UNITY SUMMIT
Unity in Purpose, Excellence in Practice
Universal Orlando Resort
May 1-4, 2025
Join AAERT and STAR at the forefront of innovation and partnership. We come together at Unity Summit to celebrate and educate all professionals in our industry. This transformative four-day event brings together visionaries, leaders, and innovators from across our profession to collaborate, inspire, and redefine the future of court reporting. Experience groundbreaking sessions, powerful networking opportunities, and unparalleled collaboration in the heart of Florida’s most iconic location.
The conference sessions will take place in the beautiful Loews Royal Pacific Hotel Conference Center, located at 6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando, FL 32819
What to Expect:
*Insightful Speakers: Hear from industry thought leaders spearheading innovation in technology, education, business, and beyond.
*Interactive Workshops: Gain hands-on experience with the latest software, technology, and tools of the trade to elevate your skillset and your business.
*Networking Opportunities: Build enduring connections with professional colleagues across the diverse spectrum of court reporting.
*Entertainment & Experiences: Bring the whole family and enjoy exclusive access to Universal Orlando’s attractions and immersive experiences.
Join the movement as our industry unites to revolutionize collaboration and celebrate the immeasurable value of the professional in the room! STAR and AAERT members enjoy discounted registration pricing.
Agenda
AAERT has approved 36 seminar hours for CEUs.
Because of multi-tracking, each attendee can earn a maximum of 25 hours for CEUs. CEUs are approved for most sessions by NVRA.
CEU application is pending with NCRA but expected to be approved for most sessions.
Unity Summit Agenda Highlights
Discover an exciting lineup of events and sessions designed to educate, inspire, and connect professionals in the court reporting industry. Highlights include:
Industry Marketplace:
Start your conference experience with this inaugural one-day event! Engage with vendors, attend User Group meetings, attend vendor showcases, earn CEUs through groundbreaking educational tracks, and discover cutting-edge technology.
Educational Sessions:
Discover how AI enhances human potential, gain insights into industry best practices, collaborate on unified standards for all reporting methods, and explore with legal experts the evolving role of court reporting in shaping legal strategies and outcomes.
Continuing Education:
Earn CEUs through immersive sessions that explore cutting-edge technologies, innovative tools, and practical strategies to elevate your expertise and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
Interactive Workshops:
Participate in hands-on training to refine your skills, master new techniques, and stay at the forefront of industry advancements.
Exclusive Experiences:
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes courthouse tour, a private luau, and family-friendly activities near Universal.
SPEAKER HIGHLIGHTS
Special Events
Friday Visit to the Ninth Circuit Courthouse
Behind the Bench: Exploring the Ninth Circuit Courthouse
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Ninth Circuit Courthouse in Orlando. This unique experience will provide an inside look at the court reporting department, offering insights into how records are meticulously captured and preserved. In addition, participants will take a guided tour of the courthouse, gaining a deeper understanding of its operations and the judicial process. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the vital role of court reporting in ensuring justice.
Bus tickets are $25 per seat. Seats are limited to 50.
Opening Reception: A Universal Celebration
Cap off an exciting day at the Industry Marketplace—a showcase of exhibitors, meet-ups with industry trade groups and user groups, hands-on workshops, and exclusive time with vendors—with our Opening Reception. Embrace the Universal theme by dressing with accents of your favorite character or park-inspired attire, and join us for a festive evening of networking, camaraderie and fun as we set the tone for the unforgettable days ahead!
Saturday Night Luau
A Festive Feast—With Fire Dancers
For generations, Hawaiians have used luau gatherings to celebrate important milestones and special occasions. Experience the tradition firsthand with an evening of authentic Polynesian food and entertainment. This weekly dinner show features a tropical all-you-can-eat buffet (complete with pit-roasted pig), Mai Tais and live music. Captivating hula and fire dancers make you feel as if you’re at a true island party. Who knows, you might even get the chance to show off your own hula skills!
