2010 Annual Convention
October 15-17, 2010
Sheraton Grand Sacramento
1230 J Street
Sacramento,California 95814
Phone (916) 447-1700
Reservations
2010 CONVENTION
DETAILED SCHEDULE
UP TO 1.90 CEUs AVAILABLE
Friday, October 15, 2010
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Registration
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Exhibits Open
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Seminar
The Many Facets of Identity Theft – Jay Foley (.15 CEUs)
This course will define identity theft and alert you to steps you can take, within the workplace and as a consumer, to minimize information leakage as well as highlight best practices to reduce your risk and to protect your clients.
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Student Track
Meet & Greet
Come to this social time and play “Reporter Bingo.” Help students mingle with reporters and create friendships. Prizes will be given out at the “Working Lunch” on Saturday for the winning students. All are invited to join the fun.
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Welcome Reception
Saturday, October 16, 2010
6:00 am – 7:00 am
PACCRA 5K Walk/Run
7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Registration
7:00 am – 4:30 pm
Exhibits Open
7:00 am – 8:00 am
Working Breakfast - Continental Breakfast (.1 CEUs)
Passport to History, Part I – Connie Parchman
The “Passport to History” program combines learning and shopping! Each attendee will be given a short written history lesson and a passport with a multiple-choice question on each page. In order to earn CEUs, the participants must answer each question correctly. Each vendor will be responsible for verifying the correct answer to the question in the passport. The reporters must visit each vendor to receive their passport stamps for the correct answer.
8:00 am – 10:30 am
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (.25 CEUs)
Seminar
Commas Here, Commas There, Commas Everywhere!! – Margie Wakeman-Wells
How many comma rules are there? Too many to count. This session will deal with some of the commonly misused commas as well as some of the rules we don’t see every day. Even the most sophisticated reporter will pick up some tips to improve transcript punctuation. Bring those comma questions that keep cropping up so that everyone has a chance to hear the answers.
Tech Track
Stenograph - Court Reporting Technology, Where it's been and where it's going – Tom LaFera
Come learn about the technological progression Stenograph writers have made over the years. We'll look at the past generations of writers and identify the improvements and benefits each new generation offered, culminating with the Diamante™ and TrueStroke™ technology. We'll also look at some of the exciting advancements in CAT software and discuss how your CAT software can work hand-in-hand with your writer to help you write better and more accurately.
StenoCAT - StenoCAT PDF with Digital Signatures, Realtime Commands and Editing Tips – Rick Louie
Learn how to produce PDF files and sign your transcripts with electronic or digital signatures. See how Smart Briefs can improve your Realtime. Explore the new Seating Chart features and Realtime Commands available from your writer. Get the most from the newest features of StenoCAT and learn how to edit more efficiently. Expert instruction provided for users of all levels.
ProCAT- Facing the daily barrage of challenges can be a lot easier than you think – Bob Bakva
Learn to tame the CAT! Reality is you can produce a transcript on any CAT software. The question is: How much time and effort are you willing to invest to produce a profitable transcript? ProCAT has made it its mission to boost your career and make your life easier. Why spend time at a keyboard when you can spend it with your loved ones?
This training seminar is designed to help you learn how to take advantage of efficiencies in the ProCAT Winner to turn challenges into opportunities. Join the Winners’ Circle to learn:
• Realtime editing – we call them Mark Kislingbury magic
• Use Kislingbury briefs on-the-fly
• Use dual-channel audio recording
• Create PDF files
• Digitally sign your transcripts
• Redact confidential information, and more…
Stenovations - LightSpeed Generation NeXt – Carmen Santone
Why are the vowels shaped like an “X”? What are those braille-like dots? And what’s with the extra keys? Now it’s time to get answers to all of the questions flying around the Web. The highly anticipated second-generation LightSpeed is here. Discover the difference between the LS Classic, the LSS and how the LSX is taking speed and accuracy to new heights.
Eclipse Workshop – Steve Kosmata
Isn’t life challenging enough without fighting your software on a daily basis? Bring your laptop, an open mind, as well as your solutions to situations you've encountered, and share them with your fellow Eclipse users. Learn how to make Eclipse's magic work for you and reduce your stress level.
8:00 am – 8:45 am
Student Track A
Mock CSR Written Test – Gerie Bunch
A written mock test will be administered. This mock test will cover the subjects of English, legal, medical, and general knowledge.
