I have 2 exciting things to blog about: the opening of the Call for Papers, and the new SAS Global Forum Web site.

First, the Call for Papers is now officially open through Monday, October 26. Call for papers sections are classified under two primary categories - Technology Solutions and Industry Solutions. Papers themselves fall into three categories: Contributed Papers, Invited Papers, and SAS Papers. Learn more about the specific conference sections within each category and the types of papers being solicited. How (and when) are papers selected? Conference leaders review and select papers, and they will notify authors by Monday, Dec. 14, 2009 as to whether or not a submission has been accepted. It’s a tried and true system that works. For more details, refer to How to Submit a Paper... and other relevant questions.

Second, we have a great new look for the SGF Web site. The Web site not only has the new conference colors, it also has a simplified navigation system. By using the tabs at the top of the Home page, you can quickly access other parts of the site such as “Overview,” and “For Presenters.” There’s also a “Quick Links” area that include direct access to the very popular Online Proceedings as well as info about previous and future conferences. Take a tour, and let me know what you think. Of course the tabs and site will continue to change as we add content and move closer towards the conference.

PS: Looking for an idea to write about? Want to suggest a topic idea to an author? Visit the sas.Community.org "Share Your Ideas" page.