The 2026 Program Committee invites session proposals encompassing presentations, posters, interest groups, skill labs, and demonstrations on a broad spectrum of archival work as we take it back to the basics. Presentations will examine how archivists accomplish their work while strengthening relationships, funding, and preserving collections - how do we leverage existing tools, workflows, and archival community connections? 

While proposals on all aspects of archival practice and research will be considered, the Program Committee is especially interested in the following key topics:

• Physical and Digital preservation policy

• Collections security

• Incorporating technology into workflows & systems analysis

• Advocacy

• AI & the archives

• Assessment

The committee welcomes proposals from anyone involved with archives, including archival staff and volunteers, students, new professionals, community organizers, researchers, and allied professionals. 

Session Types:

• 50-minute mini workshops - A mini workshop on topics of interest that includes concrete practical tools and lessons for a smaller group of attendees. 

• 50-minute working group/interest group - For working groups, facilitators and up to 5-7 discussants grapple with a shared concern. Before and during the meeting, working groups articulate a purpose they are working toward or a problem they are actively trying to solve. Proposals are submitted by facilitators, who will confirm discussants after acceptance. For interest groups, facilitators determine a topic of interest to host a structured discussion forum where attendees can engage in open-ended discussions, share ideas, and debate issues related to the topic of choice.

• 50-minute panel (2-5 presenters) - A complete session made up of formal presentations coordinated around a single theme.

• 25-minute skills lab, tutorial, or case study (1-3 presenters) - Show attendees how to use or apply a specific tool, technique, workflow, or concept. Visual aids and/or handouts are encouraged. 

• 7-minute “Lightning Talk” (1-2 presenters) - Briefly highlight recent projects, works in progress, or ideas for future collaboration.

• Poster Session - Briefly highlight recent projects, works in progress, or ideas for future collaboration.
  
  

Proposals can be submitted through the online submission form. The deadline for proposal submissions is July 10, 2026.  

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Questions or need more information? Email localarrangements@soga.org

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Want to donate? Support a scholarship fund

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2026 Annual Meeting Planning Team:

Virginia Blake
2026 Local Arrangements Committee Chair
localarrangements@soga.org