• Professionals, Firm Owners, Associates, Instructors and Students
• 1.45 CEUs approved
  

Friday, April 24:
======================================================================================

Registration Open /  9:00am to 5:00pm

10:30 - 11:30am 
(0.10 CEUs)
Same Skill, Different Impact: When Realtime Becomes Access / (open to all groups)
Speaker: Regina DeMoville, CSR, CRC, CCG
If you've ever thought, "Captioning isn't for me", this session is for you.  Attendees will learn that as a real-time deposition reporter, you already possess the core skills that make real-time captioning possible.  This seminar will clarify common misconceptions about captioning, highlight key differences/commonalities between deposition and captioning work, and explain why captioning is a vital accessibility service for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.  By the end of the session, attendees will have a clearer understanding of captioning's purpose, value, and relationship to the reporting skills you already use in the deposition world.

Registration Open / 8:00am 
Continental Breakfast / 8:00 to 9:00am
Exhibitor Hall Open  / 8:00am to 6:30pm

 9:00 - 11:00am / Keynote Seminar (open to all groups)
(0.20 CEUs)
Winning the Big Ones!: Reinvention and Dedication to your Chosen Career Path
Speaker: Matt Murphy
Matt Murphy is a legal analyst for ABC News and an attorney in private practice in Southern California.  He spent 21 years assigned to the sexual assault and homicide units where he prosecuted some of the most notorious murder cases in the state of California.  In this seminar, Matt will reveal how he leveraged his skills and experience to launch a top-ranked podcast, produce a Hulu documentary, and write a book, demonstrating how anyone can transform their career and expertise into something extraordinary.  

11:00 - 11:30am / Morning Break, Vendor Hall open

11:30 to 1:30pm / Saturday Luncheon -  President’s Remarks and Awards
Meet the 2026-2027 Board of Directors, Distinguished Service Award presentation, Student Scholarship Award presentation, and more.

1:30 - 3:00pm / Concurrent Sessions
(0.15 CEUs)
Glow Up Your Realtime
Speakers: Jennifer Porto, CSR and Cheryl Haab Scott, CSR, RDR, CRR, CCRR
In California's fast-paced litigation climate, there are endless opportunities for the freelance reporter to increase their income potential.  But one thing is certain-- there is no better way to add to your bottom line than to deliver flawless realtime to your clients!  In this seminar, experienced realtime reporters Jennifer and Cheryl, will walk new and veteran reporters through tips and tricks for not only starting your realtime journey, but for ever-improving it to make the cllient's experience as seamless and error-free as possible.  Shorten your prep time, increase your translate percentage, learn about new tools and tech on the market that can streamline your prep and editing, all while maximizing your income potential.  Join us for an informative seminar and learn how you, too, can glow up your realtime!

Mastering Professional Etiquette: Essential Skills for Students and New Licensees
Speaker: Desiree Cooks, CSR
This seminar is designed for court reporting students and newly licensed professionals seeking to establish a strong and sustainable foundation in the field.  The program focuses on the essential competencies required of effective court reporters, including accuracy, ethical responsibility, professional demeanor, and adaptability in legal settings, and the importance of "dress to impress."  You will learn how to transition from academic training to professional practice, with emphasis on managing expectations, maintaining composure under pressure, and understanding deposition and courtroom protocols. In additon to reinforcing foundational skills, this seminar addresses strategies for professional growth, self-advocacy, and development that distinguish reporters early in their careers.

3:00 - 3:30pm / Afternoon Break, Vendor Hall open

3:30 - 5:30pm / (open to all groups)
(0.20 CEUs)
Legislative Updates: the State of the Law in 2026
Speakers: Ed Howard, Mary Pierce, and Yvonne Fenner
Moderator:  Cindy Vega 
Join us for a discussion with DRA's lobbyist, Ed Howard, DRA's Legislative Chair, Mary Pierce, and Executive Officer of the Court Reporters Board of California, Yvonne Fenner. The discussion will provide an insider's view of court reporting legislation in California, including developments relating to digitals, firm oversight and title protection enforcement, as well as what is on the horizon for our profession this year.  Ed will also lead the always lively discussion, "There Oughta Be A Law," where members identify and propose laws or other protections that they would like to see enacted as part of our advocacy agenda. 
 

