Now that I’m finally adjusted to the three-hour time difference from my home, it’s time to head back to SAS World Headquaters in Cary. What a terrific conference this has been! In case you didn’t catch it all, or were unable to make it to Vegas this year, be sure to check out the Take-Out. It’s FREE, and it provides 11 presentations that were given at this year’s conference.

For me: I got to meet SAS users from all over the world at the “Community of Users Groups” booth in the SAS Support and Demo Area. This was my 15th SAS Global Forum conference, and I continue to be amazed at the dedication of our SAS users group leaders. So many folks volunteer their time each year to support their SAS user group community – whether it is an in-house (one company) group, or an international group, like SAS Global Forum.

My impressions: WOW. From Chair Debbie Buck’s grand entrance onto the stage during Opening Session (Mark Antony and Cleopatra were her escorts) – to the new SocialSphere, leading-edge Super Demos, amazing presentation content – to the fantastic networking opportunities . Right now in my mind, I’m seeing the glittering Las Vegas skyline from the rooftop of PURE nightclub. PURE hosted the annual Kick Back party for all attendees on Wednesday night, and it’s a memory that I will keep for a long time.

What’s next: We keep this great energy moving, heading to Orlando, Florida, and SAS Global Forum 2012 with Conference Chair Andrew Kuligowski. I hope that you also keep reading the SAS Global Forum blog to get the latest information. We want to hear from you too. Let us know your impressions of SAS Global Forum 2011, and what you’re looking forward to next year in Orlando.