From Vendor Booth to Main Stage: My Unexpected Journey at the 2025 NNA Conference

What started as supporting a friend turned into speaking to a packed room about AI—here's everything I learned at my first National Notary Association Conference.

After years of hearing fellow notaries rave about the National Notary Association's annual conference, I finally experienced it firsthand in June 2025. What I discovered wasn't just valuable education and networking—it was a complete mindset shift about what's possible in our industry.

If you're debating whether to attend next year's conference, this behind-the-scenes look might just convince you to book your ticket.

The Moment I Knew This Conference Was Different

Walking into registration, I was hit by something unexpected: genuine excitement. Hundreds of notaries from coast to coast filled the space, but instead of the competitive tension you might expect, there was pure collaborative energy.

I watched seasoned notaries with decades of experience patiently mentoring newcomers, still waiting for their commissions to arrive. Information flowed freely. War stories were shared openly. In an industry where many of us work solo, this felt like coming home to a family you didn't know you had.

Key insight: The notary community isn't just supportive—it's actively invested in the success of everyone.

The Plot Twist That Changed Everything

I originally attended to support my friend Jen Neitzel of Marketing4Notaries as her vendor booth manager. I was excited to represent a product I genuinely love while meeting notaries face-to-face for the first time.

Then my phone rang four days before the conference.

The NNA needed an emergency replacement speaker for a session on "ChatGPT and AI in the Notary Business." Despite having taught this topic for months, presenting to hundreds of industry professionals on such short notice felt terrifying.

But sometimes the best opportunities come disguised as challenges.

Standing in front of that packed room, watching notaries go from AI-curious to AI-excited in 60 minutes, reminded me why I'm passionate about helping our industry embrace technology. By session's end, attendees were practically buzzing with ideas for streamlining admin tasks, improving client communication, and elevating their professional brands.

The verdict: Notaries aren't just ready for AI tools—we're hungry for them.

Three Conference Highlights That Delivered Real Value

1. Industry Intel You Can't Google

The panel discussions addressed the topics that keep notaries up at night: evolving privacy regulations, remote online notarization (RON) legislative updates, and compliance best practices. These weren't generic presentations—they were timely, specific, and refreshingly honest about industry challenges.

Pro tip: Take notes on regulatory updates. This information often takes months to filter down through other channels.

2. The Vendor Hall Experience (Beyond Free Pens)

While I snagged my fair share of branded swag, the real value was connecting with the teams behind the tools and services I use daily. Instead of sales pitches, these conversations felt like strategy sessions with industry allies.

Meeting the faces behind NotaryAssist, exploring new solutions at the NNA booth, and discovering emerging technologies made this more of a reunion than a trade show.

3. Hallway Conversations That Sparked Ideas

Some of my best takeaways happened between sessions. Coffee chats with notaries from Florida, Texas, and New York revealed regional differences in practice, sparked marketing strategy exchanges, and even led to future YouTube interview opportunities.

Remember: Networking occurs everywhere, not just in designated networking sessions.

Your First-Timer Survival Guide

Planning to attend your first NNA Conference? Here's what I wish someone had told me:

Before You Go:

• Bring plenty of business cards—you'll exchange contact info constantly

• Research speakers and sessions in advance to maximize your time

• Set realistic expectations for information overload

During the Conference:

• Wear comfortable shoes (non-negotiable)

• Attend at least one session outside your comfort zone

• Engage in booth conversations beyond "what do you do?"

• Take photos to remember key insights later

After You Return:

• Block time immediately to process notes while they're fresh

• Follow up with new connections within a week

• Implement one new strategy before momentum fades

Why This Conference Should Be on Every Notary's Calendar

The 2025 NNA Conference wasn't just professional development—it was a masterclass in industry pride. Watching hundreds of notaries invest in their growth, share knowledge freely, and push our profession forward reminded me why I chose this path.

Whether you're a new notary looking to build confidence or a veteran seeking fresh perspectives, this conference delivers value you simply can't replicate online.

Ready to Transform Your Notary Business?

The energy I felt in that AI workshop room proved one thing: our industry is ready to evolve, and the tools to help us succeed are already here.

If you're curious about leveraging ChatGPT to save time and grow your notary business, my ChatGPT for Mobile Service Businesses Course provides the real-world prompts, tutorials, and strategies I shared at the conference—plus much more. It's designed specifically for notaries ready to work smarter, not harder.

Will I be back next year? Absolutely.

Should you join me? If you're serious about growing your notary business and connecting with the most supportive professional community I've ever encountered, the answer is yes.

Did we meet at the 2025 NNA Conference? I'd love to stay connected—drop a comment and let me know where you're from!