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The Deposition Reporters Association of California invites you to the 18th Annual Convention, to be held on FEBRUARY 21 – 23, 2014 at the Westin Mission Hills Resort in PALM SPRINGS, California. Join industry experts for anexciting weekend of up to 1.85 CEUs, 16 PROFESSIONAL SEMINARS, plus CAT
TRAINING, 6 FIRM OWNER SEMINARS, 4 STUDENT SEMINARS, 2 MOCK CSRs, and the first-ever CALIFORNIA REALTIME
COMPETITION. Enjoy 3 DAYS of training, socializing, and fun! But hurry – reserve your spot today at CALDRA.ORG/2014
18th Annual Convention • F E B R U A R Y 2 1 - 2 3 , 2 0 1 4D E P O S I T I O N R E P O R T E R S A S S O C I A T I O N O F C A L I F O R N I A
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ALSO INCLUDES ACCESS TO EVENTS FOR PROFESSIONALS
STUDENTS * ORANGEONLY INCLUDES ACCESS TO
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Join us in 2014
Professionals Track
Deposition Reporters Association of California’s annual convention is back with an exciting
lineup! Plus, be sure to visit our expanded Exhibitor Hall to check out all the latest gadgets,
software, and services by the companies that partner with our profession.
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Registration Open 7:30 AM
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Exhibitor Hall Open 7:30 AM
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California Realtime Competition 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
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Making the Record: Interpreted and Video Depositions9:00 AM - 10:30 AM * ANGIE BIRCHFIELD
Interpreted and video depositions pose unique logistical and professional
challenges for reporters. Is it really imperative that we listen to every word of the audio? How
important are timestamps? What are you supposed to do when an interpreter translates in
the third person? Or simultaneously? How do you format a transcript when there is a check
interpreter? Meet our panel of experienced freelancers and interpreters to get answers to these
maddening questions and many more.
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Train Your Brain to Brief on the Fly!10:30 AM – 12:00 PM * KIMI GEORGE
All stenographic court reporters want to write faster and more accurately, but in
order to do that, you may need to change the way you approach your writing. By creating new
briefs “on the fly,” you can continuously improve your writing and become a more accurate,
faster reporter. Join Kimi George for an interactive discussion on how to come up with briefs
quickly and what makes some reporters better at this than others. Learn how to enhance and
leverage the creative side of your brain to come up with effective briefs quickly and ensure that
they stick in your memory.
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Exhibitor Break – Lunch On Your Own 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
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To Quote or Not to Quote1:30 PM – 3:00 PM * MARGIE WAKEMAN-WELLS
Do I use quote marks there? Do I go ahead and put in the bad punctuation from
the original? Does the question mark go inside or outside the quotes? What if I don’t have the
document he is supposedly reading from? Are quotes better than hyphens? Margie Wakeman-
Wells will cover the mundane and the bizarre and settle some of these issues once and for all.
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Let Me Hear Your Body Talk1:30 PM – 3:00 PM * DAVE WENHOLD
Learn what every body is saying to you and how to utilize those subtle signals
to judge any situation. Whether it is in the elevator, the office, a courtroom, or a boardroom,
understanding the unconscious signals that someone’s body is sending out will allow you to
better read that person. This fun and interactive seminar will show you how to make an impact
with others through nonverbal communication. Studies show that 93% of communication
effectiveness is based upon nonverbal cues. So what is your body telling others?
Multiple tracks to serve you
Register online today at caldra.org/2014 !
Early Bird Pricing available.Learn more on page 13.
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Bonus Workshop: Los Angeles Superior Court Appeals Process1:30 PM – 6:00 PM * TIM MCCOY
Ever since the mass layoffs of court reporters from the Los Angeles court system, freelancers
and firms have been tangled in the morass of complicated rules that govern appeals. DRA
Founding Member Tim McCoy served in Los Angeles Superior Court for 16 years before being
laid off from his official position in 2012. Go in-depth and learn step by step everything you
need to know about assembling and processing an appeals transcript.
