What happens when you combine curiosity, chopsticks and a wobbly Jenga tower? You get a fun (and slightly nerve-wracking) way to talk about SAS Innovate.
We wanted to hear how some of our colleagues are contributing to this year’s big event, but we didn’t want to just ask them the usual questions. So, we added a twist: answer questions while pulling them out of a Jenga tower… using chopsticks.
Teaching, learning and tackling Jenga
First up in the hot seat was Rachel McLawhon, an Analytical Training Consultant at SAS. She’s doing a little bit of everything at SAS Innovate – leading a hands-on workshop, speaking in a breakout session, supporting pre-conference activities and holding it down at the education booth. Basically, if you have questions about learning with SAS, Rachel’s your go-to.
But what’s she most excited about? Learning. Connecting with customers. Hearing how academic institutions are using SAS. And finally meeting some of the incredible faculty and HBCU Fellows she’s been working with virtually.
“I’m selfishly most excited to learn,” she admitted while carefully maneuvering a block with her chopsticks. “It’s one of the best opportunities to talk to customers and understand how they’re using SAS software – and what our faculty really need.”
Want to see if Rachel topples the tower? Watch the video to find out.
Hack the future at SAS Innovate
Next, we caught up with Joe Furbee, a Sr. Digital Marketing Specialist at SAS who’s part of the team leading the charge for the SAS Hackathon Boot Camp at SAS Innovate. Joe’s manning multiple booths, mentoring during the Hackathon Boot Camp and will be a resource for developers building apps on SAS® Viya®.
What’s he most looking forward to? The energy of day one.
“The Hackathon Boot Camp kicks off Innovate,” Joe explained. “We give hackers the data, the environment and a real-world challenge – and then see what they can do in just three hours.”
He’s especially excited to meet participants in person – many of whom he’s only worked with virtually. “Interacting with people I’ve only talked to on the phone, swapping ideas and learning something new,” he shared. “That’s what I’m most looking forward to.”
Joe's video may have had a dramatic Jenga moment, but you'll have to watch to find out.
And if this behind-the-scenes fun is any indication, SAS Innovate is shaping up to be full of energy, connection and hands-on learning.
