What Really Happened at the 2026 NNA Conference in Orlando 👀
- Amber Gist
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
There’s something special about being in a room full of people who truly understand your journey. The 2026 NNA Conference in Orlando, Florida was exactly that for me, inspiring, energizing, educational, and honestly just a really good time.
This year, I attended the conference wearing multiple hats: speaker, supporter, learner, mentor, and proud notary entrepreneur. From teaching classes to connecting with peers, celebrating wins, and learning new strategies, this conference reminded me exactly why investing in yourself and your business matters so much.
And let me just say this first…
“The Notary Business Playbook” Officially Sold Out in 7 Days 🎉
One of the biggest highlights of the conference was officially debuting my brand-new book, The Notary Business Playbook.
Seeing so many notaries excited to grab a copy was surreal. What made it even crazier? The book completely sold out in just 7 days.
Whew. I’m still processing that one.
The love and support truly meant everything to me. No worries though, more copies are on the way, and trust me, we’re just getting started.
As someone who started this journey simply wanting to help educate and empower notaries, having people walk up to me asking me to sign their books was a full-circle moment I’ll never forget.
Kicking Things Off in Tampa with the Build the Business Tour
Before even making it to Orlando, the week started in Tampa, Florida where I had the opportunity to teach at the Build the Business Tour with Melissa Battle Saunders.
That event was already setting the tone for an incredible week. The energy in the room was amazing, and it was powerful connecting with ambitious notaries ready to grow and level up their businesses.
After the event wrapped, Melissa and I hit the road and drove to Orlando for the NNA festivities. The second we arrived, we were immediately met with excitement, laughter, and good vibes.
The NNA Kickoff Event and a BIG Win
The kickoff event was the perfect way to start the conference weekend. Everyone gathered together to connect, snack, network, and celebrate the profession.
One of the biggest moments of the evening was the announcement of the 2026 NNA Influencer of the Year Award.
And honestly… no surprise here.
Melissa Battle Saunders of Notarizing Tampa took home the award, and it was so well deserved. Watching someone you genuinely respect get recognized for their hard work and impact was an amazing moment to witness in person.
The “Old Lady Dinner Party” That Had the Resort Confused 😂
Now listen…
After the kickoff event, the Notary Training Hub crew decided it was time to have a little fun.
We hosted what we called the “Old Lady Dinner Party.”
Yes, you read that correctly.
We dressed up as elderly women and men, fully committed to the theme, and paraded around the resort turning heads and confusing everybody in sight. We laughed until our stomachs hurt, took hilarious photos, had dinner together, and honestly just enjoyed being present in the moment.
Sometimes conferences are not only about business. They’re also about building memories and friendships with people who understand the entrepreneurial journey.
But eventually, the fun had to pause because the next day… it was time to get serious.
Teaching “Apostille Authority” Two Days in a Row
One of the greatest honors I had during the conference was teaching my session, Apostille Authority, not once, but two days in a row.
Both sessions were packed with notaries eager to learn how to expand their services and build additional income streams through apostille work.
During the class, we discussed:
Understanding the apostille process
How to position yourself as an apostille specialist
Building relationships and credibility
Marketing apostille services effectively
Avoiding common mistakes notaries make in this niche
Creating systems that make the process smoother for clients
One of my favorite moments was being able to gift two notary business owners copies of The Notary Business Playbook. Watching their excitement reminded me why I love teaching so much.
Education changes lives. Period.
Sharing My Expertise on Social Media Branding
In addition to teaching, I also had the opportunity to speak on a panel where I shared my experience growing a brand through social media.
We talked about:
Building visibility online
Creating content that actually connects
Establishing trust and authority
Showing up consistently
Turning followers into customers and community
I always tell people this: social media is more than trends and pretty graphics. It’s relationship building. People connect with people before they ever connect with products or services.
Being able to pour into other business owners through that conversation was incredibly rewarding.
Learning Never Stops
One thing I truly love about conferences is that no matter how much experience you have, there is always something new to learn.
After my morning class and panel, I attended Anna’s session on Advanced AI for Notaries, and it was excellent. The ways AI is changing business operations, marketing, client communication, and productivity are honestly incredible.
I also spent time exploring the exhibitor hall, connecting with vendors, networking with attendees, and learning about tools and resources designed to help notaries grow more efficiently.
Some of my favorite learning sessions included:
Living Trusts
Mastering ID Verification
Medical Facility Notarizations
Every class offered practical insight that notaries can immediately apply in the real world.
Why In-Person Learning Still Matters
As much as we love online education, there’s something different about being in the room.
In-person learning creates:
Real connection
Immediate collaboration
Hands-on discussion
Networking opportunities
Shared experiences
Accountability and inspiration
Sometimes one conversation at a conference can completely change the direction of your business.
There’s power in proximity.
Being surrounded by motivated, driven entrepreneurs reminds you that growth is possible for you too.
Judge Glenda Hatchett’s Inspiring Keynote
The next morning during breakfast, we had the opportunity to hear from keynote speaker Judge Glenda Hatchett.
Her story was powerful, authentic, and deeply inspiring. She challenged everyone in the room to stop limiting themselves and pursue the things they truly believe they can accomplish.
Honestly, it was one of those speeches that sticks with you long after the conference ends.
More Learning, Interviews, Content, and Community
The second day was packed.
I attended additional marketing classes, recorded content, conducted interviews, connected with attendees, and taught my second Apostille Authority session.
Later, I attended a special luncheon for NNA Ambassadors where we had another opportunity to connect, share ideas, and continue building community.
Moments like that remind me how important collaboration is in this industry.
The Gala and the BIG 2027 Announcement
The conference wrapped up with the annual gala, and everybody showed up looking GOOD.
We dressed up, enjoyed dinner, celebrated accomplishments, danced, laughed, and waited for the big announcement everyone had been anticipating…
The 2027 NNA Conference location.
And next year…
We’re headed to Hollywood, California.
I already know it’s going to be an unforgettable experience, and I honestly cannot wait to see the Notary Training Hub community represent even bigger next year.
Final Thoughts: Is the NNA Conference Worth It?
Absolutely.
The people, the learning, the networking, the inspiration, the opportunities, and yes… the vibe, all checked out.
If you’ve ever been on the fence about attending the NNA Conference, let this be your sign to go.
Investing in yourself and your business will always pay you back in ways you don’t expect.
This conference reminded me that growth happens when you put yourself in rooms that challenge you, inspire you, and stretch your vision bigger.
I left Orlando feeling grateful, motivated, and even more excited about the future of this industry and the amazing community we’re building through Notary Training Hub.
And next year?
We’re taking Hollywood.
See you at the 2027 NNA Conference.
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