As a California Notary Public, I recently had the privilege of attending the 2025 National Notary Association (NNA) Conference in Las Vegas—and what an incredible experience it was! From insightful workshops to connecting with dedicated professionals from across the country, the conference was both energizing and deeply educational. Indeed, it was just the perfect reminder that notary work is not just about stamps and signatures—it’s about integrity, responsibility, and service to our communities.

Personally, one of the most enriching aspects of the conference was meeting fellow notaries from different states that up to this point I’ve only meet through video calls. Certainly, sharing stories, best practices, and even the unique challenges we face in our jurisdictions helped build a sense of unity in our profession. Whether seasoned veterans or newer notaries (like me!), there was a collective spirit of growth and dedication in the air.

Three workshops stood out to me in particular, and I’m excited to share some key takeaways that truly expanded my perspective.

1. Fraud Prevention in Notarial Practice

As you may imagine, in today’s digital and fast-paced world, fraud is on the rise—and as notaries, we are increasingly on the front lines. This workshop offered vital strategies on how to protect our communities before, during, and after notarizations. I learned about the growing importance of maintaining detailed journal entries and how “duty of care” should guide every step we take when verifying identity. This knowledge left me feeling more empowered to safeguard my notarial acts and better serve my community. Panelists were, Bill Anderson, Gina Lockwood, Esq., Sylvia Smith-Turk, and David Fleck.

2. Inclusive Notary Practices

Truth be told, this workshop by Christina Hough was both eye-opening and heartwarming. It focused on how notaries can provide more inclusive service to neurodivergent individuals—those who may process and communicate differently due to conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. We explored advanced communication strategies that can create a respectful and comfortable experience for every signer. I am extremely grateful since I walked away with actionable techniques to ensure clarity and accessibility during appointments, as well as a deeper understanding of how inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a commitment as Public Officials to making our services welcoming for all.

3. The Role of the Apostille Agent

As someone who recently started offering apostille agent services, I was especially interested in this session. Judi Lawrence and Bill Soroka shared valuable insights into handling international document authentication with precision and professionalism. From understanding country-specific requirements to navigating Secretary of State processes efficiently, the workshop provided practical tips that will directly improve the quality and reliability of my apostille work. What an honor to see my mentors present this master class live!

Overall, the 2025 NNA Conference left me feeling more connected to my profession and more committed than ever to excellence and ethical practice. I’m excited to apply these insights to my notary and apostille services—and even more excited to keep learning and growing. Until next year, NNA Convention!