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SESSION DETAILS - DAY ONE (MARCH 14, 2026)

7:00am: CRG Testing
The CRG exam will be offered twice during the Saturday morning block and can be taken back to back. Test takers may choose either steno machine or voice tests, but not both. Each test is $150.
The Certified Realtime Generalist (CRG) for steno machine writers is a five-minute professionally recorded dictation test given at 200 words per minute Q&A with a maximum of 40 errors, 96% accuracy, with a two-minute lead-in. (USB thumb drives will be provided to submit tests.) Please note: This session is for steno machine writers only, and there is an additional $150 fee to take this exam. 
The Certified Realtime Generalist (CRG) for voice writers is a five-minute professionally recorded dictation test given at 200 words per minute Q&A with a maximum of 40 errors, 96% accuracy, with a two-minute lead-in. (USB thumb drives will be provided to submit tests.) Please note: This session is for voice writers only, and there is an additional $150 fee to take this exam.

9:00am: Keynote Speaker: Kristi Johnson, CSR, RPR 
Kick off the Midyear Seminar with an inspiring story from our own CCRA Regional Director and Orange County Official Reporter, Kristi Johnson. Kristi’s journey is a powerful reminder that your path doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.
Prior to court reporting school, Kristi faced personal tragedy, yet chose perseverance over pause. Her story is both deeply human and profoundly motivating, offering encouragement to students finding their footing and to professionals navigating the inevitable challenges of a demanding career.
Kristi blends heartfelt storytelling with practical perspective, namely how to keep showing up when it’s hard, how to reconnect with your “why,” and how resilience becomes a professional superpower in the classroom, on the job, and in life. Whether you’re just starting your journey or you’ve been in the field for years, you’ll leave renewed, refocused, and ready to move forward with purpose.

10:15am: All About CART & Captioning: Career Path, Shift, or Smart Next Step?
With Lidia Perez & Suzie Galvan
Curious about CART and captioning and whether it could be the perfect fit for your future? This session is designed for students, new reporters, and working reporters who want a clear, practical introduction to the CART/captioning world and how it compares to traditional court reporting.
We’ll break down what CART and captioning really involve, including the different settings (college classrooms, conferences, remote platforms, TV/online captioning), equipment and software basics, writing style adjustments, client expectations, and how to build speed and accuracy for live communication access work. We’ll also talk about the day-to-day realities: scheduling, pay structures, flexibility, travel (or working from home), and what skills transfer easily from deposition or court work.
Is CART/captioning a career shift, a long-term plan, or even a “retirement option” that keeps you working without the same demands as full-time reporting? Absolutely! Many reporters transition into it for the flexibility and variety. We’ll also discuss whether CART/captioning is a smart place to start right after school, what a realistic ramp-up looks like, and how to decide which path fits your goals, lifestyle, and strengths.

11:45am: Navigating the Depo World – Is it for you? And if it Already is, How to Perfect it
With Bethany Woodward
Stepping into freelance court reporting can feel exciting and overwhelming, because once you’re on your own, you’re not just the reporter… you’re also the scheduler, communicator, transcript manager, and business owner. This practical, real-world seminar is designed for students, new reporters, and working reporters who want to build confidence and consistency in the freelance environment.
We’ll cover the full lifecycle of a freelance deposition assignment, including calendar and deadline management, accepting and confirming jobs, working with agencies and direct clients, setting expectations with counsel, and staying organized when your schedule gets busy. You’ll learn what happens after the deposition too: transcript production, formatting and exhibits, delivery timelines, and how to work efficiently with an editing and proofing staff (or handle it yourself when you’re solo).
Whether you’re brand new or looking to tighten up your workflow, you’ll leave with tips, systems, and best practices that make freelance life smoother, more professional, and more profitable. Come ready for an honest, helpful look at what it really takes to thrive in the freelance world.

