Information for Tomorrow: Priceless
ACRA Annual Convention
September 21 & 22, 2019
Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West
Member Fees save you $150. Join now!
"Information for Tomorrow: Priceless"
Saturday, September 21, 2019
8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
COURSE: Watson Today, Quantum Computing Tomorrow. Can Stenotype Reporting Survive The Advance In Computing?
PRESENTER: Jim DeCrescenzo, RDR, CRR, FAPR – President Project Steno
CREDIT HOURS: 1.5 (.15 CEUs)
DESCRIPTION: The session addresses the incredible advances in computing power and the threat it presents to stenotype reporters. From the advent of the tape recorder, stenographic reporters have constantly faced threats from different advancing technologies. IBM's Watson is today focusing on Speech to Text. With billions of research dollars pouring in, quantum computing is the next major advance being worked on by Microsoft, Google, IBM, and others. In the face of these threats, will there still be a place for us? This seminar will give you the facts you need to know on this critical question.
10:30 AM to 12:00 NOON
COURSE: Trends in Court Reporting
PRESENTER: Nancy Varallo, RPR, CSR, CR, FAPR, Project Steno Board Member
CREDIT HOURS: 1.5 (.15 CEUs)
DESCRIPTION: Maybe Scarlett O’Hara had a point when she said, “Oh, I just can’t think about that today. I’ll just go crazy if I do. I’ll think about it tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day.” But don’t bet on it. There’s always change afoot in our marketplace and we need to keep pace today! How better to stay abreast of market trends than mingling with Project Steno’s leaders as they discuss with us the changes and trends impacting today’s court reporting professionals.
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
COURSE: Realtime Tips and Tricks to Make your Workday Easier
PRESENTER: Ed Varallo, Project Steno Board Member
CREDIT HOURS: 1.5 (.15 CEUs)
DESCRIPTION: Our fast-paced court reporting world demands that we write smarter. Ed Varallo, six-time NCRA speed contest champion, will outline his systematic approach to writing shorthand which is designed to require less physical effort, produce better realtime output, and thus reduce editing/scoping time. Ed will share his tips and techniques that will set you on the path to unleash the Realtime Superstar inside you! It’s easier than you might think!
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
COURSE: A “Tour” of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Crime Lab
PRESENTER: Scott Rex, Crime Laboratory Manager/Outreach Coordinator, Arizona Department of Public Safety
CREDIT HOURS: 1.5 (.15 CEUs)
DESCRIPTION: Forensic science has been a hot topic since the debut of the CSI series in the late 1990s, but what actually goes on behind the walls of the lab? In this presentation, you’ll take a look inside what the AZDPS Crime Lab does, how it compares to CSI, and how the lab is changing to evolve and meet the needs of law enforcement using new techniques and technologies.
Sunday, September 22, 2019
8:00 AM to 9:30 AM
COURSE: ID Theft/Fraud Prevention
PRESENTER: Sergeant Dale Hoobler and Officer Ryan Cook
CREDIT HOURS: 1.5 (.15 CEUs)
DESCRIPTION: The Tempe Police Department will present us with information on identity theft, embezzlement, forgery, fraudulent schemes and scams. The presentation will cover investigations, working with victims, charging for prosecution, relevant data, resources, and prevention information.
9:45 AM to 11:15 AM
COURSE: AZ DPS Canine Training Unit
PRESENTER: Sergeant Brian Greene, Canine Training Coordinator, Arizona Department of Public Safety
CREDIT HOURS: 1.5 (.15 CEUs)
DESCRIPTION: Learn what goes on with the AZ DPS canine program and how these special dogs aid in patrol, bombs, SWAT, narcotics, and Arizona’s Gang & Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission. Sergeant Greene will talk about how he represents the Department in all cases, both civilly and criminally.
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
COURSE: Town Hall
MODERATOR: Kate Roundy, RPR, ACRA President
CREDIT HOURS: 1 (.1 CEUs)
DESCRIPTION: Join your Board for discussion regarding changes in statute, legislation, and local rules affecting all Arizona Certified Reporters; update on the Arizona Supreme Court Task Force to Supplement Keeping of the Record by Electronic Means. We welcome your discussion!
The Venue:
The beautiful Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West, Mesa, Arizona, is the site for our 2019 Annual Convention. For room reservations at our $119.00 ACRA rate Click here or call (480) 664-1221. Cut-off date for the ACRA rate is August 25. For more information about the resort, click here.
The Fun:
There will be games, raffles, and socializing. Two continental breakfasts, breaks, and lunch will be provided.
Students:
Court reporting students are welcome to attend this event without charge. By registering, students commit to attend all or a portion of the seminars. When registering, use the code "STUDENT" to access the form.
If you would like to contribute to the Student Attendance Fund to defray the cost of these lunches, click here and thank you!
Event Sponsorships:
ACRA depends on the financial support of our sponsors to be able to provide quality programming for our events. Please consider being a sponsor. Whether big or small, it is all appreciated.
Want to see the several ways you can sponsor this event? click here
Prize and Raffle Donations:
Our raffles provide us with a lot of fun at our events, and they also help to offset some of our expenses so we can provide excellent programs. We would love to know ahead of time what raffle items or cash you can contribute.
Want to donate a cash prize or a raffle item? click here
Exhibitors & Vendors:
From keeping up with advancements in technology all the way to finding that perfect piece of jewelry, our exhibitors and vendors provide us with a wonderful array of goods.
To register as an Exhibitor or Vendor, click here.
Printable Registration Form:
Click here to download a printable form that you can mail in.
Registrations after Sunday, September 15 will include a $30 late fee. Register early!
