Fall 2026 Virtual Conference
Archives Adapting to a Changing World
October 28-30, 2026

Call for Session Proposals

The Program Committee for the Fall 2026 Virtual Meeting is formally opening the call for proposals. Please submit proposals via the submission form with a word count of 150-200 words by Friday, May 29, 2026.

The Committee invites sessions that examine archives adapting in a changing world. Many of us are experiencing a changing work environment such as reduced staffing and budgets, changing expectations, closed programs, and/or added responsibility.  Below are topic suggestions, however we invite your original ideas!

  • Collaboration and developing relationships with other organizations to make the most of limited resources (how to make it happen)
  • Grant planning and writing in a changing environment
  • How to leverage volunteers and interns
  • Survival skills for lone arrangers and smaller archive organizations - grassroots collecting, processing, and digitization project planning
  • Foundation and resources for underrepresented community archives, including best practices for start up oral history projects (oral history 101)
  • Environmental and workplace impacts of evolving technology such as AI, chatGTP, data centers
  • Advocating for your archive

The Program Committee is committed to incorporating diverse perspectives within the program and across the entire conference. Session proposals should reflect varied personal and professional experiences, including individual, institutional, and geographic diversity. The Program Committee is also interested in supporting a range of session types, including panel presentation or discussions, lightning talks, mini-workshops, case studies, and birds of a feather. 

Any questions, please contact the Program Committee co-chairs at [email protected].

Registration

Registration will open in mid-September.

MARAC Member: $40.00
MARAC Student Member: free
Non-member: $55.00
Non-member Student: $10.00

Questions? Visit MARAC's Registration FAQ or contact Sara Predmore at [email protected].  

Vendors

Vendors will have the opportunity to sponsor sessions or reserve a slot to make a pitch, perform a demonstration, or hold office hours for questions and answers. Questions? Contact the MARAC Vendor Coordinator, Nick Zmijewski, at [email protected].

Contact the Meeting Planners

Email [email protected] to reach the meeting planning committee.

Virtual Meetings Coordinator: Scott Keefer (Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul)

Virtual Meeting Co-Chairs: Melissa Davis (George C. Marshall Foundation), Jen Gathings (University of Maryland), Darby Nisbett Schini (Maryland State Archives), and Meredith Sproull (Carnegie Library of Homestead)