Call for Papers
Would you like to be part of the IRMS Conference?
2026 call for contributions is now OPEN
Do you have a fresh perspective, a practical case study, or bold innovative ideas that could inspire the information and records management community? #IRMS26 is calling for insightful, thought-provoking and strictly brand-neutral independent submissions from professionals across the sector.
Whether you’re in the public or private sector, just starting your career or a seasoned practitioner, we want to hear from you! If your session can help others understand, innovate, or improve how information and records are managed, this is your platform!
We especially welcome ideas from new professionals, those from minority backgrounds and anyone who has not been a speaker at the IRMS Conference before.
Important Note for Vendors, Sponsors and Consultants
The IRMS Conference programme is built on independent, non-promotional content.
We do not accept submissions that:
- Promote products, services, or specific organisations.
- Include sales messages.
- Use branded slides, logos, or company names.
If you are a consultant or vendor who wishes to contribute in a personal or professional capacity, you must ensure that your submission:
- Is completely vendor-neutral in both content and delivery.
- Avoids company branding in slides (IRMS Conference template slides will be issued), spoken delivery, or attire.
- Focuses on sharing knowledge, insights, or research, not marketing.
- Includes an up to 60 second video overview of your content. This is used internally only. Videos will be deleted after the conference.
Submissions from consultants and vendors are welcome only if the session is presented in a fully neutral capacity and complies with the above conditions. If you are unsure, we strongly recommend you contact us prior to submitting.
We reserve the right to reject any submission that, in our view, includes promotional intent or bias. If you’re looking to promote a service, share a client success story, or showcase a solution, we offer a limited number of “Real Life Deployment” sessions within sponsor packages.
Please contact Deborah for details.
What We’re Looking For
We know there is a huge wealth of knowledge, creativity and experience across our community, and we are always amazed by the quality of submissions we receive. Every proposal is a reflection of the passion, commitment and expertise that makes this profession so special, and we are genuinely grateful for the time and thought that goes into each one.
When selecting sessions, our focus is on building a balanced and inspiring programme that showcases a wide variety of voices and experiences. We warmly welcome content that:
- Shares practical experiences or lessons learned from real-world implementation (without naming suppliers).
- Explores emerging trends, innovation, research, or regulation.
- Stimulates debate or inspires best practice.
- Reflects diversity of voice, background, career stage and sector.
- Includes transferable lessons and practical actions that delegates can take away and implement within their own organisations.
Together, all of these submissions help us to shape a conference that is thought-provoking, inclusive, and representative of the brilliant people in our community.
Speaker Benefits
All selected speakers will receive support in raising their profile amongst the community, including:
- A complimentary day pass for the day of your presentation.
- An exclusive discounted rate for the full conference package (available for up to two speakers per session).
- Promotion in our marketing campaigns. Your session, photo and biography will feature on the conference website, in delegate newsletters, and across our social media channels.
- A bespoke media card to help you easily share your session on your own social media and professional networks.
- Inclusion in pre-event publicity, from email campaigns to speaker spotlights, giving you visibility across the IRMS community and beyond.
- Professional recognition as a conference speaker, contributing to the thought leadership and knowledge-sharing that the IRMS Conference is known for.
The closing date for submissions is Friday 31st October 2025, and we aim to confirm accepted sessions in December 2025.
Conference Themes
The theme for IRMS Conference 2026 is “The Celtic Collection: Curating the Past, Navigating the Future.”
We are inviting submissions that connect to one (or more) of the following strands (3 submission maximum per person please). Each reflects a part of our profession’s heritage and future, while drawing inspiration from Celtic values of wisdom, order, and community.
Stewards of Structure: Tools for Governance, Records & Archives
Rooted in the Celtic reverence for order and meaning, this strand explores the systems and tools that underpin responsible information management. From platforms to governance frameworks, we focus on the day-to-day practices that enable professionals to organise, secure, and activate information with purpose and consistency.
The Living Code: ESG, Ethics & Accountability
In the spirit of Celtic respect for the natural world and collective responsibility, this strand dives into Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles as they apply to information. It covers building accountability into systems, automating retention and deletion, and aligning digital practices with ethical and sustainable values.
Woven Intelligence: AI, Ethics, Risk & Information Insight
Like Celtic knots that symbolise interconnectedness, today’s intelligent systems weave AI into every layer of information management. This strand examines not only the potential of AI for insight and efficiency, but also the ethical dilemmas and emerging risks. It’s about navigating complexity with awareness and intention.
The Inner Compass: Personal Skills for a Changing World
Inspired by Celtic journeys and inner wisdom, this strand supports the human side of information work. From leadership and communication to adaptability and resilience, sessions here will help you strengthen your internal compass—so you can lead others, navigate change, and grow with purpose.
Gathering Points: IRMS Content, Community & Collaboration
Reflecting the Celtic tradition of shared storytelling and collective knowledge, this strand is a space for updates from across the IRMS landscape. Expect practical sessions, emerging priorities, community insights, and timely updates—connecting members across disciplines, roles, and regions.
Before You Begin – Please Read Carefully
We’re proud to be known for delivering a high-quality, thought-provoking, and truly independent programme. Our delegates value the opportunity to hear from peers, practitioners, and experts across the sector – without feeling like they’re sitting through a sales pitch. This independence is one of the things that makes our event so trusted, and we’re committed to preserving it. To guarantee this independence, that’s why we apply clear and consistent guidelines. Please do not submit more than 3 proposals.
By submitting a session, you confirm that:
- Your content is independent
- You have read the supplier caveat
- You agree to submit your slides for review by the IRMS programme committee, who reserve the right to request changes or withdraw sessions that do not meet these criteria.
