We understand that being a new member of an organization, or attending a large conference for the first time, can be a daunting experience. That’s why we provide a variety of opportunities and programs that can help you survive — and thrive! — at ARCHIVES 2015 and beyond….
Whether you’re a first-time attendee, an archives student or new professional, or a new member of SAA, here are some tips for navigating the conference:
Education Sessions: All conference registrants are welcome to attend any education session and to move between sessions. A name badge is required for admission to all sessions and events.
SAA Appointed Group Meetings: All SAA members are welcome to attend Council, board, committee, working group, and task force meetings. Please announce yourself to the chair upon entering the meeting room and take a seat on the perimeter of the room. It is the chair’s prerogative to acknowledge those who wish to speak, and the chair may call for an executive session should a confidential matter be considered. Visitors leave the room during executive sessions.
Section and Roundtable Meetings: All conference registrants are welcome to attend any SAA section or roundtable meeting. Only section and roundtable members may vote on matters brought before the group.
Students and New Archives Professionals Roundtable: SAA’s “SNAP” Roundtable was founded in 2012 “to advocate for students, interns, new professionals, early-career project archivists, and archivists who are still looking for their first professional jobs.” Attending the SNAP meeting is a great way to start your conference experience! (Wednesday, August 19, 5:00 – 7:00 pm)
New Member/First-Timer Orientation: All attendees are welcome to join representatives of SAA’s Membership Committee, Key Contact Program, Council, and staff for a casual conversation about how to make the most of your time at the conference. Join us for coffee in the Networking Café and Bookstore to get your day started. (Thursday, August 20, 8:00 – 8:45 am)
Networking Café: Throughout the conference, visit the Career Center in the Networking Café to learn about current employment vacancies or consult with a career advisor. Attend the Mentoring Program Meet-and-Greet to meet with program coordinators and/or to apply to be a protégé (SAA membership required). For additional details and times (including how to make an appointment in advance to meet with a volunteer career advisor), see the online schedule.
Navigator Program: SAA’s Women Archivists Roundtable and Membership Committee sponsor the Navigator Program, which matches conference veterans with first-time attendees. This informal outreach effort helps newcomers make the most of their time at the conference. Navigators share their experience, advise you on sessions and special events that are likely to suit your interests, and facilitate networking with other attendees. Navigators typically contact participants prior to the meeting and are encouraged to answer questions by email in advance. They will also arrange to meet you in person at the conference. All attendees are welcome to request a navigator or volunteer to serve in this important role. Please complete the Navigator Program Sign-Up form to indicate your interest. For more information: navigator@archivists.org. You’ll be contacted in mid- July and matched with a partner. Deadline to request a navigator: July 3.
“Lunch Buddy” Program: Launched in 2012 by SAA’s Students and New Archives Professionals (SNAP) Roundtable, the Lunch Buddy program facilitates networking and connections between new and established members. The voluntary program uses a Google Drive-based spreadsheet to set up a meal or meet-up that one person is willing to “lead.” The leader selects a place and time for lunch (or dinner or happy hour) and acts as the point of contact for the meal. Interested attendees add their names to the list. For more information, or to sign up to be a “host” or attendee: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EFntzlg-kjVHBFQnrRNykL2pTrs7dXJdo5r05JTc2nE/edit?pli=1#gid=1
Student Poster and Paper Presentations: Graduate students have two opportunities to present their work. Three student paper presentations were selected from among many outstanding proposals by the Student Program Subcommittee of the 2015 Program Committee for presentation as Session 609 (Saturday, August 22, 8:30 – 9:45 am). Graduate student poster presentations will be on display during Exhibit Hall hours on Thursday, August 20, and Friday, August 21.
Student Chapter Leaders Meeting: Plans are underway to bring together the leaders of SAA’s student chapters for an informal exchange of ideas about managing their chapters, raising funds, and engaging students. Stay tuned to the conference website for more information. (Thursday, August 20, 3:30 – 5:00 pm)
Alumni Mixers: Many graduate education programs sponsor mixers during the conference. Take this chance to mix and mingle with alumni from your education institution. The schedule will be posted on the conference website as plans are made; for a complete list of mixers, see the Onsite Program and mobile app. (Friday, August 21, 7:30 – 9:30 pm)