Conference Education Program Information

Pre-conference Education Program

Three seminars will be offered, providing an excellent opportunity for in-depth study. One-and-two day workshops are offered- on Saturday and Sunday October 18-19 prior to the start of the conference. These interactive programs are typically more hands-on than the conference education sessions and are an ideal way to develop new skills or gain new perspectives. CRM points are awarded for attendance. These seminars are taught by records and information managers, university professors, and industry experts. Seating is limited, so register early for the seminar of your choice. Registration and additional fees required.

Conference Education Programs

More than 85 offerings provide attendees with a vast array of topics from which to choose. Programs vary from large general-topic sessions to smaller special-interest case studies.  Whether it's a large session or a small, interactive panel, these educational programs provide current, relevant information on important records and information issues. Taught by records and information managers and industry experts, these sessions are designed to meet the needs of managers of records and information and provide quality educational experiences.

Sessions, which are either 1 1/2 or 3 hours, integrate presentations with discussions and interactive exercises on general to specific topics. They provide practical information on a particular topic emphasizing its application on the job.  Sessions are available at all experience levels in order to meet various training needs. 

Poster Sessions showcase speculative, late-breaking research and introduce interesting, innovative topics. These highly interactive sessions allow facilitators and participants to engage in one-on-one and small group discussions about the content presented.

Competency Domains (Education Tracks)

Sessions are arranged according to six domains, which are the general topic categories identified in the ARMA International Competency Model.  Competencies are the knowledge and skills required for individuals to succeed at various levels within the profession. Learn more about each track below.

Domain Legend:   

Information Technology: 

Business Functions:  This domain pertains to the knowledge and skills necessary to administer, implement, or maintain the non-RIM specific functions an organization performs, or needs to perform, to achieve its objectives. Examples of business functions include the supervision of RIM staff, budgeting, providing customer service, identifying and mapping work processes, providing input to management, and strategic planning.

Communications and Marketing:  This domain pertains to the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively exchange thoughts, messages, or information by speech, writing, or behavior and to effectively champion the benefits of a RIM program within an organization. The Communications and Marketing domain is vital to developing successful business relationships to maximize RIM support and compliance, and promote the value of RIM principles and best practices.

Information Technology: This domain pertains to the knowledge and skills necessary to develop, maintain, and use information processing systems, software applications, and supporting hardware and networks for the processing and distribution of data. Examples of information technology tasks in this context include the RIM software application selection process, reprographics and imaging equipment, establishing requirements for IT related to managing electronic repositories, and the identification of emerging technologies. As RIM is operating in an increasingly electronic and digital environment, appropriate knowledge and skills in relevant aspects of information technology are critical for RIM professionals at all competency levels.

Leadership Skills:  This domain pertains to the knowledge and skills necessary to motivate groups of people toward the achievement of the RIM program goals within the context of the organization's overall goals. Effective leaders must positively influence others by using leadership skills such as guiding, motivating, and mentoring; and interpersonal skills such as empathy and sensitivity.

Risk Management:  This domain pertains to the knowledge and skills necessary to proactively mitigate and manage the potential for damage to or loss of records and information. Two risk management components–risk analysis, which identifies the probabilities that records and information will be damaged or lost, and risk assessment, which examines known or anticipated risk to records and information–are key concepts to systematically controlling the level of risk exposure of an organization. Additional risk management components from an operational perspective are business continuity and disaster preparedness and recovery.

RIM Practices:  This domain pertains to the knowledge and skills required to systematically manage records and information from creation or receipt through processing, distribution, organization, storage and retrieval, and ultimate disposition. Information is a vital organizational resource, and organizations depend on accurate, readily available information to assist in management decision-making, provide litigation support, improve organizational efficiency, document compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements, and to provide historical reference.

Experience Levels:

Identifies the recommended level of experience for participation in an education program. ARMA education is divided into four levels. The following describes the RIM practitioner at these levels.

• Level 1: This level RIM practitioner is defined as an entry-level position in the RIM profession, with no prior experience in RIM required. Participants in the field at this level should be acquiring basic, foundational knowledge and skills for the RIM field and have a basic understanding of what records and information management is. Level 1 may or may not have an undergraduate degree or work experience in another field, but generally has no specific skill sets in RIM.
• Level 2: This level RIM practitioner have prior RIM knowledge, skill sets and experience. In addition, this person may be developing specialty skills (analysis, audit, warehousing, and application technologist), understands more than the basic techniques and technologies, have managed or developed records management projects, and knowledge of information management lifecycle concepts. In some cases, the individual may also have experience supervising other RIM staff.
• Level 3: This level RIM practitioner is a seasoned practitioner who has worked at the enterprise level of an organization and possesses extensive knowledge of the design, creation, implementation, and management of a records management program and staff. This practitioner looks to high-level experts for best practices, advanced techniques, or technology innovations to grow in the field.
• Level 4: This level RIM practitioner is at the executive level, making strategic decisions, collaborating with organizational executive management and giving enterprise direction to RIM program staff and program users. Practitioners at this level may hold a master's degree and appropriate certifications. For personal growth, continuing education focuses on business strategy, change management, business policies, leading teams, and collaborations and partnerships.