New England Archivists (NEA) invites submission of session proposals for our Spring Meeting to be held March 19 - March 21, 2026 in Portland, Maine.
The deadline for proposals is July 30, 2025.
In the spirit of our host state, Maine’s motto, Dirigo—meaning “I lead” or “I direct,” we’re discussing how we, as archives and cultural heritage workers, can respond to the times and build a more resilient profession and field. What are our roles in this current moment? What are our institutions’ roles? And how does our work affect our social, political, and environmental realities? As we look to the future, we are called to consider: what are the most important challenges and opportunities in the archival field on the horizon?
Possible session types
Standard presentations
Two or three speakers present on a common theme. May include a moderator to steer discussion and/or introduce speakers and theme.
Open forum
Topical discussion with moderator leading discussion with attendees. May include additional moderator(s) to direct breakout conversations.
Roundtable Discussion
Three or four participants make very brief remarks, then discuss a topic together. Includes a moderator to steer discussion.
Pechakucha
Each presentation consists of 20 slides or images displayed for 20 seconds each, with comment, and lasts 6 minutes and 40 seconds. Highest number of presenters possible is 12, fewer if leaving time for questions.
Lightning Talks
Like PechaKucha, but without a set format. May or may not include slides or images. Presentations may be from 3 to 10 minutes long, with a number of presenters depending on time allotted for each.
Debate
Moderator announces the topic, and two other individuals debate.
Note: standard AV (a projector and screen) will be provided for each session. Presenters are expected to provide a laptop for connecting to the projector, as well as any additional audiovisual equipment needs.
Special call for student proposals!
The NEA Programming Committee will be hosting a special session dedicated to highlighting graduate student work. Presentations will be in lightning talk format with each presentation lasting no more than 10 minutes.
We encourage students to submit proposals related to research, student work, archival internships/jobs, and other archival intersections. The committee will review proposals from current master’s and doctoral students through July 30, 2025.
Collaboration
To facilitate collaboration, the Spring 2026 Program Committee has created a space for NEA members to develop session proposals together
Please use this space to connect with your colleagues about potential session topics and formats. This collaborative space will be accessible until the deadline for proposals, July 30, 2025.
Proposal submission
To submit a general proposal, complete the form here. To submit a student proposal, complete the form here.
Please note that proposed sessions involving fewer than three presenters and/or covering overlapping topics may be grouped together.
All submissions will be acknowledged by the Program Committee. If your proposal is selected, your acknowledgment will include instructions about next steps. All presenters are required to register for the conference upon acceptance, at the early-bird rate, and to fund their own travel expenses.
Scholarships and awards
Meeting and travel scholarships are available through NEA for those in need. Details may be found on the NEA website:
Please also refer to the following pages for specific details on:
Accessibility and code of conduct
NEA is committed to making the Spring 2026 Meeting welcoming and accessible to all presenters and attendees. NEA will provide presenters guidelines to ensure that their presentations meet current accessibility guidelines to the best of their ability. Presenters are also required to abide by the NEA Code of Conduct.
If you will need specific accommodations, such as interpretive services, to support your participation in this event, please contact the program co-chairs, Sarah Shepherd and Laura Taylor.