8:45 am – 10:30 am
Student Track B
Best Practices for the Use of Backup Audio Media… to BAM or not to BAM? – Yvonne Fenner
Technology improves minute by minute, many changes bringing about unintended consequences. Backup audio media (BAM) is now a standard feature of court reporting software. But is BAM legal to use in California? What happens if someone complains about the accuracy of the record when BAM has been used? This seminar will provide you the answers to these questions and the information you need to make good decisions about when and where to use BAM. Join Yvonne Fenner, executive officer of the Court Reporters Board of California, for a frank and open discussion of ethics, unintended consequences and what the future holds.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
GENERAL SESSION – Keynote (.15 CEUs)
Thomas Crum – Living a Centered Life: Tools for Living and Working in Stressful Environments
Got stress? Have you multi-tasked your way right out of the joy of being fully present and fully alive? Is it possible to get off of this merry-go- round of complexity and busy-ness, and by so doing, come away more successful, healthy, and energized? In his session, author and educator Thomas Crum will help you to transform conflict into opportunity and stress into vitality. Experience mind-body skills for relaxation, heightened awareness and clearer focus that will enhance your ability to achieve peak performance in any activity that you choose without increasing stress.
Thomas Crum is an author and presenter in the fields of conflict resolution, peak performance, and stress management. He is known throughout the world for the Thomas Crum Approach, taught through best-selling books including The Magic of Conflict, Three Deep Breaths, and Journey to Center, as well as audio and visual materials and live presentations for management and employees at all levels in corporations, government and non-profit organizations. His programs are designed to help people become more centered under conflict, more resourceful when facing challenges, and more effective under stress. For over 30 years, Tom has been a teacher of Aikido, a graceful martial art which uses energy rather than force to resolve conflicts, and he includes principles and movements from Aikido, Tai Chi Chuan, Qi gong, and other mind-body arts in his presentations.
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Working Lunch (.1 CEUs)
Passport to History, Part II – Connie Parchman
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Legislative Track (.3 CEUs)
Capitol Building Assembly Room – Jim Cassie
Since 1854, Sacramento has been the State Capitol of California. From statehood in 1850, the cities of San Jose, Vallejo, and Benicia also served in that capacity.
Members of CCRA will occupy the seats of current California Assembly members and hold a mock floor session. It is here where most Assembly bills have their final hearing before going to the Governor for his signature or veto. The goal is an educational one, so the association's members can actually see what goes on within the Assembly chambers. We will debate a couple of bills and have some surprises in store for the participants and members occupying the gallery.
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Student Track
Mock CSR Review – English – Margie Wakeman-Wells
Be a smart test taker! Know your stuff! Pick up tips on how to do a good job of test-taking on the academic as well as the machine portion on the state exam. Also we will review the rules and principles covered on the mock English test.
3:00 pm – 4:15 pm
Student Track
Mock CSR Review - Medical/Legal – Bonnie Chufar-Comstock
Bonnie Chufar-Comstock, a CSR, program director, and instructor will go over the correct answers to the mock WKT CSR and give you test-taking strategies to help you feel more confident about taking and studying for the written test.
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Cocktail Party – Capitol Rotunda
6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Mardi Gras
Casino Night
10:00 pm – 11:30 pm
President’s Reception
Sunday, October 17, 2010
6:00 am – 7:00 am
Power Walk
7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Registration
7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Exhibits Open
7:00 am – 8:30 am
Working Breakfast - Continental Breakfast (.15 CEUs)
Passport to History, Part III – Connie Parchman
8:30 am – 10:00 am
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (.15 CEUs)
Your Brand: The Silent Marketer – Doru Ghedeon Bere
Doru Ghedeon Bere shares insight and information that will change the way you perceive brands,
purchase products or services, and establish relationships. His goal is to give you a few ideas on how to
start being specific and intentional about your own brand. Doru takes a unique, common-sense approach
to explain brand marketing, as a tool for building business, establishing credibility and promoting trust. He
answers questions such as: Why is branding important? Which companies have a brand? Where does it
reside? Who creates it, and what can you do about it? During difficult economic times your brand, the silent marketer, can be your secret weapon and greatest asset.
Realtime For Dummies – Bill Greenley 
An interactive information exchange focusing on the basics of interactive realtime. Having problems hooking up consistently, COM ports – how to identify which is which on your computer and your client’s computer? Exchange horror stories and how you solved them. Participants at the seminar will gain insight from others on some of the issues they’ve run across and how they solved them when providing a realtime feed to your clients.
Officials – The Courtroom – “The Core of the Judicial System” – Debby Steinman
Educate yourself on all the ins and outs of working in a courtroom that you may not have learned in school. All aspects of court proceedings and reporter responsibilities will be covered so that you can be confident and assured in your role as an official or pro tem reporter.
10:00 am – 10:30 am
Exhibit Break
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (.15 CEUs)
Start Your Engines! Speedless Stenography – Lesia Mervin
One of the keys to excellent realtime writing is SPEED! If you've attended this presenter's classes before, you know you're in for a realtime treat. If you're looking for realtime solutions to your everyday writing, this is the class for you. Some of the topics covered will be briefs and phrase tips, pesky punctuation, numbers, finger-spelled alphabets, and, of course, speedwriting! As always in her seminars, shorter writing tips abound! Spend less time editing by spending more time on your realtime writing skills.
