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 2025 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 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, and open on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. See the online program for a complete schedule, including receptions, Poster Presentations, and Exhibitor Mini-Theater Presentations.—Make your way to the SAA Foundation booth to get your professional headshot taken!

• SAA Career Services Commons - Drop-in Office Hours at the Annual Meeting: Hosted by SAA's Membership Committee, the Career Services Commons provides services and support for job seekers. Volunteers will be available at the Annual Meeting for office hours. Ask a question about your resume, an upcoming interview, your job search, or career development. Visitors will be assisted in-person on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Monday, August 25: 8:00 am - 11:00 am and/or 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

  • Tuesday, August 26: 8:00 am - 11:00 am and/or 5:00 - 7:00 pm 

  • Wednesday, August 27: 8:00 am - 11:00 am and/or  2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

• Attending virtually only? Whova is the conference platform that SAA will utilize for the 2025 Annual Meeting. Whova uses Zoom to cast events on the platform. Hybrid and virtual only events are accessible to all attendees via Whova. New this year, all in-person only sessions and forums will be live streamed! All our sessions will be available for all our attendees at the conference—whether in-person or online—as well as through recordings after the conference on our conference app. You can view the online schedule to see which sessions are being live streamed and recorded here. Please note that a few sessions have opted out of being recorded or live-streamed.

• SAA Group Meetings: SAA will host a variety of events and governance activities virtually in July and August prior to the 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. 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!

• All-Member / First Timer Coffee Break: All attendees are welcome to join representatives of SAA’s Membership Committee, Key Contact Program, Council, Foundation Board, and staff for a casual conversation about how to make the most of your time at the conference. Join us on Monday, August 25, 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. Apply by July 30! 

• 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 2025 Program Committee for presentation as session 603 Emerging Voices in Archives (Tuesday, August 26, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM PDT). Graduate student posters will be on display during Exhibit Hall hours and on the conference platform. Attendees can view the posters on their own schedule, as well as have informal, one-on-one conversations with the presenters at a set time during the meeting, see the online schedule.

• 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 Tuesday, August 26th, see the online schedule.