2:00pm: Working in Court as a Reporter: The Pros, the Challenges, and What to Expect
With Andrea Chavez & Kimberly Moore
Curious about what life looks like as an official court reporter? This seminar is designed for students, new reporters, and working reporters who want a clear, realistic look at working in a courtroom setting day in, day out.
We’ll walk through what court work actually involves, including daily courtroom procedures, handling multiple matters on calendar, taking down fast-paced proceedings, managing bench conferences, readbacks, exhibits, and realtime requests, and navigating communication with judges, clerks, bailiffs, and attorneys. You’ll also learn practical tips for staying organized in court, maintaining professionalism under pressure, and protecting the record in challenging situations.
We’ll break down the pros and cons of officialship, such as stability, benefits, and being part of the court team, versus schedule changes, heavy calendars, high expectations, and limited control over the daily pace. Whether you’re considering applying for a court position, already assigned in court, or deciding between freelance and official work, this class will help you understand the courtroom environment and make confident career choices.

3:30pm: Ethics & Protecting your License
With Diana Van Dyke, Michelle Caldwell & Brooke Ryan
Your court reporting license is one of your most valuable assets, and protecting it should be a top priority at every stage of your career. This seminar is designed for students, new reporters, and working reporters who want to understand how to reduce risk, respond professionally to challenges, and navigate the complaint process with confidence.
We’ll cover the most common situations that can lead to licensing issues, including missed deadlines, transcript disputes, refund demands, record challenges, client conflicts, and professionalism concerns. You’ll learn practical ways to safeguard yourself through clear communication, strong documentation habits, solid transcript policies, and ethical decision-making—especially when the pressure is high.
We’ll also break down what happens if a complaint is filed: what to expect from an inquiry, how investigations work, how to respond appropriately, and when it’s smart to seek guidance or legal support. Whether you want to avoid problems before they start or feel prepared if something ever lands on your desk, this class will give you the tools to protect your reputation, your livelihood, and your license.

5:30pm: Reception & Social Event
Stay for the reception and evening social event! Catch up with friends, meet new colleagues, and enjoy a fun and lively evening featuring BINGO with FABULOUS PRIZES!

SESSION DETAILS - DAY TWO (MARCH 15, 2026)

7:00am: CCG Testing
The Certified CART Generalist (CCG) exam for steno machine writers consists of a written exam and a seven-minute professionally recorded dictation test. The first two minutes will be lead-in and the last five minutes graded. This examination will be given at 180 words per minute. 96% accuracy is required to pass the test (36 errors total allowed). USB thumb drives will be provided to submit tests. Please note: This session is for steno machine writers only, and there is an additional $150 fee to take this exam.
The Certified CART Generalist (CCG) exam for voice writers consists of a written exam and a seven-minute professionally recorded dictation test. The first two minutes will be lead-in and the last five minutes graded. This examination will be given at 180 words per minute. 96% accuracy is required to pass the test (36 errors total allowed). USB thumb drives will be provided to submit tests. Please note: This session is for voice writers only, and there is an additional $150 fee to take this exam.
(Steno and Voice) The CCG Written Knowledge Test (WKT) will be administered immediately following the Skills Test in the Steno testing room. Prior to taking the WKT, you are required to complete the on-demand webinar available through CCRA’s Learning Management System (LMS). Access instructions for the webinar will be provided upon registration. Please note: There is an additional $150 fee to take this exam. If you are taking the WKT after this test, please move to the appropriate meeting room.

8:00am: Coffee & Networking

8:30am: Judges Panel (Back by Popular Demand!)
With Hon. Joseph Ortiz, Hon. Dina Amani, and Hon. Jeffrey Erickson
Yep! They’re baaaaaack! You asked, and we delivered. Hear directly from the Bench in this presentation and Q&A session with Judge Dina Amani, Judge Jeffrey Erickson, and Judge Joseph Ortiz of the San Bernardino County Superior Court.
This engaging, behind-the-bench discussion is everything you need to know about succeeding in the courtroom, whether you’re an official, student, a new reporter, or a depo reporter covering civil courtrooms. This session is your opportunity to learn firsthand, they are, in fact, just like us... off the bench, anyway.
Got questions? Bring them. Always wanted to ask but weren’t sure or didn’t have the connection? They’re here. Ask it. They’ll help sharpen our professional presence, discuss the importance of a clear and complete record, discuss how to handle high-pressure moments with composure, and share why your role is essential in the justice system. You’ll walk away with direct insight from the bench, and the clarity, professionalism, and confidence to thrive in any courtroom.