Help, I’m Buying A Laptop – Glenn Mervin
Have you ever stood in the computer store and tried to navigate your way through the maze of geek speak when purchasing a laptop? Vista or XP? What memory do I need? How many gigs of memory do I need? Dual Core or Single Core? CD or DVD? After this seminar, you will know exactly what to ask for and be able to buy a laptop that fits your needs.
Mock CSR Skills - Debby Steinman, Tami Faughn, Bob Sullivan, Sheri Turner-Gray
The students will get to experience exactly what the CSR machine test feels like. Very knowledgeable instructors know the complete protocol for lineup, entrance, setup and dictation of a mock exam. There will be two practice exams given.
CATT II Training Program – Carolyn Dasher, Carlos Martinez
This class will be a follow-up for CATT I attendees. In this session, we will cover the happenings in Sacramento, how to follow legislation, where to find and bookmark your congressional legislators, and how to effectively educate your target audience in order to get your message heard. This will also cover tips on how to put into action the e-blast messages that need quick and immediate responses through e-mails, faxes, and phone calls to legislators. Finally, we will help you to be the calm voice in the storm of uncertainty by being prepared.
Internet Realtime Streaming – Sandy Bunch VanderPol
This seminar will provide firm owners, official and freelance reporters and captioners the knowledge they need to evaluate what realtime streaming product may be best for you and your client. LiveNote Stream, TeleView, Remote Counsel, Speche, StreamText and Webcast are products that will be addressed. Attend this seminar and learn not only the basics of Internet Realtime Streaming but some of the differences in functionality of each product, along with a few tips on the marketing of this value-added service to your clients.
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Luncheon and Annual Meeting (.1 CEUs)
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (.15 CEUs)
Oh, My Aching Body – Sound Familiar? – Jack Passarella
Understanding correct workstation setup and ergonomic basics can be the key to a long and pain-free career. In today’s work environment where the use of electronics and computers are mandatory, you must be able to adjust your work area to be as body friendly as possible. The point of this seminar is to give you the knowledge/tools to properly set up your workstation, understand how to make changes if problems occur, and to learn ways of reducing the exposures common to using keyboards and other keyed equipment.
Realtime Troubleshooting Basics for Cables, Bluetooth and Wireless – Bill Greenley, LeeAnn Orozco, Mike Appelman
Learn the options you have to provide realtime to your judge and clients, WiFi/LAN, Bluetooth or cables. Learn the troubleshooting basics to hook up from your CAT software to your client’s interactive software application. This program covers all the things you’ll need to know to hook up successfully every time and add this value to your client’s realtime experience.
Freelance Class – “The Depo World – In the Know” – Sheri Turner-Gray
What really goes on at a deposition? Learn everything you need to know to be a premier freelance reporter where you are in charge of making the record and how to confidently handle your responsibilities. Educate yourself about freelancing and working with agencies to maximize your work and your income. You can relax knowing that you will always be in demand as a preferred reporter.
Surviving & Thriving in the Freelance Arena – Jan White, Natie Alvarado, Kim Thayer, Linda Hart
Come and join us for a lively panel discussion on surviving as a freelance reporter and still thriving. The demand on today's freelancers is larger than ever. Your continuing education remains your best defense in our high-tech, ever-changing world of job requirements. Come and have your questions answered by our panel of professional reporters from Sacramento, Fresno, Torrance and San Diego. We'll be discussing many interesting topics, including scanning and transmitting electronic documents, how reporters are paid differently by different firms, giving back to your community, public relations, and much more.
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
CONCURRENT SESSIONS (.15 CEUs)
Where Do I Find The Answer For? - The Workbook for the CCRA Compendiums – Charlotte Freeman, Gerie Bunch
Come to this session and familiarize yourself with the Freelance and Official Compendiums. This session is about a multiple-choice workbook for each compendium designed to help teachers teach the important codes that apply to reporters; to help working reporters learn the laws that apply to them and to also provide a way to earn continuing education credits; and, to help students become more confident for their CSR exams.
Less Paper in the 21st Century – Look Not into Your Rear view Mirror, but through Your Front Windshield – John Airola, Tuesday Airola
John and Tuesday Airola will talk about the paperless law office of the 21st Century. They will discuss what being “paperless” actually means, and how to effectively use all of those digital documents, not only in the office, but also at depositions. Finally, the Airolas will provide a glimpse into the future of what court reporters can expect with regard to digital technology.
Let’s Talk it Out – Official – CCRA Board
Officials will meet together with the Board and other guests to discuss topics relevant to our profession, the current battles and threats we are facing, and concerns you have as they relate to the freelance and official industry. Learn about CCRA’s CATT training program. Share ideas and engage in a question and answer session with your CCRA leaders as to how to become more involved in protecting our jobs!!
Let’s Talk it Out – Freelance – CCRA Board
Freelancers will meet together with the Board and other guests to discuss topics relevant to our profession, the current battles and threats we are facing, and concerns you have as they relate to the freelance and official industry. Learn about CCRA’s CATT training program. Share ideas and engage in a question and answer session with your CCRA leaders as to how to become more involved in protecting our jobs!!
