RBMS 2026 is coming up June 23-26, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and online. Special collections and archives are evolving fast—new technologies, new audiences, new challenges. How do we make our voices heard, tell our stories, and secure the support we need? This year’s conference explores advocacy at every career stage, from speaking up as a newcomer to driving change as a leader. Join us to find inspiration, share strategies, and leave ready to amplify your impact.
The RBMS Conference Program Planning Committee enthusiastically invites you to contribute to an exploration of “Advocacy: Finding Your Voice.” Special collections and archives are transforming. Digitization, collaboration, expanded instruction, community engagement, and new approaches to stewardship are reshaping how we work and who we reach. In this moment of change, advocacy is more important than ever.
The committee invites proposals that explore advocacy in all its dimensions. How do you raise awareness, build support, or create change? What strategies help you amplify your voice—or the voices of others? How do you engage your communities, connect with donors, or make your case to decision-makers? Proposals that share successes, challenges, and lessons learned are also welcome. Together, we’ll explore how advocacy empowers us to move beyond sustaining our work to strengthening and reimagining it.
Join us in inspiring colleagues at every level to find their voice—and make it heard. The proposal deadline is December 12, 2025, and complete details are available on the conference website.
Publishing in the Archives Profession 