SAS Global Forum -

If you want to save money when you register for SAS Global Forum 2010, check out the two new package offers. Both offers bundle popular registration options at a discount. Not only will they save you money, these special packages may also help you with getting conference approval. It’s an easy way to demonstrate to your boss that you’re containing costs and receiving the most value out of the money you spend.

Package 2 includes a business and government conference registration, Sunday opening night dinner, Monday lunch, and Tuesday lunch & speaker. Translation: Registration and all meal options rolled into one value price.

Package 3 includes a business & government registration, Sunday opening night dinner, Monday lunch, Tuesday lunch & speaker, and a Sunday or Wednesday seminar of your choice. Translation: Same benefits as Package 2 plus an added educational seminar of your choice - even more value.

But the good news doesn’t stop there. A record number of papers were submitted to SAS Global Forum this year – an increase of over 11% from last year! I see this as evidence that enthusiasm for SGF continues to grow. Even after 35 years, SAS Global Forum is still the largest and most exciting gathering of SAS professionals worldwide. Don’t miss out on the premier event for SAS professionals. Register now!

The route that I use from my home in Raleigh to the SAS Cary headquarters takes me by two exits for the now-running NC State Fair. Last year’s total attendance was 765,067, and hopes are high that this year’s 142nd fair will be another success.

So what does the State fair have to do with SAS Global Forum? Well, it got me thinking about deadlines, blue ribbons, and attendees. I thought of deadlines because my last chance to make the fair this year is Sunday, Oct. 25, and the deadline to submit your paper for consideration is Monday, Oct. 26. I thought of blue ribbons, because just like the state fair, SGF gives out best paper awards. And I thought of attendees because everyone is wondering how many people we’ll have at the upcoming conference. While you can’t get into SGF for free by bringing canned goods to Seattle, you can take advantage of a number of ways to save. See you later - I’m off to try some chocolate-covered bacon and a deep-fried banana split at the fair.

Graduate and undergraduate students are eligible to apply for the SAS Student Ambassador Program, which covers the cost of travel expenses and registration fees paid to attend SAS Global Forum 2010.
What’s the “catch?” You must complete an application and submit a presentation abstract and working draft by midnight October 26, 2009, Eastern Standard Time.
What are the benefits? You’ll have the opportunity to present before an international audience, network with SAS users from every industry and sector . . . and have fun in Seattle.

I can’t take credit for selecting Seattle as the site of SAS Global Forum 2010. But I can thank the SAS Global Forum Executive Board for making that decision a number of years ago. We had a terrific conference the last time (SUGI 28 in 2003), and that must be one reason we’re going back. Personally, I’m planning on adding some vacation time in conjunction with business. How about you?

If you’re not into shopping, art museums, or kayaking, then you may want to check out the Geek’s Guide to Seattle. Not that I’m calling anyone a Geek, but if you’re like me, you may be interested in seeing the first wireless telephone (from 1910) on display in Seattle’s Museum Of History & Industry. Or you might want to experience flight without leaving the ground at the Museum of Flight’s flight simulators. There you can try your hand at WWII dogfights, hang gliders, or even landing on the Moon! Ever wonder where Microsoft chairman Bill Gates lives? His high-tech Medina mansion is on the shores of Lake Washington and is notable enough to have its own Wikipedia page. Have fun!

I first met conference chair Lauren Haworth back in 1997 when she was presenting a paper at the Pacific NorthWest SAS users group. Since that time, she's gone on to chair the Western Users of SAS (WUSS) conference (twice!), write 2 SAS Press books, serve as a section chair for SGF, and now, serve as conference chair. It would be an understatement to say that Lauren has a lot of experience supporting the SAS user community.

I'm sure that she's heard it all over the years, and I thought that it might be fun to play some Fact or Fiction with her. If you like this game, we can make it a quarterly feature, and you can suggest the questions the next time!

1.) Fact or Fiction?: SAS Global Forum is really a thinly disguised SAS marketing event run by SAS?

Not true! SAS does provide the Opening Session, which is an opportunity for everyone to find out what's new and on the horizon. It that respect, it is perhaps a bit of marketing to a captive audience! The real focus of the forum however, is on education and providing an environment where SAS Software users can come together and network and learn. SAS mainly sends R&D and services staff. I don't consider it as a sales opportunity for them. The forum is also the result of a collaboration between the SAS Global Forum Executive Board and SAS. In fact, the board met for two days this past July to continue finalizing plans for this year's forum, and we also have weekly conference calls.

2.) Fact or Fiction?: Most presentations at SGF come from SAS staff instead of real-world SAS users.

Hmm. It depends upon how you look at it. There are definitely more presentations from real-world SAS users than SAS staff. SAS staff will be invited by section chairs to provide about 60 of an estimated 300 presentations. But when you factor in the "SAS Presents" content, which is provided entirely by SAS, then the equation might balance out. At any rate, SAS is not the dominant presenter. It's a good mix of both.

3.) Fact or Fiction?: A gallon (16 cups) of coffee costs more than $60 at the convention center.

