Newcomers Information

Welcome!

If this is your first URMIA annual conference, we are excited to have you join us!

Read this Before Registering

Most importantly, tell us during online registration if this is your first time attending an URMIA annual conference. Then addto your "safe senders list" and watch your e-mail for invitations and additional communications.

Read on to explore these special welcome opportunities organized by the planning committee especially for newcomers.

Conference Ambassadors

We invite every newcomer to request a conference “buddy” who will get in touch with you before the conference to answer questions, meet up with you during your Newcomers Welcome & Orientation session, and introduce you to other URMIA members and attendees.

Experienced URMIA ambassadors are available for both in-person and virtual conference attendees. Watch your e-mail inbox for follow-up information.

Newcomers Welcome & Orientation

Never been to an URMIA virtual annual conference? We’ll jump-start the networking during our virtual welcome session. Join us to connect with URMIA leaders, staff, and other virtual attendees. You will learn more about URMIA benefits and resources, strategies for getting the most out of attending the annual conference virtually, and some short- and long-term opportunities to get more involved with URMIA. Did we mention prizes? We will have some special prizes that we’ll be giving away during the virtual session, too!

Participate in this event, and you might win one or more prizes! This lively, interactive event gives you an introduction to URMIA, tips for making the most of your time at the annual conference, and the opportunity to network with other newcomers and URMIA leaders. Those in Indianapolis will meet up with their conference ambassadors at this session and go together to the Opening Reception. To participate, indicate during online registration that you are a first-time attendee, and we will send you event details leading up to the conference.

Following this session, attendees will gather in the URMIA Community area of the conference venue for a chance to continue the networking and engage with our interactive stations.

President's Reception

We will send an e-mail invitation for this event around the middle of July and weekly thereafter to new first-time registrants. Respond "yes" when asked during online registration if this is your first URMIA annual conference. Then be sure to RSVP to your invitation ASAP.

Make sure your travel plans get you to the conference hotel by mid-afternoon on Saturday so you can check in to your room and conference registration before the reception.

Steps to a Great Experience

Explore the Schedule

Before you register, browse the full conference schedule to make sure you are familiar with events and activities, as some require prior registration. Click on the event title to see details, including the presenters, learning objectives, and core competencies covered. Use filter options to see events by type and competency, as well as which events are available to virtual attendees.

Make Your Case & Register Early

Whether you are planning to come to Indianapolis or are choosing the virtual option, check out our Justification Toolkit for help in determining your return on investment (ROI), composing a persuasive justification letter, mapping your professional development, and implementing new ideas after the conference.

Also, be sure to take advantage of the substantial early-bird discount available through July 15.

Get a Room

In-person Attendees

If you are attending the conference in Indianapolis, we strongly recommend that you book a room at the conference hotel to maximize your opportunities to connect with peers. You’ll be amazed at how many connections take place in hallways, elevators, fitness centers, and other common areas at the conference hotel. We have a room block with special pricing thru August 6.

Virtual Attendees

If you are part of a virtual attendee group, we encourage you to reserve a conference room on your campus or place of work where you can come to together to attend general sessions and perhaps share a meal.

Arrive on September 10

In-person Attendees

We recommend that you arrive at the conference hotel on Saturday, September 10, by mid-afternoon. This will make it possible for you to attend the Saturday evening President’s Reception - held in your honor by URMIA’s leadership - and a full day of networking activities on Sunday.

Volunteer to Make Connections

We encourage newcomers to participate in our URMIAcares community service project as well as respond to our Call for Volunteers. These are great ways to make new friends and network!