Call for Proposals: Special Track for Section-Led Education Sessions

ARCHIVES * RECORDS 2026

 New Orleans, Louisiana

Submission Deadline: March 30, 2026

SAA welcomes proposals from SAA Sections for an all-new special track of education sessions at the 90th Annual Meeting, ARCHIVES * RECORDS 2026, Wednesday, July 29–Saturday, August 1, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana. This new track builds on SAA’s commitment to member-driven programming and, in lieu of Pop-Up Sessions, creates a more structured and visible opportunity for Sections to contribute educational content to the Annual Meeting program. Designed to amplify SAA Section expertise, highlight shared areas of practice, and encourage cross-Section collaboration, these sessions will be scheduled within the full concurrent program and listed alongside general education sessions—making it easy for attendees to discover and attend.

About the Section-Led Track

• Five (5) sessions will be selected by the Program Committee for this special track.
• Sessions will be in-person only and scheduled with the regular concurrent session tracks.
• Proposals must follow session length and format guidelines consistent with the Annual Meeting Program (60- or 75-minute sessions).

Who May Submit

Only official SAA Sections may submit proposals for this track, and submissions must be made by a member of the Section’s leadership. Proposals for this track must involve two or more Sections, with leadership from each participating section involved in and aware of the submission. Each Section may participate in one proposal for this track. This is to enable SAA to include as many sections as possible. Section leaders are encouraged to solicit ideas and collaborate with their broader membership to develop session concepts and abstracts. Proposals must:

• Be educational in content and suited to a broad audience of Annual Meeting attendees.
• Involve at least two different Sections.
• Not be a Section business meeting or an internal gathering; topics must be framed as learning opportunities for the wider profession. Section business meetings/gatherings will continue to occur virtually in the months leading up to the start of the Annual Meeting.
• Include a clear session title, abstract, presenter list, and learning objectives similar to the Call for Program Proposals. See submission form questions, here.
• Reflect SAA’s values of diversity, inclusion, and relevance to the archival and records profession, similar to the Call for Program Proposals

Session Formats

Sessions may follow typical formats outlined in the Call for Program Proposals, including:

• Panel Presentation. Session consisting of a panel of three to five individuals discussing or presenting theories or perspectives on a given topic. Session may consist of a series of prepared presentations or a moderated discussion and should include time for audience feedback. If giving prepared presentations, presentation titles should be provided and will be included in the program. A moderator is required (this role may be performed by the chair); a commentator is optional.
• Lightning Talks. Session consisting of five to six lively and informative 10-minute talks. The session chair secures commitments from speakers and compiles all presentation slides into one single presentation to ensure timely speaker transitions.
• Alternative Format. Don’t feel confined by the prescribed formats—suggest an alternative or create your own! Alternative format sessions may take a variety of forms. Examples include world café and fishbowl discussions. Propose a moderated debate offering opposing points of view, or an “experiential” format involving simulation, role play, or games to convey key principles and learning objectives. We welcome your creative ideas about how your topic might best be addressed! Proposals in this category must: 1) specify the format and session facilitator and 2) describe briefly how the format will enhance the presentation of the material. You may suggest up to four presenters for the session.

Your format choice will not affect the Program Committee’s decision. The Committee may, however, recommend the proposed format be changed if it believes that a different format may better serve the session’s learning objectives or desired audience.

Reminder for Proposal Submitters and Session Participants

Archivists and records administrators who participate in the program must register and secure institutional or personal funding. Participants whose employment does not involve performing, teaching, or managing any aspect of the archival or records administration function, or who are from outside the United States and Canada, may be eligible for complimentary registration upon request. SAA cannot provide funding for speakers, whether they are international, non-archivists, non-records administrators, members, or nonmembers.

Proposal Evaluation

The Program Committee will review proposals for:

• Clarity and relevance of the topic to Annual Meeting attendees.
• Strength and feasibility of the proposed session design.
• Evidence of broad appeal beyond individual Section membership.
• Effective collaboration among participating Sections, where applicable.
• Inclusion of diverse perspectives and representation.

Proposal Submission

Proposals for the Section-Led Education Sessions are due on Monday, March 30, 2025, 11:59 PM CST. The Program Committee will not consider proposals received after the deadline. 

Submission Form Forthcoming

Proposals must be submitted via the official Annual Meeting submission system.

See frequently asked questions (FAQs) https://www2.archivists.org/am2026/program/calls/section-led-track-faqs 

Inclusion in this track does not replace or preclude Sections from scheduling their own separate business meetings outside the education program.

Questions? Contact the Conference Office at conference@archivists.org.