There are quite a few first timers at SAS Global Forum 2011, and I’m one of them.

As a first timer, it can be tricky to navigate all of the opportunities that are available, but the First Timers’ Session, held earlier Monday, helped to plot ways for first timers to get the most of their SAS Global Forum experience.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the session:

• Set goals. If you know ahead of time what sessions you want to attend and who you want to talk to, you’ll aim to meet these goals.
• Have a plan … and a back-up plan!Plan what presentations you’ll attend and have an alternate presentation in mind, in case the original is not what you thought it would be. Build an agenda to keep up with sessions and presentation times.
• Visit the demo room. See the newest products and features demoed by SAS developers and give your feedback. You’ll also be able to pick up some SAS swag here.
• Take on a role at the conference. Session Coordinators are essential to the success of the conference and are always needed to help in a variety of ways with presentations.
• Keep up with personal contacts. Who did you meet or re-acquaint with and how was that significant to you and your employer? Mixers, dinners and working lunches, receptions and meet-ups are all great ways to network with other conference-goers.

With so many chances to learn about SAS’ software and products, and to meet users and other employees, it can be overwhelming for a first timer. So, if you don’t make it to all the sessions that you had hoped to, it’s OK. Remember to relax and have fun – after all, we are in Vegas!