Frequently Asked Questions: Submitting a Section-Led Session Proposal

What is the Section-Led Track?
The Section-Led Track is a special track of education sessions at the 90th Annual Meeting designed to amplify programming developed by official SAA sections, highlight shared areas of practice, and encourage cross-section  collaboration within the ARCHIVES*RECORDS 2026 program.

What are the duties of a session chair? How do you choose one?

The chair is the person who submits the proposal and serves as the point of contact for that session through the conference. (Note: In past years the session proposer could be an individual other than the chair. Due to software limitations, the presumed chair must submit the proposal.)

The chair must be willing to: 

• Implement any changes that the Program Committee requests.
• Keep information flowing to session speakers and ensure that everyone completes required releases.
• Approve the session description and roster that appear in the online and print programs.
• Notify the Conference Office right away if there are changes to the session description or roster.
• Connect the speakers in advance of the conference to ensure a coordinated program.
• Take charge of the session as it is presented, making sure that the speakers are introduced and that they stay on topic and on time.

Selection of the chair is the responsibility of the persons creating the session. If there are only two participants in a session, one of them must be designated as the chair (and point of contact), or a third individual who is familiar with your topic may serve as chair. Depending on the session format, the chair might also serve as moderator or commentator.

Must all speakers be archivists or records managers?

No. Although the audience for education sessions at the Annual Meeting comprises archivists and records managers, we know that we have much to learn from individuals with other education, expertise, and perspectives.

How many sessions will be selected for this track?
Five (5) Section-Led sessions will be selected by the Program Committee and scheduled alongside regular concurrent education sessions.

Who may submit a proposal?
Only official SAA sections may submit proposals, and each must be submitted by a member of section leadership. Proposals must involve at least two sections in collaboration. Each section may participate in only one Section-Led session proposal.

May a section submit more than one proposal?
No—each section may participate in only one proposal for this track to maximize broad section representation.

Can a section submit a business meeting or internal gathering?
No—proposals must be educational and broadly relevant to the profession. Section business meetings or internal gatherings are not eligible for this track (these may continue separately outside the Annual Meeting program).

What should a Section-Led Track proposal include?
Proposals must include:

• A clear session title.
• An abstract describing session content.
• A presenter list.
• Clearly articulated learning objectives.

These elements should align with the standard Call for Program Proposals

format.

What session formats are allowed?
Proposal formats may include:

• Panel presentations (3–5 speakers with moderator).
• Lightning talks (5–6 rapid presentations).
• Alternative or interactive formats (world café, fishbowl, debate, experiential formats, etc.).

You are encouraged to be creative, but proposals must specify how the chosen format enhances learning.

Do sessions need to follow specific time requirements?
Yes—all Section-Led sessions must conform to the standard Annual Meeting session lengths (60 or 75 minutes) and be in-person only.

Do individual presenters need to register?
Yes—archivists and records administrators participating in the program must register and secure their own funding. Complimentary registration may be considered for certain participants whose roles are outside the profession or outside the US and Canada. SAA does not provide speaker funding.

Can an individual be a speaker on more than one session? Or a speaker on one session and also a moderator or commentator on another session?

No. To ensure the broadest possible participation in the conference program, the Program Committee has decided that individuals may speak on only one session—regardless of the session format or their role on the session. This includes professional posters. 

You may be included in more than one session proposal. If both (or all) are accepted, you will have to select one presentation to participate in and excuse yourself from the other(s). 

If one presenter appears on two proposals, will this automatically result in rejection of both proposals?

No. If an individual’s name appears on more than one accepted session, the Program Committee will work with the chairs of the two sessions and the speaker to ensure that an appropriate substitution is made.

Still have a question? Contact the Conference Office at conference@archivists.org.