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Ask DRA!3:00 PM – 4:30 PM * ANTONIA PULONE & YVONNE FENNER
Got questions? Ask DRA! Always a perennial convention favorite, don’t miss your
chance to ask all those nagging questions about Federal Rule 30, the new seven-hour rule,
and the ethical dilemmas that have been cluttering your conscience for the last year. Antonia
Pulone and Yvonne Fenner team up to arm you with all the information you need to make sound
and ethical decisions.
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Lost in Translation3:00 PM – 4:30 PM * ANGIE BIRCHFIELD
Most reporting firms don’t give much thought to hiring an interpreter. But choosing
a competent interpreter involves more than just picking up the phone and calling an agency.
Learn about certification, billing, issues facing the interpreting community, and the vital role
court reporters and firms play in the process. Angie Birchfield is a court-certified Spanish
interpreter and legislative liaison for the California Federation of Interpreters.
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CAT Training3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Stenograph, Eclipse, ProCAT, StenoCAT, DigitalCAT
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Afternoon Break with Exhibitors 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
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CSR Signatures in the Digital Age5:00 PM – 6:00 PM * CANDIS BRADSHAW
To the average reporter, digital signatures make absolutely no sense and seem
entirely too complicated. This seminar will break digital and electronic signatures into easy-
to-understand terms. Learn the difference between digital and electronic signatures, what a
digital signature can and can’t do, how to obtain a digital signature in conjunction with various
software programs, and why a digitally signed electronic transcript can be beneficial to clients
and reporters alike.
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Bonus Session: Steno Technology Update5:00 PM – 6:00 PM * JASON PARDIKES
Jason Pardikes, President of the Neutrino Group and inventor of the Infinity and
Revolution family of writers, presents an overview of machine technologies, how they work and
why it should matter to you. Jason will cover every new machine out on the market: Infinity,
Diamante, the Passport, and Impression. While it may seem a bit complicated at first, Jason
will fluidly help you put it all into perspective so you will have the tools you need to make an
educated choice when investing in a new machine.
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Opening Reception 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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DRA Fun Run 6:30 AM
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Registration Open 7:30 AM
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Exhibitor Hall Open – Continental Breakfast 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
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Keynote Session & Swearing of DRA Board9:00 AM – 10:00 AM * JOE DUNN
DRA is honored to welcome back former State Senator and current Executive
Director of the State Bar of California, Joe Dunn. A long-time friend and supporter of court
reporters, Mr. Dunn will discuss the changing landscape of the California judiciary and
litigation practice and the role licensed court reporters play in it.
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Morning Break with Exhibitors 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
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StenOps at Guantanamo Bay10:30 AM – 12:00 PM * NANCY VARALLO
Learn about the detailed process to assemble and qualify an elite team of court
reporters to provide stenographic services at Gitmo, testing, obtaining top secret clearances,
selecting technology and equipment, arranging travel and housing, and wading through the
seemingly endless government documentation. Affectionately referred to as “the StenOps
team,” this group of elite reporters is currently at work reporting the hearings of those
accused in the USS Cole bombing and the terrorism of 9/11 that changed the world. Don’t
miss a chance to hear directly from the reporters involved in these historical proceedings.
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Trial by Fire: Disaster & Crisis Management for CR Firms10:30 AM – 12:00 PM * DIANA KARGE
It can happen to you – Mother Nature, acts of God and just plain bad luck can test
business owners with flame, floods and misfortune. The choices you are making right now will
determine if your business will weather a storm or drown in it. Diana Karge knows disaster. As
president of Amicus Court Reporters in Chicago, she’s experienced her share of unforeseen
crises. In this interactive session, Diana will share practical lessons learned from a series of
disastrous events, the steps you can take to insulate yourself from the damage, and even the
opportunities that can rise from the ashes.
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Luncheon 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
President’s Remarks & Introduction of the Board of Directors12:45 PM – 1:30 PM
Including presentation of the Distinguished Service Award and Realtime Competition award.
