Program Details

Voices of the Exonerated: A Conversation with the Innocence Project
Presented by: Liz Ramirez

The session will feature an exoneree and a staff member from The Innocence Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals and advocating for criminal justice reform.

During this session, the exoneree will share their personal story of wrongful conviction, including the circumstances surrounding their arrest, trial, and eventual exoneration. They will discuss the impact the wrongful conviction had on their life and how they have coped with the aftermath of their exoneration. Attendees will also learn about the work of The Innocence Project and how the organization supports exonerees in their transition back to society.

The staff member from The Innocence Project will provide an overview of the organization's mission and goals, including the various initiatives and campaigns they are currently underway. They will describe their efforts to reform the criminal justice system and promote the use of DNA evidence in criminal cases. They will explain the challenges faced by exonerees as they attempt to rebuild their lives, including issues related to housing, employment, and mental health.

Remote Online Notary - Updates and Differences Among States
Presented by: Jacqueline Phillipps

As remote online notarization becomes more prevalent, it is important for legal professionals to understand state-specific requirements and procedures involved in remote swearing in of witnesses. During this session, attendees will learn about the benefits of remote online notarization, such as increased efficiency and accessibility, and how these benefits can be applied specifically to administering oaths to witnesses remotely. Jacqueline A. Phillips, an expert on Remote Online Notarization, will provide an overview of the legal and ethical considerations surrounding remote swearing in, and will discuss the specific procedures and requirements that must be followed in order to ensure a valid and legally binding oath.

Whether you are a notary public, legal professional, or simply interested in learning more about remote online notarization, this is a session you won’t want to miss.

My Realtime Coach: An Overview of AAERT’s Certification Testing Platform
Presented by: Marybeth Everhart

The session is a must-attend event for members of AAERT who are pursuing certification in court reporting and transcription. My Realtime Coach is a comprehensive platform that allows AAERT members to take certification tests for the CET, CER, and CDR designations.

During this session, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the features and functionalities of My Realtime Coach. The speaker will provide a step-by-step overview of how to access and use the platform, including registration, payment of fees, and scheduling test dates. Attendees will also learn about the different testing options and the tools and resources available to help prepare for the certification exams.

The session will also cover the benefits of achieving AAERT certification, including increased earning potential and professional recognition. The speaker will discuss the various continuing education opportunities available to AAERT members and how these can be used to maintain certification.

The Missouri Court System
Presented by: Teresa Loethen

During this session, attendees will learn about the different types of court proceedings that are recorded and the standards and regulations that govern the recording process.

The speaker will provide an overview of Missouri's court system, including its structure and organization, and the roles and responsibilities of various court personnel. The speaker will then delve into the details of the digital audio recording process, covering topics such as the platform and equipment used, the location and placement of devices, and the protocols for capturing and storing digital audio recordings.

Whether you are a court reporter, legal professional, or simply interested in learning more about Missouri's court system, this session promises to be an informative and enlightening experience.

Best Practices for Transcribers
Presented by: Margaret Morgan, Mary Henry, Aimee Robinson, Gillian Lawrence

This panel discussion will bring together experts in the field to discuss the latest techniques, tools, and standards for accurately transcribing audio and video recordings. The panelists will share their insights and experiences, providing attendees with valuable tips and tricks for improving transcription quality, efficiency, and consistency.

Topics covered during the panel may include the importance of choosing the right transcription software and hardware, techniques for handling difficult audio or video files, best practices for editing and proofreading transcriptions, and strategies for ensuring accuracy and consistency across multiple transcribers or projects.

The panelists may also explore the latest trends and emerging technologies in the transcription industry, such as editing transcripts created by utilizing automated speech recognition. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share their own experiences, and network with other transcription professionals.

Best Practices for Certified Digital Reporter
Presented by: Merritt Gilbert, Sandra Wilson, Marybeth Burke

The session “Achieving Excellence: Best Practices for the AAERT CDR Designation” will feature Merritt Gilbert, Sandi Wilson, and Marybeth Burke, seasoned court reporters and expert in the field of court reporting and transcription. During this session, they will provide an overview of the Certified Digital Reporter (CDR) designation offered by AAERT and share their insights on best practices for achieving this esteemed certification.

Merritt, Sandi, and Marybeth will discuss the various components of the CDR exam and will provide tips to prepare for the exam, including study strategies and techniques for managing test anxiety.

