Are you ready to be Fearless in 2026?
The Fearless Stenographers Conference is heading to the nation’s capital Washington, D.C., April 16–18, 2026 for what promises to be our most extraordinary gathering yet for Steno in the City. Join us at the JW Marriott Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue as we celebrate five fearless years of empowering court reporting and captioning professionals across the country.
Five years in, the Steno in the City (SITC) Annual Fearless Stenographers Conference remains honored to serve as a gathering place for networking, collaboration, and inspiration within our community. Each year, we unite court reporters, captioners, firm owners, educators, students, attorneys, judges, and policymakers for three days of education, advocacy, and fearless growth.
This year’s theme, “The Evolution of Steno in the City,” takes us on a powerful journey through the resilience, progress, and innovation that define our profession. Expect top-tier seminars, inspiring speakers, and meaningful connections designed to reignite passion, elevate skill, and celebrate excellence in every form.
RPR, TX CSR
Alan Peacock
Alan Peacock began his reporting career in 1987 after he attended Biggers College of Court Reporting in New Orleans. In 1991, when captioning was in its infancy, Alan moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to work with Judy and Mike Brentano to provide live captioning on site at WXIA, one of the first stations to provide realtime captioning. While in Atlanta, Alan also trained as a CART provider, even using a 286 DOS computer. He also was one of the first reporters to provide realtime CAT in the deposition setting in Atlanta. Since that time, Alan has continued to stay focused in all three disciplines of stenography - captioning, CART captioning, and realtime reporting. He is past president of the Alabama Court Reporters Association and currently serving on the Alabama Board of Court Reporters, the governmental licensing body in Alabama. Alan is a Fellow in the NCRA Academy of Professional Reporters, or FAPR. He has also earned the RDR, CRR, and CRC certifications. He is also the recipient of the NCRA DSA (Distinguished Service Award) for his contributions to NCRA through teaching, writing and committee work over his career. In his spare time, Alan enjoys traveling and playing with his two dogs. Ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for…. Alan Peacock.
RPR, CRR, CRC, CRI, B.S. Realtime Reporting
Anissa R. Nierenberger
Meet Anissa Nierenberger: Your Realtime Guru & Steno Language Innovator! We’re going to embark on a journey with Anissa (uh – NEE – SA) Nierenberger, a certified professional realtime trainer dedicated to enhancing reporters' skills with a dash of fun! From her fascination with typewriters as a young girl to pioneering the Dictionary Jumpstart software, Anissa's passion for steno has shaped her remarkable career. With over three decades of experience, including captioning for major tech giants like Facebook and Amazon, Anissa has honed her expertise in the industry. Her acclaimed training program has empowered over 1800 stenographers to achieve their realtime goals and certifications, propelling their careers to new heights. Discover Anissa's arsenal of tools, including her groundbreaking Dictionary Jumpstart program, featuring 10 modules and over 165,000 words designed to turbocharge your dictionary at an astonishing rate of 1,000 words per hour! But Anissa's impact doesn't stop there. As the author of four books on shorthand techniques and the mastermind behind STENOphonatic, the world's first English and steno word-building card game, she continues to innovate and inspire, helping reporters across the globe elevate their skills and reach new professional heights. When you're ready to elevate your career, turn to Anissa Nierenberger—your trusted partner in Success!
RPR, CRR, CRC, CRI, B.S.
Cinta Corbin
Cinta Corbin has been a certified court reporter for over five years. Based in Michigan, she is passionate about capturing the spoken word with precision and professionalism. Cinta holds certifications as a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) and Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR).With experience in depositions and arbitrations, Cinta prides herself on delivering accurate transcripts timely. She is always open to improving her skill set. When not working, Cinta enjoys sharing her passion for fitness with others.
RPR, CRR, TX CSR
Judith Bellinger
Judith Bellinger, RPR, CRR, has been a freelance court stenographer since 1984, graduated from the Academy of Court Reporting in Cleveland, Ohio. She taught at the Stenotype Institute in Indianapolis, Indiana, is Past President of the then Indiana Shorthand Reporters Association, and served on several committees with ISRA. She has reported and provided realtime services for various high-profile depositions and trials throughout her career, including the NFL, NBA, NCAA, a 10-week murder trial in Indiana, State v. Camm, and most recently, the Depp v. Heard trial in Fairfax, Virginia. She also provides stenography services for several unions during their conventions and has provided CART for students at IUPUI, Purdue University, the former Wishard Hospital in Indianapolis, and The Indiana School for theDeaf. She considers her career a passion, not a job.
FAPR, RDR, CRR, MA-CSR, NH-LCR
Kathryn R. Sweeney
Kathryn Sweeney has been a stenographer for over 33 years. She holds the CSR in Massachusetts, LCR in New Hampshire, as well as her RDR and CRR designations from the National Court Reporters Association. She has won a realtime contest in Massachusetts, taken third place in the National realtime contest, and even became a Fellow of the Academy of Professional Reporters. Kathryn has proudly served on the Massachusetts Court Reporters Association board and is currently President of the New Hampshire Court Reporters Association. She was the Chief Examiner on behalf of NCRA for 18 years and has given her CRR Boot Camp across the country for the past 15 years.
RPR, CCR
Kristina Weaver
Kristina Weaver is a seasoned court reporter with nearly three decades of experience, having embarked on her career in 1994 after studying at Broward Community College in Florida. Throughout her journey, she has contributed her expertise to notable cases in Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Fulton counties, including the high-profile Tex McIver and YSL trials. Beyond her professional achievements, Kristina brings a fun and casual vibe to her serious profession. She’s known for her approachable demeanor and unique style, often spotted in her beloved Chucks around the courthouse. Outside of her professional life, Kristina enjoys challenging herself with jigsaw puzzles and staying active through workouts on her Meta Quest virtual reality headset, making her a well-rounded professional. Her dedication to accuracy and detail makes her a respected figure in the legal community.
Conference Highlight: The Fearless Evolution Black Tie Affair
A Legacy in Motion — Honoring 5 Years of Steno in the City
The weekend culminates in an unforgettable evening at our signature Black Tie Affair, an elegant celebration of excellence, leadership, and legacy. Join us as we pay tribute to the reporters and visionaries who have paved the way and toast to the next generation shaping the future of steno. Enjoy fine dining, live entertainment, special recognitions, and an atmosphere of sophistication that only Steno in the City can deliver.
One Mission + One Movement = Steno United
United under the banner of STENO United, we come together with a shared purpose: to empower, educate, and elevate. The Fearless Stenographers Conference isn’t just an event; it’s a movement that celebrates the strength and unity of our profession. The place where everyone feels seen and heard. The place where everyone feels welcomed.
Don’t miss the fifth annual Fearless Stenographers Conference where empowerment meets elegance in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Join us for an inspiring, transformative weekend that will leave you fearless, connected, and unstoppable.
Earn up to 1.4 CEUs (14 hours of accredited education)
