The Fearless Stenographers Conference is an annual event dedicated to empowering court reporting and captioning professionals. Organized by Steno in the City, the 2026 conference marks its fifth anniversary and will be held from April 16 to 18 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. This gathering serves as a platform for networking, collaboration, and inspiration within the stenography community.
The conference's theme, "The Evolution of Steno in the City," focuses on the resilience, progress, and innovation that define the profession. Attendees can expect top-tier seminars, inspiring speakers, and meaningful connections designed to reignite passion, elevate skills, and celebrate excellence in every form. Key topics include advancements in stenographic technology, best practices in court reporting, and strategies for professional growth.
In addition to educational sessions, the event offers ample networking opportunities, an expo hall featuring industry vendors, and notable speakers such as Amy Doman, Angela Grant, and Bethany Woodward. A highlight of the conference is the Black Tie Affair, an elegant evening celebrating excellence, leadership, and legacy within the profession.
The conference is ideal for court reporters, captioners, firm owners, educators, students, attorneys, judges, and policymakers seeking to enhance their skills, stay updated on industry trends, and connect with peers. Attendees can earn up to 1.45 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or 14.5 Continuing Education Hours (CE Hours), pending approval from the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) and the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC).
Categories
Speakers(16)
Amy Doman
RDR, CRR, CSR (CA/IL/TX/WA), CCR (MO), CRI
Amy Doman has been a freelance stenographer since 1990, working across the country in high-profile criminal and civil cases, as well as providing CART and corporate services. She was the first recipient of the National Court Reporters Foundation Court to CART grant in 2023.
Angela Grant
RDR, CRR, CRI, CSR at Legacy Court Reporting, Inc.
Angela Grant is the founder of Legacy Court Reporting, Inc., with nearly three decades of experience across state, federal, and freelance settings. She is dedicated to empowering court reporters through education and financial literacy.
Anna Mar-Lazo
RPR
Anna Mar-Lazo is a freelance court reporter from San Antonio, Texas, who shares her journey and experiences in the freelance world on social media, aiming to assist court reporting students in non-traditional ways.
Bethany Woodward
RMR, CRR, CRC, CSR (CA/OR), CCR (WA), RVR-M-S
Bethany Woodward has been a member of the steno community since 2018, earning multiple certifications and reporting over 1,000 depositions. She is passionate about mentoring students and advancing the profession.
Brenda Countz
RPR, CSR (CA)
Brenda Countz has over 55 years of experience as a court and congressional stenographer, captioner, and freelance realtime deposition reporter, including work in landmark cases and early CAT technology development.
Denee Vadell
RPR, CCR-NJ, NYACR
Denee Vadell is an official court reporter in New York, recognized for her advocacy and promotion of the court reporting profession through social media and various initiatives.
Elsa Hurtado
CA CSR, RPR, CVR-S
Elsa Hurtado is a California Certified Shorthand Reporter with experience in court reporting and captioning, providing services across various legal settings and to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
Heather J. Bautista
CSR (California, Texas, Oregon, & Washington)
Heather J. Bautista has been a court reporter since 1998, working in various court proceedings and transitioning to freelance reporting in 2018. She is licensed in multiple states and is a Certified Realtime Reporter.
Janyce W. Booth
RPR, RMR, CRR, CCP, Florida Notary Public at Beacon
Janyce W. Booth has over 40 years of experience as a state official court reporter, freelance court reporter, CART provider, and captioner, mentoring court reporters at every stage of their journey.
Lindsay A. Stoker
RDR, RMR, CRR, CRC, CA CSR
Lindsay A. Stoker has an 18-year career in court reporting and captioning, providing live captioning for major technology companies and high-profile events, and serving in leadership roles within the industry.
Lyndsay Levingston
Keynote Speaker at SurviveHER
Lyndsay Levingston is the Founder and Executive Director of SurviveHER, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting breast cancer survivors and improving breast health outcomes for women.
Marcus Johnson
Managing Partner and Financial Planner at Johnson Capital Planning, LLC
Marcus Johnson is the founder of Johnson Capital Planning, LLC, empowering clients with personalized financial strategies and serving on various community boards.
Melinda Walker
Retired Official Reporter at US House of Representatives
Melinda Walker, CSR, RPR, CMRS, is a retired Official Reporter from the US House of Representatives in Washington, DC. Since retiring in August 2019, Melinda has been subbing in courts around the state and undertaking freelance assignments.
Nicole Bulldis
RPR, FCRR
Nicole Bulldis began her legal career in 2003 and became a court reporter in 2016, working in state courts and freelancing, and is licensed in Arizona, California, and Washington.
Tori Pittman
BA, CVR-CM-M, RCP, RVR FAPR, RDR, CRI (Ret.) at Pittman Stenography
Tori Pittman has been reporting since 1999, transitioning to voice writing in 2011, and operates a reporting firm and a Teachable site, volunteering on national association committees.
Tracy Thompson
RDR, RMR, RPR, CRR, CRC, CRI at LearnToRealtime
Tracy Thompson has nearly four decades of experience in court reporting, earning multiple national certifications, teaching various courses, and leading at LearnToRealtime.
Event Details
- Date
- April 16-18, 2026
- 3 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Washington, D.C., United States
- JW Marriott Hotel
- Pricing
- $325 - $775
- Audience
- Court reporters, captioners, firm owners, educators, students, attorneys, judges, policymakers.
- CLE Credits
- Up to 1.45 CEUs/14.5 CE Hours, pending NCRA and JBCC approval.