Separate ticketed event. Tickets must be purchased in advance — $125 for adults and $50 for kids under 12 (free for children under 5). Prices increase to $150 on March 31, so secure your tickets early, and don’t forget to pack Luau attire!
Other Activities
Friday Night: Choose Your Adventure
Take advantage of this “free night” to join private sponsored events, share dinner with family or friends at Universal’s vibrant CityWalk, or meet up with “the rest of us” at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville for a relaxed evening of food and fun. It’s the perfect mix of spontaneity, connection, and laid-back vibes!
Join us by making a reservation at Margaritaville
Friday, May 2 for 6:00 or 6:30 PM.
Call (407) 244-2155 to reserve your own table.
Fitness Activities
With a later daily conference schedule start time, enjoy a variety of morning fitness activities, such as group walks, yoga, swimming, or pickleball to be arranged by your conference planners.
Family-Friendly Schedule
Designed with families in mind, the schedule allows for events that include spouses and families. Universal’s CityWalk and theme parks are just a short walk from the conference hotels. If you’d like to extend your stay, contact support@staronline.org for assistance with possible discounted hotel rates.
AAERT Certification Exam
AAERT will be conducting a live in-person exam session at the Unity Summit beginning at 7:30am ET on Saturday, May 3rd. Attendees can choose to take either the CDR, CER, or CET Knowledge Exams. The CET Practical Exam will not be offered during this session, but is available online throughout the year. To register for one of the in-person knowledge exams, please click here.
For more information on AAERT Certifications and how to earn them, please visit aaert.org or contact aaert@aaert.org for more information.
Unity Summit Conference Pricing
Membership Type
Early Bird (until 3/31)
Regular (3/31-4/30)
On-site (after 5/1)
STAR/AAERT Member*
Non Member
One-day
$595
$795
$375
$695
$895
$425
$795
$995
$475
Spouse/Guest/Exhibitor Staff**
Student***
First-year Professional***
Educator***
$300
$195
$250
$395
$300
$195
$275
$450
$300
$195
$275
$450
*Members, contact STAR or AAERT to request your priority discount code.
**Attendees with full registration receive access to all conference sessions. Spouses and guests attending only for social reasons (not industry-related) can register as Spouse/Guest/Exhibitor Staff for $300, granting access to all social and food & beverage events except the separately ticketed luau. Exhibitors bringing extra vendor staff may also register those staff for $300 with social and F&B access but no session entry. Luau tickets are available for purchase to all attendees.
***Students, educators, and first-year professionals, please email star@staronline.org to request your priority discount code.
Conference Registration Refund Policy
We understand that plans can change. Our refund policy is designed to be fair while considering the logistical commitments involved in organizing this event.
Cancellation Requests Received:
More than 30 days before the event – Full refund, minus a $50 administrative fee.
15 to 30 days before the event – 50% refund.
Less than 15 days before the event – No refunds will be issued.
Substitutions: If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another individual at no additional cost. Please notify us at star@staronline.org with the new attendee’s details at least 3 days before the event.
Credit Toward Future Events: In lieu of a refund, you may opt for a credit toward a future event within the next 24 months, subject to availability.
Exceptional Circumstances: Refund requests due to medical emergencies or other extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Documentation may be required.
For cancellations or transfers, please contact us at star@staronline.org or 508.753.5094.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to the conference!
Recommended Hotels
Hotel Breakfast and Meeting Room Access
Please note that breakfast each day will be on your own. All three hotels have cafe-style breakfast options in or near the lobby.
Most Unity Summit sessions will take place in the meetings complex, which is central to all three hotels. Royal Pacific and Sapphire Falls resorts both have covered paths from the guest rooms to the meetings complex.
Royal Pacific Resort
It’s just another day in paradise at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, a laid-back Polynesian escape where skilled industry experts will put you at ease and make planning the perfect function easy for you. This laid-back Polynesian paradise offers 1,000 inviting guest rooms including 51 suites and 50 club level rooms.
