• Professionals, Firm Owners, Associates, Instructors and Students
• 1.6 CEUs (pending approval)
  

Friday, May 2:
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Registration Open /  8:30am to 5:00pm

9:15 - 10:15am / Concurrent Sessions (open to all groups)
(0.10 CEUs)
Conquer Your Day with PB&J (Postures-Breath-Joy)
Speaker: Terry Littlefield
Start your Friday morning with Terry (former court reporter and teacher) in this interactive and energizing one hour session.  Dive into powerful strategies for whole-body wellness, stress relief, and maximizing productivity---all designed to help you thrive in your daily life.  Kickstart your day with focus, move through your day with confidence, experience simple, yet powerful breathing practices to center your mind and create calm.  All this is infused with Terry's signature blend of heart, humor and expertise.  Don't miss this opportunity to move with intention, breathe with awareness, and spark some feelings of joy!

Level Up Your Court Reporting Game on Social Media
Speakers: Jack Janowicz, CSR and Desiree Cooks, CSR
Are you a court reporter who's camera-shy or overwhelmed by the idea of promoting yourself online?  Join Jack and Desiree, the experts in court reporting social media strategy, for an exciting seminar that's all about showing you how to shine on social media--no awkward videos or intimidating tech skills required!  Whether you're looking to boost your visibility, connect with fellow professionals, or simply share your expertise, we've got you covered.  By the end of the session, you'll have all the tools you need to create fun, authentic content that promotes YOU and your craft.  Reay to hit "record" and level up?  Let's do this!

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

 9:00 - 11:00am / Keynote Seminar (open to all groups)
(0.20 CEUs)
Pivot: When Life Hands you Lemons!
Speaker: Allison Hall, RDR, CRR, CRI, CSR
What to do when your life or your career throws a curveball?  This inspirational and motivational seminar will teach you how to pivot and make the best out of your situation; how to find opportunity in every situation, how to maintain a positive attitude, and how to adapt and improve your circumstances.  

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

11:30 to 1:30pm / Saturday Luncheon -  President’s Remarks and Awards
Meet the 2025-2026 Board of Directors, Distinguished Service Award presentation, Student Scholarship Award presentation, and more.

1:30 - 3:00pm / Concurrent Sessions(open to all groups)
(0.15 CEUs)
AI and the Legal Industry: What's Changed, What's Changing, and What's Next
Speaker: Michael Friedland, Friedland Cianfrani, LLP
This seminar will provide an introduction to recent developments in AI and its capabilities, and discuss the evolving role of AI in the legal industry.  We will address the use of AI by lawyers and supporting professionals in litigation, and the impact of new AI applications in diverse areas of the law; from patent, copyright, trademark and trade secrets to employment, entertainment, insurance and more.

A Day in the Life of Calendar: They Scheduled, I Assigned, They Confirmed.  But is it Ever That Easy?
Speakers: Darcy Sparrell, Gina Velasco, Jesse Rubio, Rosie Lagunas
Join this great panel of calendar managers from various SoCal agencies for a peek into the quick-paced, chaotic, sometimes comical, and always action-packed day of a court reporting calendar manager!  In this seminar, we will share stories of mishaps and mayhem along with some of the inner workings of how calendar managers keep things running on schedule.  By shedding light onto this less familiar but integral side of our fabulous industry, we hope to help court reporters gain a better understanding of what transpires leading up to their assignment and ultimately their appearance at a deposition.

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

 3:30 - 5:00 pm / Concurrent Sessions (open to all groups)
(0.15 CEUs)
CRB's Best Practices - A Tour of Updated Recommendations
Speakers: Mary Pierce, CSR and Cheryl Haab Scott, CSR, RDR, CRR, CCRR
Over the last year, the Court Reporters Board of California (CRB) has held multiple meetings of the Best Practices Pointers Task Force with the goal of updating the content of the current list of guideline documents, as well as developing new recommendations for CSRs licensed in California.  Join past CalDRA presidents Mary Pierce and Cheryl Haab Scott for a thorough examination of the entire list of Best Practice Pointers, including any that are new or significantly changed as a result of the Task Force's efforts, so that you can be aware of and avail yourself of the advice these valuable documents provide.

Seeing and Conquering the Perils of Stress and Vicarious Trauma: A Seminar for Court Reporters
Speakers: ilene Gonzalez, LMFT and Jodie Shurtleff, LMFT
Court reporters sit and listen to various cases, some of which include distressing content.  This seminar will provide insight into some key indicators of stress or potential trauma reactions, and ways to engage in self-care to mitigate the effects of stress and vicarious trauma.  We will guide you through understanding what vicarious trauma is, what types of experiences can cause stress or trauma reactions, how to recognize the signs you may be experiencing trauma or stress reactions, and self-care strategies for managing reactions and mitigating further negative impacts.

 5:00 - 6:00pm / 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, May 4:
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Registration Open /  7:30am
Continental Breakfast / 7:30 to 8:30am
Exhibitor Hall Open / 8:00am to 2:00pm

 8:30am - 10:00am / Concurrent Sessions (open to all groups)
(0.15 CEUs)
Voice Writing - "Verbatim Collaboratio"
Speaker: Victoria Pittman, BA, CVR-CM-M, RCP, RVR, FAPR, RR, CRI
Join your colleagues for an overview of how voice writing counterparts produce the verbatim record by using realtime technology and reporting skill.  Discover the technique, understand the certification qualifications, and discuss how working together in collaboration, machine writers and voice writers can continue to serve the judicial system by providing the highest quality transcripts by implementing cutting-edge tools, realtime technology, and ethical behaviors.