I had to check on the answer to this one! According to SAS Certified Meeting Planner Diane Marshburn, it's false that there are 16 cups to a gallon at hotels or convention facilities because they typically use larger capacity cups, which means you'd have between with 10- 12 cups to a gallon. Unfortunately, the cost of more than $60 a gallon is true and not negotiable! So that cup of coffee you have at the conference costs us $5-6. It just one of many "behind the scenes" things that are part of planning an event. Diane and other planners back at SAS work very carefully to plan food and beverage menus so that SGF gets the best deals and value from all of its vendors.

4.) Fact or Fiction?: The conference chair is paid a stipend by SAS and has full access to the SAS corporate jet and free M&Ms.

I wish! SGF is a non-profit organization that's totally separate from SAS. My employer allows me to donate my time to the conference (Thanks, Genentech!) I receive no salary from SAS or free trips on the corporate jet. However, I do get M&Ms if I want them when I visit SAS. [note from Michael: SAS is the world's largest corporate consumer of M&M's - we consume 22 tons per year.]

5.) Fact or Fiction?: The last conference held in Seattle had approximately 3,000 attendees.

That's true. This year we're hoping for approximately 3,200 attendees.

The Call for Papers has been open over 2 weeks now, and the response is good. We’ve heard from SAS users from over 35 companies from all over the world. The first submission was from the UK, but we’ve also had submissions from Singapore, Canada, Italy, and of course the US. SAS Global Forum is truly international: last year over 24% of the attendees were from outside of the US. So far, most submissions have been for the Statistics and Data Analysis section, followed by Application Development. As a reminder, there are over a dozen technology solutions sections and seven industry solutions sections that you can submit a paper for. If you have questions about any of these sections, simply contact the appropriate conference leader. You can also suggest a topic idea to an author by visiting the sasCommunity.org "Share Your Ideas" page.

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.

What have you been up to since SAS Global Forum 2009? For me, among other things, I’ve seen Mt Hood on a clear day while supporting the Pharmaceutical SAS users group (PharmaSUG) meeting in Portland, OR. I’ve managed to get to the local farmer’s market on a weekly basis (the tomatoes are in), and I’ve made it to the beach once. The kids are out of school, and the weather is predictably hot and humid here in Cary, NC. Seattle, the site of SGF 2010, is 2,893 miles away. But it just got a lot closer.

We had our official “Core Team” meeting this past week to start official conference planning. Program Manager Donna Daniels hosted 12 of us in a conference room and 2 via phone. So here we go again… and it’s a good thing. Ready, Set, Go! It takes a small army of us from SAS to help prepare for and support the conference. I get to work with folks from ISD, Corporate Communications, Video Communications and New Media, Travel, Security, Corporate Services, Accounting, Legal and Risk Management and more. It’s a huge, campus-wide, team effort. But of course we are not working alone – we work closely and collaboratively with the Conference Chair, Section Chairs, and the SAS Global Users Group Executive Board. All of us come together with one goal of creating a meaningful and fun conference experience for the thousands that we expect to see next April 11 - 14, 2010 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center.

What's coming up soon? A revamped Web site debuts, and the Call for Papers opens in a few weeks. I hope that you’ll continue to follow my blog as I post about behind-the scenes happenings. And, I hope that you’ll let me know what keeps you coming back if you’ve attended SGF before. Let us know so that we can keep doing the right things.

And if you haven’t attended yet – well it’s my job to whet your appetite with my view of SAS Global Forum.

My thanks to Lori for taking the time to respond to my questions during this last-minute rush towards SAS Global Forum.

1.) What was your first car?
The first car I bought was actually a bright yellow Toyota truck that had monster tires....bet you didn't see that one coming -- actually you could see the truck coming!

2.) How many times have you been to SAS Global Forum, and what was your most memorable experience so far?
This year is my 17th year attending SAS Global Forum. Each year is memorable in its own way, but I would like to mention two memorable events. The first event is one very early in my attendee experience when I won the SUGI20 SAS/GRAPH Competition. I was hooked after that! The second was when I was selected as the SAS Global Forum 2009 Conference Chair. I am proud to have the opportunity to lead the conference this year - it has been a very rewarding experience.

3.) How has SAS Global Forum changed over the years?
The conference is always changing with the times and evolving to meet the needs of the SAS user community. The name change is a good example - the "new name" better represents the Global reach of the conference.

4.) What new things can SAS users expect to see at SAS Global Forum this year?
Here are just a few: We added the Code Doctors section, in an effort to provide programming assistance to our attendees; We brought back the Government and Education Industry Solutions sections; We added the Career Connections Day, which gives attendees an opportunity to talk about career opportunities.

5.) What words of wisdom do you have for next year’s chair, Lauren Haworth?
I would encourage Lauren to continue making changes that help address the current economic environment, to continue moving forward with our established green initiatives, bring social networking to the next level, create a great SAS Global Forum conference experience, and last but not least - have fun and enjoy every minute along the way!