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CCRR Examination1:30 PM – 2:30 PM * SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
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A Day in the Life: CART and Captioning1:30 PM – 3:00 PM LAURA BREWER + TERI DARRENOUGUE + JENNIFER SCHUCK + KARYN MENCK
If you’re wondering what lies beyond the conference room door, you won’t want to miss this
session. From classroom CART to stadium captioning to conferences and board meetings,
steno opportunities abound outside the judicial world. Meet some of the best captioners and
CART providers from around the country and laugh and learn as they describe the thrills, spills
and opportunities in live captioning.
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Understanding HIPAA Compliance1:30 PM – 3:00 PM * ED HOWARD
What is HIPAA? And what does it mean to be HIPAA compliant? DRA attorney
and legislative advocate Ed Howard explains the basic principles of compliance in simple,
understandable terms. Learn about the internal processes your firm should be following
and how HIPAA applies to relationships between you and your clients, subcontractors, and
independent contractor reporters.
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Afternoon Break with Exhibitors 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
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Discovering Treasures of the Digital Realm3:30 PM – 5:00 PM * CANDIS BRADSHAW
Join Candis Bradshaw and explore all the treasures of the digital realm. Find out
about useful search options for Google, Google calendar tips and tricks, and a discussion
about other “cloud” sites. Discover interesting facts, hidden treasures, and apps for your
smartphone. A seminar like this would not be complete without a discussion of gadgets!
Candis will bring some gadgets, but if you have a favorite gadget, bring it to share.
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Marketing on a Budget: Do-It-Yourself Digital Outreach3:30 PM – 5:00 PM * JACOB HOLLOWAY
How do you stay competitive in a crowded marketplace? The Internet has changed
the game, but you don’t have to spend a ton of money or time to boost your business. Whether
you represent a small or large firm, you’ll learn strategic ways to reach your target audience.
From how to set up Google AdWords or Facebook Advertising campaigns to taking charge of
your own Search Engine Optimization, social media, blogging, or email newsletters, you’ll
discover sustainable methods for improving your digital marketing mix.
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The ABCs of the MTFS5:00 PM – 6:00 PM * YVONNE FENNER
More than a decade has passed since the Court Reporters Board instituted the
Minimum Transcript Format Standards, and confusion about their applicability still persists.
Do the MTFS apply to federal cases? What about depositions taken by a California CSR in
another state or country? Or cases governed by an international body such as the International
Trade Commission? Are you in compliance? Stop guessing and get the correct answers.
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Serrano vs. Coast Court Reporters: What’s Reasonable? 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM * ED HOWARD
In the four years since the Court of Appeal handed down its decision regarding
“reasonable” reporting fees, confusion reigns within the California reporting industry over
what’s considered reasonable and what can and cannot be charged for. Building on his Q&A
session from DRA’s 2013 fall seminar, DRA’s lawyer and legislative advocate Ed Howard, who
submitted amicus briefs for DRA in the case, explains in detail what the case means to you
as a firm owner, the threat it poses to your business, and how to deal with threats from
exploitative lawyers.
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Firm Owner Networking Reception 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
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Game Night 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Join us in the Game Room for fun and games. Enjoy video games, air hockey, cards,
and a no-host bar.
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Registration Open 7:30 AM
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Exhibitor Hall Open – Continental Breakfast 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
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Golf Tournament 9:00 AM * SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
For more info about tournament registration, please contact the DRA office at 888-867-2074.
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Putting Professionalism Back in the Profession8:30 AM – 10:00 AM * NANCY VARALLO
Your reputation – our reputation – is what we reporters own more than anything
else, and we need to take the responsibility seriously. The reporting industry has never been
more competitive, and we must be able to position ourselves to become indispensable. Learn
from NCRA President Nancy Varallo’s decades of experience in marketing, customer service,
and relationship building and stand out from the crowd as a true professional.
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Managing Student Loan Debt8:30 AM – 10:00 AM * HEATHER JARVIS
Are you ready to get a grip on your student loan debt? Widely recognized by school
professionals and media representatives as an expert source of information, Heather Jarvis
has trained thousands of students and professionals
and is sought after for her sophisticated legal
knowledge and accessible teaching style. Her serious
legal expertise and plain talk unravels confusing
student loan repayment information once and for
all. An excellent opportunity for students, working
reporters and parents to learn all of their financial
options, including repayment, consolidation, and
debt forgiveness.
