“It is what it is” is a popular phrase among 25-to 35-year-olds. Some use this catchall phrase to express acceptance when things can't be changed - things are beyond their control and they are OK with that.

It can hold a negative connotation, too. It could be synonymous with “We’ve run out of time” or “There’s nothing more you can do” or “Just accept it as it is.” Settle.

Thanks to SAS Global Forum, I’ve had a change of heart about this phrase. I've seen that awesome people working together can make amazing things happen. After months and months of planning and days of watching this fabulous conference go from concept to reality, a light bulb went off. 

SAS Global Forum ‘is what it is’

I may be chanting that phrase through all of the next year. To me, it’s an event that represents thousands of SAS users coming together from around the world to share their knowledge, passion and friendship. It’s an event run by the SAS Global Users Group, a volunteer organization, to ensure this opportunity continues to exist. It’s an event with hundreds of volunteers who spend their own time and resources to certify this is truly a user event. It’s an event that exemplifies strength and power through community. 

This event gets better and better every year. In fact, even after we get to the venue, new ideas are brought to the table and put in place to make it better than we’d ever dreamed. After being part of SAS Global Forum for 5 years now, I could go on and on about what this event is to me. What does it mean to you?