9:45am: Advocacy in Action: Learn to Speak Up for Your Profession
With Nick Brokaw and Graciela Castillo-Krings
Want to make a real impact on the future of court reporting, but not sure where to start? This energizing session is designed for students, new reporters, and working reporters who want to learn how to advocate effectively for the profession from the very people who do it every day.
You’ll hear firsthand how working reporters, leaders, and advocates protect the integrity of the record, promote the value of licensed court reporters, and respond to challenges facing the field. We’ll cover practical, real-world strategies for advocacy, whether that means speaking up in your workplace, educating attorneys and clients, getting involved in your local association, or supporting legislative and regulatory efforts that affect your license and livelihood.
This class will show you that advocacy isn’t just for “political people,” it’s for anyone who cares about their career, their professional standards, and the future of our industry. You’ll leave with simple tools, confidence, and concrete ways to use your voice…starting now.

11:15am: Debut Session: The 2026 Court Reporting Compendium — Codes & Rules Made Easy
With CCRA BOD Freelancers: Brooke Ryan & Tamara Houston and CCRA BOD officials: Stacy Gaskill & Cindy Tachell
We’re thrilled to debut our 2026 Court Reporting Compendium, a brand-new, easy-to-use guide that brings together the key codes, rules, and professional regulations affecting court reporters in one convenient resource.
Designed for students, new reporters, and experienced working reporters, this session will walk you through how to use the compendium in real-world situations - whether you’re handling transcript and billing issues, navigating deadlines, responding to client requests, protecting your license, or looking up the authority behind professional responsibilities and courtroom procedures.
Updated for 2026, this guide is built to be your go-to reference when you need answers quickly and confidently. Come learn what’s inside, how it’s organized, and how it can help you work smarter, stay compliant, and protect your professional standing every day.

1:30pm: Ask Us Anything: No Holds Barred
With Freelancer Tamara Houston; Official Stacy Gaskill; CART/Captioners Lidia Perez & Susie Galvan; and Agency Insider Dallas Carter
Have questions you’ve always wanted to ask, but didn’t know who to ask without judgment? This is your chance. Our Ask Us Anything panel brings together a powerhouse lineup: a freelancer, an official reporter, a CART/captioner, and an agency owner, all in one room, ready to answer your questions honestly and directly.
In this rapid-fire session, anything goes. Nothing is off-limits. Ask about pay, schedules, transcripts, court vs. depo life, realtime, equipment, burnout, client drama, getting your first jobs, working remote, career pivots, agency expectations, and what it truly takes to succeed in each path. You’ll hear real answers, real experiences, and real advice from professionals who live this work every day.
Whether you’re a student, newly certified, or a seasoned reporter looking for a fresh perspective, you’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and practical takeaways you can implement right away.

3:00pm: CSR Written Test Strategies: What Worked & What Didn’t. Real Talk From Recent Test-Takers
With Natalie Ruben
Not sure where to begin studying for the California CSR English and Professional Practice exams? You’re definitely not alone. In this session, newly certified CSR Natalie Ruben will share what the prep process really looked like from sorting through endless study materials to figuring out what actually worked.
Natalie will talk about the resources that made the biggest impact, what to skip if starting over, and how motivation stayed strong when it got tough. You’ll also learn how Natalie found, or built, supportive study groups that provided accountability and encouragement. Whether you’re early in school or counting down to exam day, you’ll leave with practical tips and a clear plan to prepare with confidence.