Be Who You Are and Do it on Purpose: Driving Professional Growth through Focus and Passion
Speaker: Lindsay Stoker, CSR, RDR, RMR, CRR, CRC
Lindsay invites you to embrace Dolly Parton's message:  "Find out who you are and do it on purpose" as a catalyst for professional growth,  This journey involves setting clear objectives, investing in new technologies and training, and reframing challenges as opportunities to refine skills.  "Doing it on purpose" means not only raising individual standards but also lifting up students and colleagues through mentorship and collaboration.  Attendees will leave with concrete strategies to nurture their talents, expand their capabilities, and shape a professional identity that resonates at every stage of their reporting journey. 

Level Up Your Steno and Voice Writing Skills by Harnessing the Power of AI with EV 360 Ultimate
Speaker:  Jeff Moody, EV360 Educational Solutions
In the rapidly advancing digital world, staying ahead of the competition is crucial for professionals in all industries.  When it comes to court reporting, the need for custom speed building resources can make all the difference in being a successful student and working professional.  To address this need, EV360 Educational Solutions proudly presents 'Create 360', a groundbreaking software program that utilizes the latest technologies to create new court reporting speed building practice resources.  Start your journey now and embrace the future of speed building practice with Create 360!.

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

10:30 - 12:00pm / Concurrent Sessions 
(0.15 CEUs)
Phrase Hard, Write Short! (open to all groups)
Speaker:  Allison Hall, RDR, CRR, CSR
Phrasing is the key to short writing.  This session will teach you a system of phrasing that is easy to understand, possible to implement, and will leave you writing much shorter, with an overall cleaner file come editing time.

You Got that Hearing in Court - Now WHAT? (open to all groups)
Speaker:  Diana Van Dyke, CSR
You've been wanting to take some work in court, but you aren't sure what to do once you get there?  Maybe you're just curious about what to expect when you work as an official pro tem court reporter.  Join me as I de-mystify the courtroom and our important role therein.  In this session, I will share my court reporter origin story and more importantly, what to do and what NOT to do when you cover that job in the courtroom.  Also, what is the "well" and why you absolutely, positively MUST know!

 "Mock" California CSR Exam / (open to CR students only, no CEUs)
Speaker: Heatherlynn Gonzalez
Nervous about the CSR exam?  Wonder how it all works?  This presentation will give you a chance to remove the mystery, ask questions, and learn some helpful hints to make the state exam less intimidating.  The "mock" exam will follow the presentation.

12:00 to 1:00pm  / LUNCH ON YOUR OWN

1:00pm - 2:00pm / Concurrent Sessions (open to all groups)
(0.10 CEUs)
"Fiat justitia, ruat caelum, Let justice be done, though the heavens fall"
Speakers:  Debbie Dibble, FAPR, RDR, CRR, CRC, CSR/CCR, and Mary Pierce, CSR
Jeopardizing Justice will lead attendees in an informational discussion designed to educate reporters on how to advocate for our profession when engaging with the Bench, Bar, and legal professionals.  This seminar will share facts and talking points that will prepare you to speak intelligently about the risks and liabilities of Automated Speech Recognition (ASR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in legal proceedings, including concerns over accuracy, confidentiality, and the potential impacts on the rights of the public and their access to justice.

 2:30pm - 4:00pm / 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:   $325.00
CLICK HERE to Register

Doors Open/Check-in:  2:30pm
Setup and warm up:     2:30-3:00pm
Doors Close:                 3:00pm
Test Begins:                  3:15pm

Hotel Information

Ventura Beach Marriott Hotel

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

Room Rate: Discounted Room rate is $219.00

Cutoff Date:  April 7, 2025
Parking:  Self-parking 

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.

Group rate available until April 7, 2025   
Here is a direct link to make your hotel reservations:     Book your group rate for Deposition Reporters Association

You may also call the hotel directly and ask for the "2025 Deposition Reporters Association" room rate.

Hotel 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 (DRA Professional & 1st Year CSR members)
Only available through March 3, 2025
Regular Rate (Professionals, Associates, Firm Owners, Students & Instructors)
Available through April 27, 2025
On-site Rates
Starting on April 28, 2025

Professionals

CalDRA Member Pricing:
$499.00 Early Bird Rate (cut-off date is 3/3/2025)
$579.00 Regular Rate
$649.00 On-Site Rate (begins 4/28)
One Day Rates:  Friday-$329,00, Saturday-$339.00 / Sunday $289.00 

Nonmember Pricing:
$689.00 Regular Rate
$759.00 On-Site Rate (begins 4/28)
One Day Rates: / Friday-$429.00, Saturday-439.00, Sunday-$389.00

Firm Owners 

CalDRA Member Price:
$579.00 Regular Rate
$649.00 On-site Rate (begins 4/28)
Firm Owner plus 1 employee* - $929
Firm Owner plus 2 employees* - $1259 

Nonmember Price: $689.00 Regular Rate / $759.00 On-Site Rate (begins 4/28)
Firm Owner plus 1 employee* - $1039.00
Firm Owner plus 2 employees* - $1369.00
*Must be a current employee of registered firm owner

Students & Instructors

CalDRA Member Price:
$339.00.00 Regular Rate
$379 On-site Rate (begins 4/28)
Nonmember Price:
$379 Regular
$429 On-site Rate (begins (4/28)

Additional Options:
Extra Ticket / Friday Night Cocktail Party - $119.00
Extra Ticket / Saturday Luncheon - $99.00
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 30, 2025 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.