How can organizations be more resilient during an uncertain business and public health situation? Lessons learned from organizations at the front lines of crisis response reinforce the importance of good analytic governance. These leading organizations have shown us that the fundamentals of the analytic life cycle – data, discovery and [...]
Don't forget analytic fundamentals in times of crisis was published on SAS Voices by Alyssa Farrell
Recently I had an opportunity to talk to one of my favorite authors and thinkers, Simon Sinek. The conversation was far reaching, and thousands of people have tuned in to watch the interview. Our conversation, which took place during our recent Virtual SAS® Global Forum 2020, ranged from the infinite [...]
3 tweetable moments from talking with Simon Sinek was published on SAS Voices by Oliver Schabenberger
SAS users help drive innovation, providing feedback on SAS products through various mediums, including customer advisory boards, communities, SASware ballot ideas and SAS Global Forum. The SAS User Feedback Award is presented annually to a user whose recommendations and insights lead to significant improvements to SAS software. This year SAS [...]
SAS User Feedback Award winner helps drive innovation, shape SAS® 360 Engage software was published on SAS Voices by Shadi Shahin
I’m going to be honest. When we decided back in March to pivot our largest event of the year from an in-person event to a virtual one, I wasn’t sure what we were getting ourselves into. I didn’t know how we could replace the in-person networking, the unlimited learning opportunities [...]
6 new ways to connect at virtual events was published on SAS Voices by Jenn Chase
Dr. Ryan McGarry might have the most uncanny timing of any documentary producer in history. Just weeks before the novel coronavirus began to saturate headlines, the emergency medicine physician’s Netflix documentary series Pandemic hit the screens of millions of viewers. Six months ago, many of the subjects featured in the [...]
What can we learn about COVID-19 from an executive producer of Pandemic? was published on SAS Voices by Jenn Chase
Every year hundreds of dedicated SAS® users and event volunteers work tirelessly to create an amazing conference experience for SAS Global Forum attendees. This year, as you know, COVID-19 changed our plans. But our devoted team of volunteers, including our conference chairs and session presenters, was still determined to provide [...]
Introducing the first virtual SAS® Global Forum was published on SAS Voices by Jenn Chase
If you’re a SAS user, you know that SAS Global Forum is where you want to be! It’s our premier, can’t-miss event for SAS professionals—that includes thousands of users, executives, partners and academics.
SAS Global Forum 2018 ftirst-time attendee, Rachel Nemecek
It’s also our largest users’ event, organized by users, for users, and this year’s event marks our 44th annual! Of course, back when SAS got its start, our inaugural event was then called SAS.ONE. And while it’s grown from a couple dozen sessions to hundreds, it’s been a major keystone for SAS users around the world who look forward connecting and building knowledge.
Considering attending this year? We sat down with Analytics Manager, Rachel Nemecek, who attended for the first time in 2018, to share her SAS Global Forum experience with us!
Rachel’s favorite part of SAS Global Forum? “The access to so many different SAS subject matter experts in one place. I could just wander around the Attendee Hub [The Quad] and check out different technologies, meet product experts and get all my questions answered. It’s also a great opportunity to set up meetings with experts on particular topics relevant to my business. And, of course, swag. I won some SAS socks that I still wear and all my analyst friends are jealous.”
Keep reading to hear more about all the great things to expect at SAS Global Forum, and Rachel’s first-time experience, tips and insights!
Psst: Looking for conference proceedings? Our very own Lex Jansen has documented SAS conference proceedings from 1976-present!
At the forefront of advanced analytics, digital transformation and innovation, you’ll hear the latest SAS advancements and announcements from SAS executives during the event. You’ll also hear from a great lineup of partners, customers (like Kellogg Company!) and industry experts on topics like artificial intelligence, IoT, cloud and more. With separate tracks for Users, Executives, Partners and Academics, the event features customized content for each audience.
What was Rachel’s favorite session of SAS Global Forum 2018? “I particularly enjoyed hearing from Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code. Kept thinking of my nieces and how great it was that opportunities like that to experiment with technical ideas could be available to them at a young age.”
