SAS is kicking off a new event Sept. 12-14 in Las Vegas called the Analytics Experience. It’s actually not completely new. In the past, we’ve held our annual Analytics and Premier Business Leadership Series conferences in the fall. But as the industry landscape continues to change – SAS continues to prove it’s leading the way.
What does that mean? Today there is no separation between the analytical guru and the company thought leader. Analytics Experience will allow attendees to wear both hats at one event, offering the perfect mix of thought leadership, analytics, strategies and connections.
I had the chance to interview SAS’ event organizer and marketer, Kelly Check, about the new changes and what attendees can expect at Analytics Experience 2016.
- What is new with the Analytics Experience? (Besides the name change)
Aside from the change in timing – the conference is now in September instead of October – the new twist is combining practitioners and the executives into one event. There’s no longer a boundary between business leaders and analytics pros! And with the new combination, there is a new pricing structure; conference fees are waived for executives (director+) as well as students; discounts are available to practitioners, faculty, partners and others.
- Why combine the Analytics and Premier Business Leadership Series conferences?
Former attendees shared feedback that they wanted more choices; they didn’t want to be limited by their title or organization. They wanted to network with analytics gurus of different backgrounds. So while executives can listen to detailed case studies, students and practitioners can hear big ideas from thought leaders. Every attendee can still customize their agenda for the most beneficial insights.
- Who should attend?
Anyone who wants to embrace the latest technology and find value in their data – no matter his/her title.
- What kind of content can people expect?
Everything attendees loved about the Analytics and PBLS conferences--plus more! All of SAS’ key initiatives will be represented in breakouts geared toward both executives and practitioners. Industry dinners and keynote sessions will especially appeal to executive customers.
As always, there will be discounted pre- and post-conference SAS training, e-posters, hands-on workshops and SAS certification exams.
At the epicenter of the event is the Innovation Hub – a networking hall featuring super demos, theater sessions, roundtables, sponsor kiosks, and special booths dedicated to Viya and Data for Good.
- What are the biggest benefits of attending the Analytics Experience?
There’s a ton of great content jam-packed into three days…companies of all sizes, across all industries, using analytics for different purposes. Sessions will feature companies gleaning insights from their data to fight fraud, save lives, save money, understand digital consumption, connect with customers—you name it, and SAS users are sharing it. Another big benefit is the multitude of networking opportunities available, including a meeting center for face-to-face appointments, and our new mobile app that makes socializing fun and easy.
- This year’s conference is at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Anything fun planned for attendees? It is Vegas, baby!
Of course! We’re inviting all of our conference goers to Jewel Nightclub on Tuesday night. It’s a high-tech, VIP experience at the Aria hotel and it just opened in May!
Don’t wait! Register for the conference today. Also, join the AnalyticsX community to start connecting with other attendees. It’s a great place to start networking before the event.
We’ll see you in Las Vegas, Sept. 12-14.
And finally – check out this video to see what the hype is all about.