5:30 - 6:30pm / Exhibitor-Vendor Reception
Meet us in the Exhibitor Room for a toast to the Vendors!  Browse through the many products and services the Vendors
are showcasing for you, from steno products to self-care to must-have items!

Sunday, April 26:
=====================================================================================

Registration Open / 8:00am
Continental Breakfast / 8:00 to 9:00am
Exhibitor Hall Open / 8:00am to 2:00pm

8:30am - 10:00am / Concurrent Sessions
(0.15 CEUs)
Code Glow-Up: A High Voltage Kahoot! Challenge
Speaker: Jean Kim, CSR
Join us for a 90-minute game-show style session where your competitive spirit meets professional development!  This high energy Kahoot! session will illuminate the California Civil Procedure and Business & Professions codes that power your daily grind.  Compete against fellow reporters, light up the leaderboard and watch your professional confidence glow brighter with every question.  Plus, discover CalDRA's brand new 2025 Ask DRA Code Book, your neon bright reference resource that keeps you radiant in the field.

 Mock California CSR Exam Workshop / (Students only)
Speaker: Yolanda Krieger, CSR, CVR
Are you feeling anxious about the California CSR exam?  You're not alone!  In this session, Yolanda will guide you through what to expect on exam day, how the process works, and strategies that will help you feel prepared and confident.  This is your chance to ask questions, get insider insight, and replace uncertainty with clarity.  Let's remove the fear, build your confidence. and set you up for success.  The Mock exam will follow the presentation.  

10:00 - 10:30am / Morning Break, Vendor Hall open

10:30 - 11:30am / Concurrent Sessions
(0.10 CEUs)
What Every Reporter Should Know About Investing and Building Wealth (open to all groups)
Speaker:  Anika Wilson, Financial Advisor
Designed specifically for court reporters, this discussionn delivers practical steps to financial success, highlights the value and power of investing, and outlines the key building blocks of an effective financial plan.  Anika is a financial advisor at Spinnaker Investment Group, and provides personalized financial plans and investment management to individuals, families, and businesses.

NCRF Career Launcher (open to all groups)
Speaker:  Debra A. Dibble, FAPR, RDR, CRR, CRC
The NCRF Career Launcher is an exciting new program that serves as a crash course for court reporting students and new professionals.  Whether you're starting your court reporting journey or a seasoned reporter, this session will give you real-world insights on the deposition protocol and procedures, as well as, launch your career off the starting pad.

 
11:45pm - 1:15pm / Concurrent Sessions (open to all groups)
(0.15 CEUs)
Rise to the Top: What Sets Court Reporters Apart from a Firm Owner's Perspective
Speakers:  Jonnell Agnew(Jonnell Agnew & Associates), Todd Combs(Combs Reporting Inc.), Megan Winters (Barrett Reporting Inc.)
Join a panel of court reporting firms to explore how we can collaborate more effectively to deliver the gold standard to our clients. Discover what agencies prioritize in a reporter to ensure a seamless experience--things like clear communication, reliability, and top-notch transcripts. Come prepared to share your ideas for mutual improvement, for both agencies and reporters, and learn how to position yourself as a freelancer to become your favorite agency's top choice!

The Transition to Working Professional: An Abbreviated DRA GAP Seminar
Speaker:  Molly Cooper, CSR, RPR, CVR-S 
From formatting a transcript to preparing an invoice to interrupting on the record with grace, this seminar is designed to prepare you to begin working as a professional court reporter.  Molly will walk you through important initial steps of starting your career, and  offer valuable information aligned with best practices.  This seminar will also give you a preview of all that DRA's one-day remote GAP Training session has to offer.  Come and learn what you didn't know you didn't know!

 2:00pm - 3:30pm / California Certificate in Realtime Reporting (CCRR) Exam
Separate Registration required / must be a licensed CSR / please register in advance
DRA member price: $175.00
Nonmember price:   $335.00
CLICK HERE to Register

Doors Open/Check-in:  2:00pm
Setup and warm up:     2:00-2:30pm
Doors Close:                 2:30pm
Test Begins:                  2:45pm

Hotel Information

Ventura Beach Marriott Hotel

Ventura Beach Marriott
2055 Harbor Boulevard
Ventura, CA  93001
805-643-6000

Parking:  Overnight Self-Parking is $10.00
Daily Self-Parking is $8.00

THE DRA ROOM BLOCK NOW AVAILABLE, BUT MAY SELL OUT!