By now even the “Secret” truck has left the SAS Worldwide headquarters in Cary, NC for the drive to Washington, DC. (The “non-Secret” truck began its six hour journey to the conference site last Friday, March 13.) As in previous years, we have more than one truck leaving from SAS for SAS Global Forum because 1) not everything will fit onto one truck, and 2) not every SAS employee can make the deadline for the non-secret truck.

The majority of what’s shipped on the truck is going into the SAS Demo Area. Set up of the Demo Area is already underway in the Prince George Level, Exhibit Halls C-D, whose combined size is the equivalent of 1.26 football fields. Don’t worry about getting lost though – there’s an Information Booth just as you walk in the door.

Be sure to make time for the Mixer hosted by SAS on Monday, March 22 from 6 to 7:30 pm. The mixer is held in the SAS Demo Area, and it’s an optimal time to explore and socialize.

And if you need to prove that you attended the conference, you can get an electronic postcard picture (see my friend Sara modeling below) taken in the User Community area between booths 99 and 100.

You can also pick up your official conference t-shirt (100% organic cotton) near the same area and take the SAS Global Users Group survey. The survey opens on Tuesday, March 24 at 10 am in the SAS Global Users Group booth. By taking the survey, your name will be entered into a drawing for some great prizes including a GPS, Nintendo Wii, Digital Camera or Apple iTouch. The winners will be announced at Closing Session on Wednesday, March 25 at noon.

If you’re local to the Washington, DC area, you may have heard some radio promotions about SAS Global Forum. It only takes 30 seconds to hear how SAS can help the new administration. Government employees can use the discount code GOVELBD09 to qualify for the special $700 registration rate to attend SAS Global Forum. Hurry - this special registration rate ends at 11:59 pm, Monday, March 16.

As we learned from SAS program manager Donna Daniels, in Episode 2 of Inside SAS Global Forum, there are lots of ways to get to SAS Global Forum this year. In addition to the usual modes of transportation, you can take the King Street Metro Station and shuttle from there, or you can take a water taxi from Alexandria to the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. SPECIAL UPDATE: Because budgets are taking longer to get approved, and in recognition of today's difficult economic climate, SAS Global Forum has extended the early registration rate for all government employees. Just use the discount code GOVELBD09 and register by March 16 to qualify for the special $700 registration rate.
One last thing about Donna, would you like to know how she’s kept all of us from SAS engaged during hours and hours of meetings to prepare for SAS Global Forum? In addition to bribing us with doughnuts and bagels, she’s held weekly trivia contests for fun. There were no prizes involved - just bragging rights. What president had both the coldest and the warmest inaugurations in history? That would be Ronald Reagan.

In just nineteen days, SAS users from around the world will be convening in Washington, DC. The countries from outside of the U.S. with the most registrants are Canada, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Top industries include Government, Education, Consulting & Systems Integration, Pharmaceutical, and Insurance. You can use the social networking tool CrowdVine to find fellow attendees with common interests and to browse for people within your industry. First, add your profile, second, start networking. It’s pretty simple! You can find friends, be a fan or request to meet fellow attendees. The SAS Global Forum Conference Leaders are part of the vine, in case you want to introduce yourself and ask questions. CrowdVine is a also great tool for setting up meetings during the conference. Consider this an opportunity to start networking before, during and after SAS Global Forum and have fun!

I can vividly recall my first SAS Global Forum (it was SUGI back then).  The year was 1996, the city -  Chicago, and it was COLD. We used to have a “Fun Run/Walk” as part of the conference activities, and we literally ran on the snow along Lake Michigan. Some of our attendees used to take this run/walk very seriously, but I just wanted to finish. Sure I was pumped up to participate, but I was a little overwhelmed with the conference and all that it had to offer. I had never been around 3,000 SAS users at one time before. Have you?   

To those of you that are new to SAS Global Forum, we now have lots of ways to prepare for an optimal conference experience. If fact, you’re already on your way.  You’re on the Web, and we have a ton of information to share, from the highest level conference overview to the smallest detail, such as what presentation is going to be given in Room Maryland D at 4pm on Tuesday, March 24. Use the Personal Agenda Builder to map out your course before you ever get to Washington, DC. 

Have you registered yet? The early registration deadline has been extended to March 2! There are several ways to save. 

Want some recommendations? On Monday night, make plans to hear Franc D'Ambrosio of "The Phantom of the Opera" fame. He’s bringing his three-year, 200-city, sold-out Broadway concert tour to SAS Global Forum, and all proceeds will benefit the Children's Book Drive charity. The SAS Global Forum Children's Book Drive collects books to donate to reading centers in shelters and community organizations in Washington, DC. Another option for Monday evening is the Georgetown shuttle. While the DC Metro is famously easy to use, it doesn’t stop in Georgetown, but the shuttle does.     

Here’s a little about me. Over the past 13 years I’ve worn a lot of different hats in support of SAS Global Forum, such as coordinating the now-defunct SoccerFest, managing conference signage, creating the conference program, handing out registration badges, working in the Demo Area, writing emails and Web News articles, and more. But I’ve never written a blog. This is a new opportunity for me, and I’m excited to share what I know and to introduce you to other folks that know A LOT more than I do about SAS Global Forum. Please stay tuned!