New Members, First-Timers, and Students!

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 * RECORDS 2018 and beyond.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee, an archives student or new professional, or a new member, 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. You will receive access to all recorded sessions on MP3 after the conference. Check the online schedule for sessions not being recorded. 

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.

SAA Section Meetings: All conference registrants are welcome to attend any SAA section meeting. Most groups host content and speakers related to their area of interest. Only section members may vote on business matters brought before the group.

Students and New Archives Professionals Section: SAA’s “SNAP” Section 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 15, 4:00–5:15 pm)

New Member/First-Timer Coffee Break: 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 to get your day started. (Thursday, August 16, 7:30–8:15 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 SAA 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 Section 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, email navigator@archivists.org. You’ll be contacted in mid-July and matched with a partner. Deadline to request a navigator: June 30.

“Lunch Buddy” Program: Launched in 2012 by SAA’s Students and New Archives Professionals (SNAP) Section, the Lunch Buddy program helps students, new archivists, and first-time Annual Meeting attendees to network with colleagues and mentors across SAA. Meet-ups are arranged by a volunteer coordinator who will serve as the point of contact, select the time and place, and identify an optional theme or topic for discussion. Anyone may coordinate or attend a Lunch Buddy meet-up, regardless of experience in the profession or meeting attendance. Please see SNAP's open Google Drive spreadsheet to volunteer as a coordinator, sign-up as an attendee for an existing meet-up, or learn more about the program.

Rideshare/Roomshare/Housing Program: This spreadsheet connects SNAP members and other conference attendees who may need to share rides to/from/during the conference or share lodging, and offers a space for those living in the conference area to offer a room in their home as a place for others to stay during the conference. These arrangements can help greatly reduce the overall costs of attending the conference and can increase the likelihood that students, early career professionals, job seekers, and others who have limited or no travel funding are able to attend. Anyone may add to the spreadsheet if they have a ride or room/roommate space to offer, or if they are seeking a ride, room, or roommate. Please see SNAP’s Google spreadsheet if you are seeking a ride/roommate or would like to share a ride or room with someone.

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 2018 Program Committee for presentation as Session 409 (Friday, August 17, 9:45–10:45 am). Graduate student poster presentations will be on display during Exhibit Hall hours on Thursday, August 16, and Friday, August 17.

SAA Student Chapter Leaders Meeting: This meeting brings together the leaders of SAA’s student chapters for a casual exchange of ideas about managing their chapters, raising funds, and engaging students. (Thursday, August 16, 4:15–5:30 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. For a complete list of mixers, see the online schedule. (Friday, August 17, 6:00–10:00 pm)