John, you really described the benefits of volunteering quite well and I have no doubt that that you will put together an excellent team for your 2017 conference! I’d like to expand on this by announcing that we are soliciting applications for Conference Chair of SAS Global Forum 2018 which will be held on April 8-11, 2018 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. Applicants should be active SAS users, authors, administrators and/or practitioners. The conference chair will focus on developing conference content by working with content advisory teams in developing topics of interest and attracting high profile speakers and participants. Interesting applications should refer to the “SAS Global Forum Chair Responsibilities” (http://www.sascommunity.org/wiki/SAS_Global_Users_Group/Conference_Chair_Nomination#SAS_GLOBAL_FORUM_Conference_Chair_Roles_.26_Responsibilities) to further understand the depth and breadth of the Chair involvement in the conference and the time commitments required. While there is a good amount of work involved there are many benefits to serving as the Conference Chair both to the individual and his/her company including visibility in the SAS Community, leadership development/experience in leading a world-wide conference, technical development/additional knowledge and expertise in SAS, reputation as a leader in technology/company brand exposure, collaboration with SAS leaders/executives. The deadline for applying for the 2018 Conference Chair is February 1. Interested candidates should email Rick Mitchell (RickMitchell@Westat.com) for more information.