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!