Sapphire Falls Resort
Nothing inspires like the islands. And nothing captures the magic of the Caribbean like Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando. With waterfalls, tropical greenery, and architecture reminiscent of an old Caribbean sugar mill, this could be the most serene meetings & events environment you’re ever going to find. Whether between sessions or afterwards, there are a number of great dining options at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. Choices include Amatista Cookhouse™, as well as Strong Water Tavern, a rum and tapas bar which features an outdoor patio perfect for private events.
Universal Aventura Hotel
Experience A Fun Way to Stay — Perfectly Priced, Affordable Escape that Fits Your Style. Choose Universal Aventura Hotel.
If you call the hotels to book your room at (866) 360-7395, please reference the STAR/AAERT conference and let them know which hotel you select: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Sapphire Falls, or Aventura at Universal Orlando.
Every Universal Orlando hotel comes with more awesome every day. Each morning, Universal hotel guests can breeze into one of the parks up to an hour before other guests*. In Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, select hotel guests can even skip the regular lines for free^ at select attractions. You’ll just need valid theme park admission. It couldn’t be easier.
Sponsors/Exhibitors
Unity Summit proudly presents the inaugural Industry Marketplace—a day exclusively dedicated to vendors. Explore the opportunities by downloading the Vendor Prospectus or reaching out to George Catuogno at george@staronline.org or Matt Riley at matt.riley@aaert.org for more information.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Additional Sponsors/Exhibitors
Attractions
Three theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort
When you stay at Universal Orlando Resort, you’re getting much more than an awesome hotel room in an amazingly themed resort. Your hotel is an extension of the action, where you’re always just minutes away from the theme parks. When you are done with the conference for the day, the fun keeps going at the three theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal CityWalk
This is where it all comes together. Universal City Walk features a variety of restaurants, shops & family shows. The dining experience is outstanding and the evening fun is just begining. It’s everything you’re looking for. And anything but ordinary.
EARLY PARK ADMISSION
Breeze into one of the Universal parks up to an hour earlier than regular guests with Early Park Admission* (valid theme park admission required; select attractions).
COMPLIMENTARY TRANSPORTATION
You’re staying IN/WITH Universal Orlando — so it’s always quick to hop between your hotel and the parks with free transportation.
UNIVERSAL EXPRESS UNLIMITED
Express benefit for guests of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel® and Loews Royal Pacific Resort only. This is the #1 benefit for those guests.
Skip the regular lines with FREE^ Universal Express Unlimited ride access at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Exclusive to hotel guests of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel® and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. (Valid theme park admission required; select attractions.)
A value of over $164.99†per person, per day.
Contact Us
To contact STAR support please email star@staronline.org or call 508-753-5094.
To contact AAERT support please email aaert@aaert.org or call 212-251-2600
LEGAL
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2024 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Royal Pacific Resort TM & © 2024 UCF Hotel Venture. All rights reserved.
Sapphire Falls Resort TM & © 2024 UCF Hotel Venture III. All rights reserved.
Aventura Hotel TM & © 2024 UCF Hotel Venture IV. All rights reserved.
Room Rates are based on double occupancy. Quoted room rates are subject to all applicable city, county, state, or federal taxes that apply at time of room occupancy. Hotel requires that there be at least one guest that is twenty-one (21) years of age or older occupying a room in order to check in. Currently, the tax rate is 12.5% (sales tax 6.5%, occupancy 6%) per occupied room night.
*Requires theme park admission. Early Park Admission begins up to one (1) hour prior to regular scheduled park opening to either Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure as determined by Universal Orlando. Early Park Admission begins up to one (1) hour prior to regular scheduled park opening for Universal Volcano Bay. Valid at select attractions at each park. Attractions are subject to substitutions without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.
^Requires theme park admission. Valid only at participating rides and attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Not valid at Universal Volcano Bay. Excludes separately ticketed events. Benefit valid only for guests of Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel® and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, for the number of guests staying in the room for the length of hotel stay. Available during normal theme park operating hours only.
†Based on the weighted average price of a 2-Park Universal Express Unlimited pass ranging between $119.99 and $359.99 per person. Additional restrictions may apply and benefits are subject to change without notice.