Opinion: Trial Presentation Symposium was a Success

I was invited to write and present some of the course materials at the 2nd Trial Presentation Symposium (Certificate Program) in Miami this past weekend by the NCRA's CLVS Section.

Although there may be some room for improvement and refinement, overall, the program, in my opinion, was a very well-presented weekend, focusing on many of the basics of trial presentation. We also touched on a few advanced topics, and there are already plans in the works for an advanced Certified Trial Technician course. This may take awhile, but they are leading us in the right direction. We also enjoyed presentations by TrialDirector and Visionary, each showcasing their latest and greatest versions.

Attendance was at capacity for the room, which had to be changed due to the demand. This is a clear indication that there is a need for this type of program. Attendees even included a few experienced Trial Technicians whom I've known for years. With so many winging it and coming up with so many different methods of doing things, it is a great thing that we are finally working together to come up with some best practices and standards, and eventually a certification that can help ensure a client that their trial tech is not simply a trainee with 2 or 3 trials under their belt, after having closed the deal by sending in a slick salesperson to get the case in the door. This is a common practice in this profession, and it is not a good thing for the advancement of using technology in trial. When the client's experience is bad, it reflects upon all of us. There is far more to this than simply being capable of operating a trial presentation software application.

The next program is already on the calendar, planned for September 10, 2010 in Scottsdale, AZ. I plan on attending and presenting again. I did not get paid to do this. I am doing it in an effort to help bring increased exposure and credibility to our profession. It is good for all of us.

Additional info may be found on the NCRA website: http://www.ncraonline.org/Meetings/calendar/

Finally, Robb Helt (fellow guest presenter) and I were asked to take the exam. Trust me, my fingers are crossed. I REALLY don't want to fail this exam!