RESTON, Va., June 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New Orleans, La., will host the largest gathering of court reporters, captioners, legal videographers, scopists, and other professionals from the legal and captioning professions, as well as vendors and exhibitors, during the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) 2018 Convention & Expo happening Aug. 2-5. NCRA is the country’s leading organization representing stenographic court reporters, captioners, and legal videographers.

More than 1,500 attendees are expected to experience NCRA’s flagship event that features dozens of educational sessions, specialty workshops, vendor presentations, networking opportunities, and the National Speed and Realtime contests — the industry’s most competitive tradition each year. This year’s attendance is on track to be the largest ever.

In addition to offering educational opportunities for professional growth and development led by top leaders in the industry, NCRA’s Convention & Expo also serves as the largest venue for businesses to showcase the latest in products and services ranging from top-of-the-line equipment like steno machines and computers, to cutting edge technology used to translate the spoken word to text in realtime, streamline business operations, and enhance productivity. The 2018 Convention & Expo also serves as the premier stage for NCRA’s numerous corporate partners to meet and network with Association members and other professionals from the legal arena.

“The NCRA Convention& Expo always delivers the best experience in education and networking opportunities for attendees and this year we anticipate an even greater turnout with the colorful and historic backdrop of New Orleans,” said NCRA Executive Director and CEO Marcia Ferranto.

“We are very excited to welcome all of our attendees to this year’s event, including our corporate partners who have signed on to NCRA’s new Corporate Partnership Program. These organizations have committed to helping NCRA move forward into the future to ensure that steno remains the standard in capturing the spoken word,” she added.

Highlights of this year’s event include keynote speaker Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré (U.S. Army, Ret.). Honoré, a 37-year veteran of active service, served as the commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, during which time he became known as the “Category 5 General” for his striking

leadership style in coordinating military relief efforts in post-hurricane New Orleans. Honoré will share his insights into effective leadership skills as well as share his military story for a special Veterans History Project for the Library of Congress.

The event will wrap-up with a Member Recognition Gala masquerade ball hosted by NCRA’s 2018-2019 President Sue A. Terry. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably or dress to impress for the gala which promises a wonderful night of dinner, dancing, drinks, and celebrating NCRA members and convention guests.

For a complete look at the program and to learn more about the speakers and presenters, register to attend, or book a room at the host hotel, the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, visit ncra.org/events. For sponsorship information, please contact Mary Petto, Senior Director of External Affairs, at mpetto@ncra.org.

For more information, visit NCRA.org. Career information about the court reporting profession—one of the leading career options that do not require a traditional four-year degree—can be found at NCRA.org.

About NCRA

The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) has been the internationally recognized for promoting excellence among those who capture and convert the spoken word to text for more than 100 years. NCRA is committed to supporting its more than 16,000 members in achieving the highest level of professional expertise with educational opportunities and industry-recognized court reporting, educator and videographer certification programs. NCRA impacts legislative issues and the global marketplace through its actively involved membership. Forbes has named court reporting as one of the best career options that do not require a traditional four-year degree and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the court reporting field is expected to grow by 14 percent through the year 2020. For more information, visit NCRA.org.