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Morning Break with Exhibitors 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
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The Reporter-Agency Relationship10:30 AM – 12:00 PM * JAN BALLMAN
If you were to ask firm owners what their biggest complaints are about freelancers,
you might hear about late and/or poor quality transcripts, inappropriate dress, and
unreliability. But freelancers might complain about slow or inadequate pay, demanding staff,
and burdensome procedures. Can a successful working relationship be forged in the face of
such frustrations? Join our panel of firm owners and freelancers for an interactive seminar
as they broach these and other topics and share ideas on how to best maximize the reporter-
agency relationship.
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Bridging the Gap: Part I10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Court reporting school prepares you for the CSR exam, but who will help you bridge
the gap from student to working reporter? DRA is proud to introduce its groundbreaking Bridging
the Gap training series for advanced students and new professionals. Get an introductory look
at this first-of-its-kind intensive training and learn about working with agencies, building your
professional image and reputation, equipment, software, exhibits, parentheticals, video and
interpreted depositions, record-keeping, taxes, and so much more. Don’t miss this opportunity
to increase your knowledge and make yourself a more confident, marketable reporter.
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Student Lunch Break – On Your Own 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
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Lunch On Your Own 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
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Mock CSRs 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM * CAROLEE FREER
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Can You Hear Me Now? A Reporter’s Guide to the Best Audio1:30 PM – 3:00 PM * TREVOR ASFALL + RICH ALOSSI
Audio backup is a critical piece in the working reporter’s toolbox. Learn about all the best
microphones, add-on equipment, sound cards, how to maximize your computer audio settings,
and even master connecting directly to a videographer’s audio feed.
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Bridging the Gap: Part II 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Court reporting school prepares you for the CSR exam, but who will help you
bridge the gap from student to working reporter? Learn more as this seminar series continues.
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A Year in the Life of a New CSR3:00 PM – 4:30 PM * MICHAEL MCMORRAN + JESSIE LOVE
Michael McMorran and Jessie Love share the ups and downs of their first year
as new reporters. An excellent session for the advanced student and new CSR. Michael
and Jessie talk about their challenges and victories, what they’d do differently, tips for
networking and finding work, and how they successfully made the transition from student to
reporting professional.
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The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa71333 DINAH SHORE DRIVE, RANCHO MIRAGE, CA 92270
www.WestinMissionHills.com * (760) 328-5955
At the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa, the picturesque mountain views and secluded
location of Palm Springs create the perfect escape. A soothing sanctuary awaits those looking
for a rejuvenating desert retreat. Enjoy relaxing spa treatments, golf on championship courses,
lounge at the pool, splash down a 60-foot waterslide, or enjoy a delectable meal at the signature
Pinzimini restaurant. Discover the ultimate oasis at The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa.
Amenities
* Pet-Friendly Rooms * High-Speed Internet Access
* 5 On-Site Restaurants & Lounges * Games at Oasis Den & The Hideaway
* Championship Golf * Spa at Mission Hills & Salon Services
* Family Activities * Outdoor Whirlpool
* Outdoor Sports: Tennis, Cycling, Running * Steam Room
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Group rate available until January 20, 2014
STARTING AT $179/NIGHT (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)
Group rate provides room discount for 3 days before and 3 days after event, February 16-26,
2014. Check-in time is 3:00pm. Check-out time is 12:00pm. Group rate availability ends
on January 20, 2014 at 5:00pm. Register online at <https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/
StarGroupsWeb/booking/reservation?id=1307165567&key=C0488>.
Nearby AttractionsTHE ULTIMATE DESERT PLAYGROUND
Nestled at the base of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, the City of Palm Springs invites
you to explore palm tree-lined streets full of dining destinations and boutique shops. Come
discover the stunning desert scenery, outdoor adventure, culture, gaming, and entertainment.
Or just soak up the sunshine!
* Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – Take a trip up the mountain to a whole new world.
* Palm Springs Zoo & Botanical Gardens – Visit “The Living Desert.”
* Cabazon Outlet – Catch up on shopping with over 130 brand outlets
* Casinos – Morongo, Fantasy Springs, Agua Caliente, and more..
