10.

Join us for a deep dive into Windows shortcuts and under-the-radar features that will transform how you work! We'll revisit game-changing keyboard commands and introduce you to tools you never knew existed — iPhone-to-Windows linking, Dynamic Lock, Focus Sessions, and more. Whether you're a shortcut veteran or just getting started, this session will help you work faster, smarter, and with a lot less reaching for the mouse — because yes, it really is in the computer. Total CEU 0.10.

Experienced district court reporters share practical lessons and proven solutions from the courtroom. Learn strategies for managing busy dockets, working effectively with judges and attorneys, navigating technology, creating and managing the record efficiently, and protecting its integrity in fast-paced district court settings. Total CEU 0.10.

Did you know that public speaking is THE number one fear, even over death! Understanding how to deliver your message is a critical component to influencing others. Whether it is a board meeting, a local gathering, or a keynote in front of an audience of a thousand, most people get the butterflies and break into a cold sweat. Dave will teach you the science behind our fears and help you create easy solutions which allow you to convert that nervous energy into a powerful, empowering force that energizes the crowd. Total CEU 0.10.