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 to help you survive—and thrive!—at ARCHIVES * RECORDS 2023 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 in person sessions and events. You will receive access to all recorded sessions after the conference.

• The Expo Hall: In the Expo Hall, you’ll have an unparalleled opportunity to talk with our industry partners, share your ideas and opinions, and learn about what’s new in the field. What products and services do you need to ensure sustainability and access? Tell our exhibitors! And be sure to stop by the Professional and Graduate Student Poster Presentations, where you’ll learn about what’s next! The Grand Opening of the Expo Hall is from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, and open on Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET. See the online program for a complete schedule, including receptions, Poster Presentations, and Exhibitor Mini-Theater Presentations.

• Attending virtually only? Whova is the conference platform that SAA + CoSA will utilize for the 2023 Joint Annual Meeting. Whova uses Zoom to cast events on the platform. Hybrid and virtual only session and events are accessible to all attendees via Whova. Recorded sessions (including those that are in-person only) and events will be available on the platform after the conference. 

• SAA Group Meetings: SAA will host a variety of events and governance activities virtually in June and July prior to the Joint Annual Meeting, including the SAA Research Forum, SAA Section meetings, and appointed group (i.e., committee, board, and task force) meetings. These are free to attend. An RSVP is required for Zoom security.

• 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 kick-off your conference experience!

• 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 on Thursday, July 27, for coffee to get your day started.

• Navigator Program: The SAA Membership Committee sponsors 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 (https://www2.archivists.org/am2023/attend/navigator-program) to indicate your interest. 

• “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 program 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 help those with limited or no travel funding 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. Four student paper presentations were selected from among many outstanding proposals by the Student Program Subcommittee of the 2023 Program Committee for presentation as Session 604: Emerging Voices in Archives (Friday, July 28). Graduate student poster presentations will be on display during Exhibit Hall hours on Thursday, July 27, and Friday, July 28, and on the conference platform.

• 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 taking place Friday, July 28, see the online schedule.