* Palm Springs Art Museum – Discover art of the Southwestern United States.
* Desert Hot Springs – Soak in healing natural mineral spring water.
Resources for More Information
* www.PalmSprings.com
* www.VisitPalmSprings.com
* www.VisitGreaterPalmSprings.com
* www.VacationPalmSprings.com
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Travel and Directions
PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (PSP)
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (7 miles)
(760) 323-8299 * www.PalmSpringsCA.gov/?page=270
LA/ONTARIO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (ONT)
2500 Terminal Way, Ontario, CA 91761 (78 miles)
(909) 937-2700 * www.LAWA.org/welcomeONT.aspx
PALM SPRINGS INTL. AIRPORT
THE WESTIN MISSION HILLS
Hotel & Location
18th Annual Convention • F E B R U A R Y 2 1 - 2 3 , 2 0 1 4D E P O S I T I O N R E P O R T E R S A S S O C I A T I O N O F C A L I F O R N I A
Register online today
atCALDRA.org/2014
1413
Register online at www.caldra.org/2014REGISTER EARLY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SPECIAL DISCOUNTS!
FAX-FRIENDLY FORMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD.
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EARLY REGULAR ONE BIRD RATE DAY REGISTRATION DEADLINES: 1/17/14 2 /14 /14 ==================================================================
Professionals TrackSEMINARS * SOCIAL EVENTS
DRA MEMBER $399 $449 $299 NEW CSR (DRA Member, passed CSR in past 24 months) $325 $325 NON-MEMBER $599 $449
Firm Owners TrackSEMINARS * SOCIAL EVENTS
DRA MEMBER $499 NON-MEMBER $699
Students TrackSUNDAY STUDENT SEMINARS ONLY
DRA MEMBER $99 NON-MEMBER $199
Students Track + Full RegistrationSEMINARS * SOCIAL EVENTS PLUS SUNDAY STUDENT SEMINARS
DRA MEMBER $229 NON-MEMBER $279
Instructor Member Full RegistrationSEMINARS * SOCIAL EVENTS PLUS SUNDAY STUDENT SEMINARS
DRA MEMBER $299 NON-MEMBER $399
$100 Late Registration Fee INCLUDED AFTER FEBRUARY 14, 2014
Additional Options==================================================================
Special EventsSOCIAL EVENTS GUEST PASS $199 Includes Friday Reception, Saturday Luncheon, Saturday Game Night, Exhibitor Hall Access FRIDAY RECEPTION $79 SATURDAY LUNCHEON $49 GOLF TOURNAMENT TBD
CCRR ExaminationREQUIRES SEPARATE REGISTRATION FEE
REPORTER MEMBER (DRA, COCRA, OR CCRA) $175 REPORTER NON-MEMBER $300
California Realtime CompetitionREPORTER (MEMBER OR NON-MEMBER) $175
Become A Member / Renew MembershipPROFESSIONAL LEVEL (CSR) $150 ASSOCIATE LEVEL (NON-CSR) $150 INSTRUCTOR LEVEL $50 STUDENT LEVEL $30
Sponsor A StudentDRA STUDENT MEMBERSHIP $30 STUDENT TRACK: MEMBER $99 FULL CONVENTION: MEMBER $229 STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP / GENERAL ANY
Registration Info
Sponsorship Opportunities Are Still Available!Increase the visibility of your business! Learn more at www.caldra.org/2014 –sponsor
Full Registration Fee includes: All seminars, exhibit hall, continental breakfast, Saturday Luncheon, refreshment breaks in the exhibitor room, handout materials, and the Opening Reception. Continued »
Cancellations/refund requests must be received in writing (fax or email accepted) no later than 5:00 pm on January 30, 2014 to qualify for a refund. There will be a $50 administrative fee for all refunds. DRA reserves the right to substitute speakers and seminars due to unforeseen and/or unavoidable circumstances. DRA 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. * Payment by check must be postmarked by February 8, 2014. Returned checks will be assessed a $35 processing fee. ** DRA will award one $1,000 scholarship at the Saturday Luncheon.