Throughout the session, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions with the presenters and fellow attendees. Their wealth of knowledge and experience in the field will provide valuable insights and guidance for all attendees.

Best Face Forward - In Person and Remote
Presented by: Patricia Falls

Join Patricia Falls as she discusses how digital court reporters can present themselves in the most professional manner, both in person and remotely, This is a must-attend event for court reporters looking to enhance their skills and expand their professional opportunities. In today's digital age, court reporters are increasingly called upon to work in both traditional courtroom settings and virtual environments. This session will provide valuable insights and strategies for succeeding in both arenas.

Patricia will discuss key considerations for presenting oneself professionally, including attire, demeanor, and communication style when working in person or through video conferencing platforms. She will also explore best practices for managing the technical aspects of remote court reporting, such as ensuring clear audio and video quality and navigating the challenges of working in a virtual environment.

Attendees will gain practical tips for building and maintaining positive working relationships with legal professionals, including judges, attorneys, and clients, both in person and virtually. This session is ideal for the seasoned digital court reporter and those new to the field who wish to enhance their professional presentation skills in both in-person and remote settings. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to put your best face forward.

Vendor Introductions

In this informative session, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest and most innovative products and technologies in our industry. The session will feature a variety of vendors who will showcase their products, including software solutions, hardware, and other tools designed to improve efficiency, accuracy, and productivity.

Each vendor will provide an overview of their product or service, highlighting its unique features and benefits for court reporters and transcription professionals.

With this overview and the additional time in the schedule to spend with the vendors, attendees will gain a better understanding of the tools and solutions available, as well as strategies for incorporating these products into their workflow to achieve greater efficiency and productivity.

AAERT and Advocacy: Legislating our Future
Presented by: Kathy DiLorenzo, Mike McDonner and Rick Russell

In this thought-provoking session, attendees will hear from a panel of industry leaders in the digital court reporting field as they discuss the impact of legislation on the industry. The panelists will provide an overview of recent legislative developments that affect court reporting and transcription professionals, including changes to privacy laws, cybersecurity regulations, and other relevant legislation.

The panelists will provide insight on best practices for staying informed about legislative developments and complying with relevant regulations. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions with the panelists and ask questions about how legislative changes might affect their work, and learn about how they can make a significant impact in changing legislation in favor of digital court reporters by contacting their elected representatives. By communicating with politicians, AAERT members can help shape policies that promote the growth and recognition of digital court reporting as a vital component of the legal system.

Bring your Laptop: Learn Styles and Macros
Presented by: Matthew Smith

The session is a hands-on learning experience designed to help attendees boost their productivity and efficiency when creating transcripts. This will be a working session. Attendees are encouraged to bring their laptop so they can work alongside the experienced speaker who will guide them through the process of creating customized templates and macros for their transcription work.

The session will begin with an overview of the benefits of using templates and macros, including saving time, reducing errors, and ensuring consistency. The speaker will then provide step-by-step instructions for creating templates and macros in Word, including how to customize their templates with features such as headers and footers, page numbering, and formatting styles.

The speaker will demonstrate how to create and customize macros for frequently used phrases, such as names of people or commonly used legal terms. Macros are a powerful tool for speeding up the transcription process, and attendees will learn how to record and edit macros to meet their specific needs.

Throughout the session, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, troubleshoot any issues they encounter, and receive personalized guidance from the speaker. By the end of the session, attendees will have a solid understanding of how to create templates and macros to streamline their transcription work and boost their productivity.

How Remote is Remote? Working on the Road
Presented by: Dena Farbman & Shea Page

Dena Farbman and Shea Page will share their insights and experiences about the benefits and challenges of working and living a nomadic lifestyle. In this session, they will discuss the freedom and flexibility that comes with remote work, as well as the opportunities for personal growth and discovery. They will also address the practical aspects of working while traveling, such as finding reliable Wi-Fi, managing time zones, and maintaining work-life balance.

Dena and Shea will talk about the challenges of working on the road, including the need for self-discipline, staying motivated, and dealing with isolation. They will offer tips and strategies for overcoming these obstacles and making the most of the remote work lifestyle.

Whether you are a seasoned remote worker or just getting started, this session will provide valuable insights and inspiration for those who are interested in the nomadic work lifestyle. Come ready to learn, share, and connect with others who are passionate about remote work and travel.