Get the most out of networking at SAS Global Forum

[gmbaker]

We all know that networking is a key reason we attend in-person events. Read this blog post from SAS Global Forum 2017 Conference Chair about the importance of networking at SAS Global Forum.

http://blogs.sas.com/content/sgf/2015/12/21/whats-your-major-thoughts-about-networking-at-sas-global...

[ArtC]

Networking icebreakers. 

For me, some icebreakers that I find to be comfortable is to ask about the other person.

• Who do you work for?
• How do you use SAS?
• What modules of SAS do you tend to use the most?
• Is this your first SAS Global Forum?
• What did you think of the opening?
• What presentations are you going to attend?
• Do you know where the free food is?

Have fun.

[Rick_SAS]

Another good question is "have you heard any good talks?" or "are there any sessions today you are looking forward to?"

In the morning there is usually a breakfast buffet for all attendees. When I go up to a table I introduce myself and where I work and ask the others the same. Then I ask "are there any statistical analysts at the table?", which encourages people to open up more about how they use SAS.  If they start to throw food at me, I assume that there are no statisticians and that they would prefer me to sit at another table!

[LainieH]

@ArtC and @Rick_SAS: just being yourselves is an icebreaker in and of itself 😉

Great pointers, though.  

I hope to attend this year to see everyone in person again and meet new SAS users.

Another great way to network is to attend one of the meetups, such as the Online Community meetup -- I always enjoy learning more about the users who help with communities.sas.com, sasCommunity.org, SAS-L and other communities... A great group of folks. 

Take care, 

Lainie

[hollandnumerics]

Lainie,

I'm hoping to be at the Online Community meetup again this year. Lots of things happened in 2015, and there could be a few surprises!

Don't miss the Tweetup on the Monday evening with the folks from Metacoda. Probably the best place to be to kickstart your SASGF networking too!

............Phil

[MichelleHomes]

Thanks @hollandnumerics for the mention of the #SASGF #TweetUp. As with the other Monday evening activities it is a great way for people to meet and greet, network and share their SAS Global Forum plans. At the TweetUp we can also help you with your Twitter journey. (See Monday evenings agenda at http://www.sas.com/en_us/events/sas-global-forum/sas-global-forum-2016/program/agenda.html)

We'll be posting details on the #SASGF #TweetUp soon.

There's no need to wait til SAS Global Forum to kick off your networking though... It's happening now! ...in this community group, LinkedIn groups, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, blog posts, the mobile app (when it is available) and other social channels. It's great that we have a variety of avenues to come together as a community online, offline and in person. It's also such a buzz getting to meet online connections in person and strengthening relationships and collaboration through face to face conversations. This is what SAS Global Forum, local & regional SAS user group meetings and other SAS forum events bring!

In light of the discussion on icebreakers, I came across an interesting article on what questions to avoid at networking events. It's a  mindful post highlighting alternative ways to start conversations and how to respond to courageous networkers. http://www.inc.com/ilan-mochari/social-ties-networking-habits.html

I'm looking forward to the lead up to SAS Global Forum and seeing you'll soon. Please feel free to connect with me on your favourite channel and share yours so I can connect with you!

Cheers,

Michelle

Michelle Homes
Founder & Business Development Manager
Metacoda Pty Ltd
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e: michelle.homes @ metacoda.com
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[MichelleHomes]

Going to SAS Global Forum in Las Vegas in April? Come along to the #SASGF #TweetUp for a 'darb' time.

For more details and to let us know you're coming, please post a comment at http://www.metacoda.com/en/2016/01/know-your-onions-meet-up-at-sasgf-tweetup

[katiestrange]

In addition to the great on-site networking opportunities, I'd say leveraging the mobile app ahead of the conference to see who will be attending will help facilitate networking while on-site. The app will be available in the March timeframe and it will allow you to connect with folks before you even get to the conference!

Can't wait to see everyone in Vegas in April!

[LainieH]

Did you say surprises ? Good to hear from you Phil.. Michelle I'll make a point to make the TweetUp if there, too 🙂