Newcomer Experience
Welcome to your first annual conference, we're excited you're here! Below is information for all newcomers about making the most of your time at the conference as well as some don't-miss opportunities to add to your experience.
Have questions about registration or programming? Check out these frequently asked questions pages.
Newcomers Welcome & Orientation
All Newcomer Attendees - September 22 | 2pm ET
Anyone attending their first URMIA annual conference - regardless of whether you are participating in Philadelphia or from home - is encouraged to attend our Newcomer Welcome Session. This lively, interactive Zoom event brings together URMIA's newcomers, leaders, and staff. It's an opportunity to learn strategies to get the most out of attending the conference and to meet other attendees who you can connect with throughout the event (and beyond). You'll leave this event with everything you need to know to make your conference experience awesome as well as some new friends in the higher ed risk management arena, and maybe even one of our special prizes!
In-Person Attendees - October 11 | 4:30pm ET
If you are coming to Philadelphia to attend your first URMIA conference, be sure to arrive early enough to join our bonus networking session for newcomers. We’ll continue the networking from our pre-conference newcomer session and provide tips for making the most of your time in Philadelhia. Learn from seasoned conference attendees how they have met fellow risk managers at the conferences and added them to their "support group" for tackling risk management challenges on campus. It wouldn't be an URMIA event if the session didn't include the opportunity to win some prizes. Come to this session to learn and maybe even start making plans for dinner options with other newcomers.
President's Reception
The Barnes Foundation - October 10 | 6pm ET (invitation-only event)
All first-time attendees will receive an invitation to this event. Respond "yes" when you are registering for the conference that this is your first URMIA annual conference and then be sure to RSVP to your invitation.
Newcomers are invited to our President's Reception, designed to introduce you to the organization's leaders and fellow newcomers. Guests will enjoy access to world-class art, elegant gallery spaces, and a distinctive cultural atmosphere in addition to networking with your risk management and insurance peers.
Meet & Greet Dinners
You may have noticed on the schedule that there are no scheduled events for dinner on Monday. Several companies in attendance will host events that night, and you may receive an invitation to those. Our Meet & Greet dinners are another option, especially if you are traveling alone, to sign up to go to dinner with a group of fellow risk professionals. Enjoy some good food and good conversation by adding the Meet & Greet dinner to your conference registration. If you have already registered, contact the URMIA Office to add the dinner to your registration.
Steps to a Great Experience
1. 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 using the "virtual" filter option.
2. Make Your Case & Register Early
Whether you are planning to come to Philadelphia or are choosing the virtual option, check out our convince your boss section for help in determining your return on investment (ROI), composing a persuasive justification letter, and mapping your professional development.
Also, be sure to take advantage of the substantial early-bird discount available through July 29.
3. Get a Room
In-Person Attendees
If you are attending the conference in Philadelphia, 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 through September 15.
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 gather to attend general sessions and perhaps share a meal.
4. Volunteer to Make Connections
We encourage newcomers to participate in our URMIAcares community service projects as well as respond to our call for volunteers. These are great ways to make new friends and network!
The URMIAcares projects are opportunities to chat with fellow attendees while working on a particular project.
While you are volunteering, you can talk with other volunteers about the conference, their "day job," risk management challenges, how many URMIA conferences have they been to - just to name a few. You might find you have something in common and can meet up later to talk more.
5. Engage with Other Attendees
We invite you to follow us in social media and add your voice to the discussion using the hashtag #URMIA2026.
