Fearless Stenograhers Conference 2026 Newsletter
Restoring Hope. Reigniting Power. Elevating the Profession at Fearless 2026
Fearless Stenographers Conference 2026 – Washington, D.C.
Restoring Hope. Reigniting Power. Elevating the Profession
A Message from the Founder
Fearless 2026… where do I even begin?
What we experienced in Washington, D.C., was more than a conference it was a moment. A reset. A powerful reminder of who we are and the responsibility we carry as guardians of the record.
The mission was clear: restore hope back into our reporters and into this profession. And that’s exactly what unfolded. The energy, the connection, the purpose, the pride it was all there. A vision I carried for the past year not only came to life, it exceeded every expectation.
There were moments along the way when the journey felt heavy, times I questioned if the vision was too big, if it would all come together. Building something from the ground up, not always knowing how it would unfold… but trusting the process. And through faith, perseverance, and the strength of this community coming together as one, we made it happen.
We moved beyond the noise of social media and into the same room, face to face and having real, meaningful conversations. And what we proved is this: we can come together, we can collaborate, and we can move this profession forward, together. We are not giving up on steno. We are stronger together.
To every attendee, speaker, sponsor, and supporter, thank you. You showed up, you poured into this experience, and you helped create something truly unforgettable.
Bringing the 5th Annual Fearless Stenographers Conference back to Washington, D.C., where it all began felt right. So much of what I do through Steno in the City is led by purpose and guided by heart, and returning to D.C. was exactly where we needed to be.
This wasn’t just an event. This was a movement.
Conference Day 1- Fearless 2026 Signature moments: The Capitol Hill Experience & Courthouse Experience
Capitol Hill Experience – SITC Fearless 2026
One of the most powerful moments of the Fearless Stenographers Conference 2026 was our time on Capitol Hill. Some of us have been on Capitol Hill a few times, but this time it was different and special.
As we gathered in Washington, D.C., it was only right that we stepped into the place where decisions are made and voices matter. Walking the grounds together, you could feel the energy shift, this was bigger than a conference. This was about presence, visibility, and understanding our profession’s impact on a national level.
From our group photos on the East steps to the guided tour through Capitol Hill, it was a moment of unity. A reminder that stenographers belong in every room including those that shape policy and the future. We didn’t just visit Capitol Hill… we showed up.
A special thanks to our colleagues on the Hill for making this visit even more special.
This is what Steno United looks like.
The Courthouse Photoshoot Experience: D.C. Superior Courthouse
To kick off the second event of the day, we made our way to the D.C. Superior Courthouse dressed in all black, united in purpose and presence. This was more than a photoshoot. It was a statement. A powerful reflection of professionalism, pride, and the excellence that defines our craft.
Every moment was intentional. The images we captured are more than keepsakes. They are a bold representation of our profession to the world. While color blocking has been a signature of our past, returning to all black this year paid tribute to the elegance and impact of our very first photoshoot.
One of the most unforgettable highlights was hearing from the legendary stenographer, Ms. Brenda Countz. She filled the courtroom with wisdom and grace, reminding us what it truly means to show up as our best selves in this profession. Her words resonated deeply, leaving each of us inspired, empowered, and grounded in purpose.
This experience was more than a moment. It was a reminder of who we are and the standard we represent. We began by capturing group photos that honored every level of the journey, from those with over 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 years in the profession to our new professionals and students. We closed with one powerful group photo, a unified image that reflected legacy, growth, and the future of stenography.
This was pride. This was presence. This was steno, elevated.
A special shoutout goes to Gercha White for organizing and getting our photoshoot approved on this day. We appreciate you Gercha!
Conference Day 1: Vendor Hall Mix & Mingle Experience
The Vendor Hall Mix & Mingle Experience
The Vendor Mix & Mingle at the Fearless Stenographers Conference 2026 in Washington, D.C. was the ultimate kickoff, where energy, connection, and opportunity filled the room from the very start.
Held during the opening evening, this experience set the tone for the entire weekend. Rooted in the conference’s mission to bring the community together through networking, collaboration, and inspiration, attendees stepped into a vibrant space designed to connect professionals, vendors, and leaders across the industry.
From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was electric. Attendees moved throughout the vendor hall engaging with steno companies, discovering new tools and services, and building meaningful relationships that extended far beyond the conference. This was more than introductions. It was about access, exposure, and real conversations.
Vendors showcased their brands in a dynamic, face to face environment, while attendees gained valuable insight into the evolving landscape of the profession. Whether exploring new technology, learning about services, or simply making connections, every interaction was purposeful and intentional.
What made the Mix & Mingle truly special was the energy in the room. It created a space where barriers were removed, conversations flowed naturally, and everyone from students to seasoned professionals felt included and empowered.
Laughter filled the room. Business cards were exchanged. Opportunities were created and new connections were formed.
This experience embodied what the Fearless Stenographers Conference represents at its core: a place where the community comes together to grow, support one another, and move the profession forward.
This was more than networking. This was connection in motion where everyone felt seen, heard, and valued.
Conference Day 2: Fearless 2026 Speakers Takes Washington, D.C!
Fearless 2026 was all about growth, innovation, and leveling up in the seminar sessions!
All top-tier stellar speakers. Attendees engaged in powerful sessions covering realtime excellence, technology, AI/Stocks, audio integration, and workflow efficiency, all designed to prepare for the future of the profession. Beyond the technical skills, there was a strong focus on career growth, mindset, and stepping confidently into new opportunities.
The energy was focused and inspiring, with meaningful conversations continuing well beyond the sessions. Day 2 wasn’t just about learning; it was about elevating.