Resort Highlights:
Step into the sunlit lobby of this newly renovated Marriott hotel that is only two blocks from the ocean and sits near Highway 101 on a
10-mile stretch of the sparkling Pacific Coast between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.  Embrace our small-town oasis with seaside hiking, local wineries, and trendy eateries.  The grand mezzanine is the perfect space to connect over cocktails after a productive day.  Dine on local seafood and sip craft beers, or keep up with your daily workout at the 24-hour fitness center and heated outdoor pool.  The
rooms are spacious with large desks, flat-screen TVs, and plush bedding. On site restaurant is, The Channel Kitchen & Bar. 
Nearby restaurants include:  Social Tap, Beach House Fish, Aloha Steakhouse, Cafe Fiore, Casa De Soria, Rumfish y Vino, Cafe Zack, O-Sabi, and Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood.

 Amenities and Features:

• Outdoor Pool & Spa
• On-site Restaurant/Bar
• Coffee Bar
• 24/7 Business Center
• 24/7 Room Service
• 24/7 Fitness Center
• Discounted price for parking 

Resources for more Information

 Area Travel Information

Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) / 37.0 miles ( approx. 40 minutes)
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) / 60.0 miles (approx.1 hour)
LAX Airport (LAX) / 70.0 miles (approx. 2 hours)
(Airport shuttle services are available from the above airports- Reservations required)
 - Smart Shuttle Service / 805-482-0202 (express service is available)
 - Roadrunner Shuttle / 805-389-8196
 - Ventura County Airporter Shuttle / 805-650-6600
 

Convention Pricing:

Early Bird Rate / $499.00
(this rate ends March 13, 2026)

Regular Rate (Professionals, Associates, Firm Owners, Students & Instructors)
Available through April 19, 2026
On-site Rates
Starting on April 20 , 2026

Professionals

CalDRA Member Pricing:
$589.00 Regular Rate 
$659.00 On-Site Rate (begins 4/20)
One Day Rates:  Friday-$329.00, Saturday-$369.00 / Sunday $289.00 

Nonmember Pricing:
$729.00 Regular Rate 
$799.00 On-Site Rate (begins 4/20)
One Day Rates: / Friday-$429.00, Saturday-469.00, Sunday-$389.00

Firm Owners 

CalDRA Member Price:
$589.00 Regular Rate
$659.00 On-site Rate (begins 4/20)
Firm Owner plus 1 employee* - $949.00
Firm Owner plus 2 employees* - $1299.00

Nonmember Price: $729.00 Regular Rate / $799.00 On-Site Rate (begins 4/20)
Firm Owner plus 1 employee* - $1089.00
Firm Owner plus 2 employees* - $1449.00
*Must be a current employee of registered firm owner

Students & Instructors

CalDRA Member Price:
$339.00.00 Regular Rate 
$389 On-site Rate (begins 4/20)
Nonmember Price: 
$379 Regular Rate 
$429 On-site Rate (begins (4/20)

Additional Options:
Extra Ticket / Friday Night Cocktail Party - $119.00
Extra Ticket / Saturday Luncheon - $119.00
Convention Guest Pass - $319.00 / (includes Friday Night Cocktail Party, Saturday Luncheon, and Exhibitor Hall access)

Become a Member / Renew Your Membership
Professional Level (CSR) – $165.00
Professional Level (First-Year CSR) – $30
Associate Level (Officials, out of state, and non-CSR) – $165.00
Instructor Level – $50
Student Level – $30

Sponsor A Student:
Student Full Convention: Member – $339.00
Student Full Convention: Nonmember - $379.00

Full Registration Fee includes: All seminars, exhibit hall, Friday Night Cocktail Party, Saturday Luncheon, continental breakfast, refreshment breaks in the exhibitor room, and all handout materials. Cancellations/refund requests must be received in writing (email accepted) no later than 4:00 pm on March 23, 2026 to qualify for a refund. There will be a $25 administrative fee for all refunds. CalDRA reserves the right to substitute speakers and seminars due to unforeseen and/or unavoidable circumstances. CalDRA and its sponsors claim no liability for the acts of any suppliers to this event nor for the safety of any attendees while at or in transit to or from this event.