ARMA 2003: Boston: converging technology, knowledge, business, and information management; today's business challenges demand real-world information management solutions.

• Position: Special section

The world of records and information management (RIM) is changing so rapidly the traditional solutions are no longer effective or appropriate. New standards and regulations have emerged, making the management of records and information in organizations large and small, public and private, a much more challenging task.

Gain the Edge You Need to Succeed at ARMA 2003: boston

Organizations increasingly are seeking answers and solutions to the challenges of managing their electronic records. ARMA International's 48th Annual Conference and Expo--to be held October 19-22 in Boston--will feature more than 75 educational sessions, many of which will focus on two key aspects of electronic records management: e-records technology and solutions deployment.

Several of this year's sessions address the many facets of electronic records management. Sample topics include:

* E-mail Accountability and Compliance: Issues, Trends, and Alternatives

* Understanding Obstacles to Effective Electronic Records Management

* Preserving Electronic Records: Research Findings and Practical Approaches

* Electronic Records Management: A Step by-Step Approach

* Enterprise ERM: A Bold New Strategy

* European Strategic Initiatives and Adoption of Electronic Records Management

* From the E-mail Server to the Courtroom: Controlling the Electronic Risk

* Scared Straight: E-mail Retention and the Law

In addition there will be numerous sessions on topics such as

* starting a records management program from scratch

* XML for records managers

* implementing ISO 15489

That's just to name a few. Several sessions also will offer Canadian, European, and Australian perspectives on RIM topics--invaluable insight for every RIM professional working in today's increasingly global marketplace. Don't forget to check out the preconference programs, which include special tracks on RIM fundamentals and RIM legal issues. There is also a post-conference track discussing RIM issues in the financial serivices industry.

Continue your educational experience on the Expo floor, where you'll discover the hottest RIM tools and services being offered today. More than 150 vendors of RIM products and services will showcase their solutions and newest releases.

Expo attendees will find a broader range of exhibitors at this year's show. Two information management related organizations--KMPro Society and Disaster Recovery Institute--will be holding meetings in conjunction with the conference and expo. This means more exhibitors displaying knowledge management and disaster recovery-related products and services, which will benefit all RIM professionals in attendance. This is just one more reason the ARMA International Expo is the premier international RIM event!

Regardless of whether you're new to the field or a seasoned veteran, this year's program has something for you. Only at this year's conference will you be able to learn first hand from the lessons of other experienced RIM professionals, allowing you to solve your organization's RIM challenges faster and more efficiently.

The ARMA 2003 Conference and Expo is the best way to help you gain and maintain the edge needed to succeed and to help your organization stay competitive in today's rapidly changing environment.

keynote speakers

Beginning with the preconference sessions and throughout the conference, you will have the opportunity to learn from leaders in the records and information management profession.

Two extraordinary keynote speakers are among the experts that will give you valuable insight into how technology, knowledge, business, and information management are converging to improve the profession.

Information Challenges in the New FBI

William L. Hooton, Deputy Executive Assistant Director, Office of Records Management, Federal Bureau of Investigation

Monday October 20

8:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m.

When the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) discovered it had neglected to turn over 3,000 plus pages of records to the defense lawyers for Timothy McVeigh, it got a big wake-up call The agency needed serious help with its records management program. Enter William Hooton, the agency's new director of records management. Hooton, who helped introduce digital imaging to the Internal Revenue Service in the 1970s and to the National Records and Archives Administration in the 1980s, has been responsible for modernizing the FBI's records management program by leading the newly established Records Management Division. Since his initial appointment, Hooton has been promoted to the position of Deputy Executive Assistant Director with the additional responsibilities of rebuilding and managing the Information Resources Division and building a new division to manage all major projects within the FBI.

Instant Messaging--The New Record

Francis deSouza, CEO, IMlogic Inc.

Wednesday October 22

1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

If you think managing e-mail is a challenge, you'll want to learn more about the next big communications technology--instant messaging, or IM. These words may bring images of AOL "buddies" to mind but the reality is that few applications, with the possible exception of e-mail, have caught on as rapidly as IM. There is an enormous promise for the use of IM as a business tool because the technology can speed communications, foster collaboration, and reduce the amount of e-mail in our inboxes. But how do we deal with it as a record? Concerns about IM center around the difficulty of controlling it and how to manage security and compliance requirements within organizations that use it. deSouza, founder and CEO of IMlogic Inc., will present real-life applications of IM as well as address the challenges and solutions of IM as a record.

conference registration

Full Registration: $825 Members $1,025 Non-members

One-Day Registration: $395 (Members and Non-members)

Preconference Seminars: $395 (Members and Non-members)

Postconference Seminar: $295 (Members and Non-members)

Preconference seminars will be held in the Boston Marriott Copley Place. Conference educational sessions and exposition will be held in the John B. Hynes Convention Center. Postconference seminar will be held at the Hilton Bay Back Hotel. Check http://expo.arma.org for session descriptions, full program details, and registration form.

All About Boston

Join ARMA in Boston this October to explore the future of the profession in a city where history and business converge.

Nikki Swartz

The birthplace of American history, Boston is equal parts colonial charm, high-tech sophistication, and educational Eden. The New England city was founded in 1630, 10 years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth. Today, the Boston area, with more than 3 million residents, is a thriving metropolis of medicine, high tech, finance, and education, with 50 colleges and universities. But it has not forgotten its past.

Much of this sea-faring city was created by extensive landfill operations that began in the early 1700s and continued into the 20th century. Due to the harbor city's small geographic size, visitors can easily get from one part of town to another on foot. In fact, Boston is often called "America's walking city." But, if you prefer to ride, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides excellent service to just about anywhere in the city. The "T" connects all major downtown points of interest as well as areas beyond the city's central district.

From historical haunts, walking trails, and renowned museums to...