Attendees left with renewed confidence, clarity, and a vision for what’s next. Cheers to those who left the conference ready to chase those certs! You’ve got this!
We thank you to all of our Fearless 2026 speakers!
Steno United: The Cupcakes & Cocktails Experience
The Cupcakes & Cocktails experience at Fearless 2026 was truly the perfect blend of connection, conversation, and community and it absolutely exceeded expectations.
Last year in New Orleans, we treated attendees to Banana Fosters. This year? We elevated the experience. Guests enjoyed not one, but two chocolate fountains: rich chocolate and white chocolate paired with all the delicious fixings.
To offset the chocolate fountains/fixings and cupcakes, attendees were also greeted with a glass of champagne.
Set in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, this experience brought attendees, sponsors and vendors together in a way that felt intentional and authentic. Over sweet indulgences and signature sips, conversations flowed effortlessly, ideas were exchanged, relationships were built, and new opportunities were sparked.
This was Steno United in action. Breaking barriers. Building bridges. Creating space for real connection within the profession.
Laughter filled the room. Stories were shared. And in that moment, one thing was clear: this community is stronger together.
One of the standout highlights? Passing the mic to each sponsor and vendor in a comfortable, welcoming setting, our signature “ice breaker.” It created a space where everyone could show up, share, and feel at ease speaking in front of the room.
This was connection, elevated.
Connection never felt so good. STENO UNITED
Steno United: For Stenographers, By Stenographers
During Fearless 2026, the Steno United Double Diamond Reporters came together to make one thing crystal clear: this profession is powerful, and so are the people within it.
In one of the most impactful moments of the conference, reporters stood united in strength, pride, and purpose as Founder Shaunise Day reminded the community:
“You are the highly skilled stenographer. YOU have the power. YOU are in control. YOU are unstoppable.”
The energy in the room was undeniable. This was more than motivation. It was a declaration. A reminder of the resilience, excellence, and value stenographers bring to this profession every single day.
Steno United is a powerful movement created to bridge the gap, foster unity, advocate for the profession, support steno students, and create meaningful opportunities for growth, collaboration, and advancement within the court reporting and captioning industry. Rooted in purpose, the movement is centered on building together, supporting one another, and shaping the future of stenography as one united community.
Adding to the impact, the Double Diamond Steno United Reporters stepped forward in a major way, with each reporter contributing $1,000 each to support Steno in the City. This collective effort was more than sponsorship. It was a commitment to investing in the profession, uplifting the community, and helping move the vision forward.
The Double Diamond represents leadership, action, and unity. It represents stenographers choosing to come together, give back, and stand behind a movement dedicated to strengthening and elevating the profession.
Steno United represents connection, advocacy, leadership, and the commitment to moving the profession forward together. The movement is only getting started, and the future is bright.
A heartfelt thank you to all of our Double Diamond Steno United Reporters for believing in the vision and helping lay the foundation for what is to come. Your support, leadership, and commitment to Steno in the City mean more than words can express.
This is what building together looks like.
This is more than a message. This is a movement fueled by strength, unity, and action.
This is Steno United.
Stay tuned for what’s to come!
If you are ready to be part of something bigger, we invite you to join the movement.
Email: info@stenointhecity.com
Let’s build. Let’s unite. Let’s lead. TOGETHER.
Speed Dating: Closing Out Fearless 2026 with Connection and Purpose
Speed Dating: Closing Out Fearless 2026 with Connection and Purpose
One of the standout highlights and final seminar sessions of the Fearless Stenographers Conference was our Speed Dating with Professionals session. This experience was truly special and a meaningful way to close out the conference.
What makes this session even more powerful is the story behind it. Founder Shaunise Day first came up with this idea while she was still a student and serving on a national level. At the time, she was hesitant to share it because she questioned whether the idea was good enough. After sitting on the vision for a year, she finally brought it to the committee and what happened next was incredible. The session was selected and went on to be presented seven consecutive times.
During this milestone 5th anniversary celebration of Steno in the City, it felt only right to bring this impactful session back.
The purpose of Speed Dating with Professionals is simple yet powerful: to create an interactive space where attendees can sit in small circles, fellowship, engage in meaningful conversations, and connect directly with professionals from across the industry. It is designed to break down barriers, encourage authentic dialogue, and create opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and growth.
As always, the only challenge is that there never feels like enough time. Even with the full session, attendees wanted more, which speaks volumes about the value and impact of this experience.
This session is one for the history books and a reminder of an important lesson: if you have an idea, do not be afraid to share it. Your idea may be the very thing that inspires, helps, or connects someone else.
At Fearless 2026, Speed Dating was more than a session. It was proof that one idea, one moment of courage, and one decision to speak up can create lasting impact.
Day 3 Fearless 2026 Signature moments
Day 3 of Fearless 2026 brought a powerful close to the conference centered on continued learning, meaningful connection, and well-deserved recognition.
The morning began with engaging seminar sessions that kept the momentum strong. Attendees leaned in for those final moments of education, gaining valuable insights, sharpening their skills, and walking away with clarity and confidence to move forward in the profession.
Following the sessions, everyone gathered for a beautiful and elevated brunch experience. It was the perfect setting to unwind, reflect, and connect filled with great food, laughter, and conversations that captured the spirit of the weekend.
A defining highlight was the presentation of the Trailblazer Award to Rashonda Price. This moment honored her impact, leadership, and the path she continues to pave within the profession. It was both inspiring and powerful recognizing excellence while encouraging the next generation to rise.
Day 3 was the perfect blend of growth, connection, and celebration—ending the conference on a high note.