Covering all learning preferences and formats, the event offers a variety of session types. In addition to a plethora of SAS topics, you’ll enjoy over 600 sessions, workshops, demos and presentations. And The Quad is not to be missed! With a 20% larger space than last year, you’ll learn more about SAS and our partners, and take part in hands-on activities, experiences and games like chess, smart darts and more!
Lastly, don’t forget that event attendees can also take advantage of (discounted) SAS training and certification right on-site! To secure your seat, register for pre and post-conference training and exams during your event registration. During the event check out the Learning Lab, where you can take free SAS e-learning classes and access our free SAS Viya for Learners tool.
Rachel’s advice? “Make sure to explore all the activities that are available outside just the conference sessions – hands-on activities, demos, and of course, the networking events.”
Tip: Don’t miss Opening Session for insights and entertainment! Also, don’t forget to schedule in time to visit the custom t-shirt press in the Cherry Blossom Lounge for your SAS Global Forum 2020 t-shirt!
Once available, use the SAS Global Forum app to build, map, and plan out your agenda in advance—not only will it help you keep track of the sessions you want to attend, but you’ll have a handy guide for navigating around the conference venue.
You’re sure to takeaway a lot of great SAS nuggets!
Attendees can also enjoy organized receptions for networking. Taking advantage of this year’s location, the 2020 event social will take place across two (Smithsonian) museums in just one night!
And, as Rachel points out, networking isn’t limited to who you meet outside your organization: “There were probably a couple dozen folks from various parts of my company that attended, which ended up being an extra benefit – to network with internal analytics colleagues outside my immediate organization.”
Be sure to sign up for the free networking events during registration, take advantage of the free lunch on-site (and lunchtime chats), and utilize the SAS Global Forum app! This year, all content will be housed in the app as part of our “go green” initiative. These are great opportunities to mingle with fellow SAS users and build your SAS network. Also, keep an eye out for SAS user group gatherings and special events!
Tip: Connect online via the SAS Global Forum Community and follow along on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. #SASGF
Will Rachel be attending this year’s event? “Yes, I’ll be there and will be bringing a few folks from my team.”
Don’t miss out! Registration is open now!
We’ll see you in DC!
Tip: Not able to attend? You can still join in online. Several sessions will be live streamed via the SAS Users YouTube channel.
Have you attended #SASGF in the past? Share your favorite highlights from the event with us below!
First-timer to the event this year? We’re excited to have you join us and we’re looking forward to helping you create your SAS Global Forum story!
Experience SAS Global Forum: A First-Timer’s View & Tip Sheet was published on SAS Users.
What do a Pulitzer prize-winning author, an Emmy award-winning TV personality and one of the top 5 influencers in the world have in common? They’ll all be at SAS Global Forum this year. It’s where analytics enthusiasts and executive thought leaders meet to share strategies, get training in abundance, and [...]
3 people I can’t wait to meet at SAS Global Forum was published on SAS Voices by Jenn Chase
When I attend a conference, one of the first things I do is look at the agenda. This gives me a good overview of how my time will be spent.
The next thing I do is find the detailed breakdown of sessions, so I can start building out my own personal agenda. I know my areas of interest, and I want to make sure my time is spent learning as much as possible. I’ve done this at industry conferences, as well as every SAS GF I’ve attended (and I’ve attended a lot).
I am happy to report that the session catalog for SAS Global Forum 2020 helps me understand what sessions are available so I can make the most of my conference experience. Here are my tips to make the most of the session catalog:
For the first time, all programs are represented in the catalog. And anyone can attend any session. You can start broad, then filter by level of expertise, topic of interest, industry, product, or style of presentation. Filters are your friend…use them!
You can bookmark sessions to your interest list, but beware that these do not automatically save for you. Be sure to use the export feature. Then you can share your chosen sessions with friends, print them, and cross-check them as you’re building your agenda in the mobile app starting March 1. It’s a great tool.
