Our 101st Convention in San Diego
Christine Taylor, Director, District D

11-3-11
Now that all is said and done, CCRA's 101st convention is officially in our memory banks. And what a memory it is! For the second time, my daughter, a court-reporting student, joined me, and we both had a wonderful time. A record number of attendees traveled from all over California.

Where to start?

First off, its the Welcome Reception on the Lanai for buffet snacks and beverages. Fun beach tunes really set the mood, had everyone chatting and laughing, with the students meeting working reporters while playing Student Bingo. Afterwards, it was up to the Presidential Suite, in a more intimate setting, for a nightcap with President-elect Early Langley and jazz music performed by her son.

The first morning, after a buffet breakfast, it was off to class, my daughter to the Student Track, and me to coteach the first session of CCRA's Legislative Track series. I continued with the Legislative Track throughout the weekend, helping out where I could and growing as a board member. Learning to teach was a great experience, even though it meant missing out on the back-to-back computer breakout sessions everyone was raving about. Next year...

After lunch with the exhibitors, including a fashion show featuring great handbags and accessories and super volunteer models, everyone went to hear our keynote speaker, Amanda Boxtel. At the conclusion of her presentation, after all of us fired-up with inspiration to tackle the various facets of our lives, there wasn't a dry eye in the room!

Saturday's dinner was followed with dancing, beach-ball tossing, and lots of laughter. Even the DJ joined in the fun! Then back up to the Presidential Suite and another intimate reception with our new president.

All too soon it was morning again, time to rise and shine with the PACCRA 5K run/walk. The participants donned their CCRA caps and were off on a spirited trek along the bay. Thank goodness classes start half an hour later on Sunday.

After breakfast, the education and entertainment continued, students and working reporters, freelancers and officials, in our various classes of interest throughout the day.

I'm always very proud of the number of accomplished individuals in our profession who give their time and energy to such a great cause as CCRA. I look forward to the next two years working alongside them.

Sunday evening, after a last call with the exhibitors, we head out for dinner on our own, exploring the downtown San Diego area with new and former acquaintances, family, doing some sightseeing, and being outside in the ocean air. The evening's finale was a relaxing Jacuzzi at the hotel before drifting off to sleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

Monday is an easy breakfast -- mine "fast-food" from Starbucks -- before two back-to-back sessions designed to improve our realtime writing skills. Even after many years of writing realtime, I always leave with at least one, and usually more, stroke-saving, neatness-producing tip.

The final get-togethers were the information-gathering Talk-It-Out sessions with freelancers and officials brainstorming with respective board members on industry issues. These informal sessions are instrumental in helping CCRA develop strategies for the upcoming year with the known and perceived challenges already promising to be varied and active.

My daughter and I are already looking forward to next October, Columbus Day weekend, and CCRA's 102nd convention at the luxurious Miramonte Resort and Spa in Indian Wells. I can already feel the wrap-around comfort of a fluffy terry-cloth robe, following fun and productive days, as we head off to enjoy all of the fabulous spa treatments in the company of wonderful reporter friends.

Check out the CCRA 101st Convention slide show by clicking here. Post on your Facebook account. Tag yourself and friends.