Speaking of agendas, it’s sometimes hard to narrow down your options. Start with one of the custom-tailored agendas within the session catalog and use these as a starting point to help complete your personal agenda. We keep adding new sample agendas, so you will have many great sessions to pick from!
If you’re a first-timer, or someone who is overwhelmed by too many choices, let your SAS contact help. They can help select sessions that they feel will be beneficial to your learning and networking.
If you can’t tell, I’m a big fan of the session catalog. It’s totally customizable. The way I use it may not be the way you use it and that’s fine. That’s why there are so many ways to search, filter and save. Just give it a try. Your SAS Global Forum experience will be all the better when you include the session catalog.
And remember, anyone can check out the session catalog. Not planning to attend? Well, boo, go ahead and see what you’re missing. If you’re on the fence about the conference, check out all the great things SAS Global Forum has to offer then go register!
Make the most of SAS Global Forum with the session catalog was published on SAS Users.
If you’re like me, you struggle to buy gifts. Most folks in my inner circle already have everything they need and most of what they want. Most folks, that is, except the tech-lovers. That’s because there’s always something new on the horizon. There’s always a new gadget or program. Or a new way to learn those things. If you know folks who fall into this category, and who love SAS, boy do I have some gift ideas for you:
If you know someone who is interested in SAS but doesn’t work with it on a daily basis, or someone looking to experiment in a different area of SAS, let them know about our free software trials. Who doesn’t love free? And you’ll look like a rock star when you point out that they can explore areas like SAS Data Preparation, SAS Visual Forecasting, SAS Visual Statistics and lots more, for free.
Let’s keep things in the vein of free, shall we? SAS University Edition includes SAS Studio, Base SAS, SAS/STAT, SAS/IML, SAS/ACCESS, and several time series forecasting procedures from SAS/ETS. It’s the same software used by sites around the world; that means it’s the most up-to-date statistical and quantitative methods. And it’s free for academic, noncommercial use.
Oh my gosh, you would be your loved one’s favorite person! I’ve been to many SAS Global Forums and I love seeing the excitement on someone’s face as they explore the booths, sit in on sessions, and network to their heart’s content. SAS Global Forum is the place to be for SAS professionals, thought leaders, decision makers, partners, students, and academics. There truly is something for everyone at this event for analytics enthusiasts. And who wouldn’t want to be in Washington, D.C. in the Spring? It’s cherry blossom time! Be sure to register before Jan. 29, 2020 to get early bird pricing and save $600 off the on-site registration fee.
I worked for many years in SAS Press and saw, firsthand, how excited folks get over a new book. I mean, who doesn’t want the 6th edition of the Little SAS Book or the latest from Ron Cody? Browse more than 100 titles and find the perfect gift. Don’t forget, SAS Press is offering 25% off everything in the bookstore for the month of December! Use promo code HOLIDAYS25 at checkout when placing your order. Offer expires at midnight Tuesday, December 31, 2019 (US).
Give the gift of unlimited learning with access to our selection of e-learning and video tutorials. You can give a monthly or yearly subscription. Help the special people in your life get a head start on a new career. The gift of education is one of the best gifts you can give.
For those who don't want to install anything, but run SAS in the cloud, we offer SAS OnDemand for Academics. Users get free access to powerful SAS software for statistical analysis, data mining and forecasting. Point-and-click functionality means there’s no need to program. But if you like to program, you do can do that, too! It’s really the best of both worlds.
I began this post with something free, and I’ll end it with something free: learning from our SAS blogs. Pick from areas such as customer intelligence, operations research, data science and more. You can also read content from specific regions such as Korea, Latin America, Japan and others. To get you started, here are a few posts from three of our most popular blog authors:
Chris Hemedinger, author of The SAS Dummy:
Rick Wicklin, author of The DO Loop:
Robert Allison, major contributor to Graphically Speaking:
Happy holidays and happy learning. Now go help someone geek out. And I won’t tell if you purchase a few of these things for yourself!
Gifts to give the SAS fan in your life was published on SAS Users.