ShelleySessoms Tracker

North Texas SAS User Group (NoTSUG) Fall Meeting

ShelleySessoms — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:37:01 GMT

Please join us at the North Texas SAS User Group (NoTSUG) for our next quarterly meeting featuring two experienced SAS professionals who have much to say about AI and how we are using it in our professions.

Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2001893681892

Friday, October 9, 2026
12:30 PM - 4:00 PM

In person at:
Improving Enterprises
5445 Legacy Dr., Unit 100
Plano, TX 75024

and on Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8756678110?omn=87882932790

Pizza and soft drinks will be available from 12:30–1:30 PM.

Featured Speakers

Vrushali Sawant — Data Scientist, SAS

Vrushali is a leader in Trustworthy AI, helping turn principles such as fairness, explainability, governance and responsible innovation into practical capabilities. She works with SAS product teams, customers and professional communities to help organizations put responsible AI into practice.

Topic: Trustworthy AI Capabilities in SAS Viya

Alec Effrat — SAS Administrator

Alec brings more than 30 years of technology experience and a decade as a SAS Administrator at a major financial institution. For six years, he ran an exceptionally successful SAS Open Office Hours program, helping users solve real-world SAS and technology problems. He is also a frequent technical speaker.

Topic: AI and SAS

Our emcee will keep the program moving and help turn two presentations into a broader conversation about SAS, AI, analytics and the changing way we work.

Come for the speakers. Stay for the conversation, the SAS community — and the pizza.

Learn more: NoTSUG.org

PhilaSUG & NJSUG Joint In-Person Meeting 2026

ShelleySessoms — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:39:45 GMT

✅ Attendee Registration

Registration Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026

Attendance at the PhilaSUG & NJSUG Joint In-Person Meeting is FREE; however, advance registration is mandatory for all attendees.

Why Attend?

Hear presentations from industry experts.
Learn about the latest SAS technologies and best practices.
Explore AI, automation, and analytics in life sciences.
Network with SAS professionals from the Philadelphia and New Jersey regions.
Exchange ideas, build new connections, and enjoy a day with the regional SAS community.

Registration Information

✅ Attendance is FREE.
✅ Registration is mandatory for all attendees.
📅 Registration closes on Friday, September 18, 2026.

BASUG (Boston) SAS Blowout 2026

ShelleySessoms — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 18:27:53 GMT

BASUG SAS Blowout

Oct 30, 2026, 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM EDT

The Link, 255 Main St 8th floor, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA

BASUG is thrilled to announce our IN-PERSON SAS Blowout!

Pre-registration by Oct 27 is required. No on-site registration or walk-ins.

The meeting will be held on Friday, October 30, at The Link in Kendall Square, Cambridge. The full-day meeting, co-hosted by SAS® and BASUG, features presenters from SAS and the SAS community, presenting on a range of SAS programming topics. We can't wait to see you! Abstracts are listed on our website. If you have questions, feel free to email us: registrations@basug.org.

You may purchase tickets for full day or morning/afternoon only. Lunch will be provided to all attendees.

While none of the presentations are designed to be ‘hands on’ trainings, you should feel free to bring your laptop and follow-along, trying some of the programming techniques discussed in the presentations.

The meeting will not be recorded and will not be live-streamed. We hope to see you in-person.

BASUG welcomes students with a 50% discount if they register by Friday, October 23. Please email an image of your current student ID to registrations@basug.org to request the coupon code.

To see the agenda and presentation abstracts, as well as register, visit https://www.basug.org/event-details/basug-sas-blowout-2026

MSUG Free Webinar: Introduction to GitHub

ShelleySessoms — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:50:04 GMT

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET
Place: Online
Cost: Free! However, please register by Monday, September 21 in order to receive the webinar link. Webinar information will be sent out by Tuesday, September 22.

Register Now!

Agenda

Introduction to GitHub - Barry DeCicco

A demonstration of Git and Github, showing how to track changes made to files, with change-by-change rollback. Never lose track of what you did!.

Southeast & Atlantic SAS Users Group Conference

ShelleySessoms — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:10:12 GMT

The SEASUG annual conference is taking place October 22–24, 2026, in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Hosted at the Penn State Great Valley Graduate Campus, SEASUG brings together analytics professionals, programmers, statisticians, educators, researchers, and students for three days of technical learning and professional networking. Attendees are encouraged to register by September 2 to take advantage of early registration pricing and pre-conference tutorials.

Morning Tutorials (8:30 AM – 12:00 PM):

SAS® Certification Review: Base Specialist — Jim Blum

Intensive preparation for the Base Programming Specialist certification exam, including sample questions and test-taking strategies.

Getting Started with PROC REPORT: Understanding the Building Blocks — Josh Horstman

A structured introduction to PROC REPORT syntax, formatting, summaries, and reporting logic.

Creating Custom Graphs Using SAS® and R — Richann Jean Watson

Techniques for customizing and enhancing graphs using both SAS and R.

Time for a Quick Start to Time Series Analysis — Danny Modlin, SAS®

Introduction to time series concepts and forecasting workflows using SAS 9.4 and SAS Viya.

Afternoon Tutorials (1:00 PM – 4:30 PM):

PROC SQL Unleashed — Kirk Paul Lafler

Advanced PROC SQL concepts including joins, subqueries, performance optimization, and dictionary tables.

Mastering AI Systems and Machine Learning with Python — Ryan Paul Lafler

Hands-on machine learning workflows using Python and scikit-learn for predictive modeling and AI systems.

PROC FCMP User-Defined Functions: An Unsurpassed Masterclass in SAS®! — Troy Martin Hughes

Introduction to building reusable SAS user-defined functions using PROC FCMP. Attendees also receive a complimentary hardcover textbook.

Whether you plan to attend, present, or both, SEASUG 2026 offers valuable opportunities to expand your technical expertise and connect with fellow analytics professionals. Learn more and register at www.sesug.org.

Western Users of SAS Software Educational Forum & Conference

ShelleySessoms — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:05:32 GMT

WUSS is an education-focused and energy-packed conference featuring the best and brightest data software users and experts from industries all over the country. This year’s conference will feature more than a hundred live presentations, classes, demos, and hands-on workshops on SAS, R, Python, statistics, analytics, advanced techniques, a special SAS Essentials Track for early career programmers and so much more.

Your registration fee includes:

Hands-on Workshops (bring your own device)
Admission to SAS Essentials half-day class
Access to Resource Central including sponsor booths, a Demo Theater, Community Corner (facilitated discussions) and an attendee lounge
Opportunities to connect directly with SAS Tech Support, Research and Development, Education, and more
Keynote address with Chris Hemedinger, Director of SAS User Engagement
Presentations and demos from SAS Institute
Evening networking event featuring Karaoke with DJ Rad Fox
Tuesday dinner, continental breakfasts, Wednesday lunch and refreshments throughout the conference
Speed networking
Instructor-led Morning Yoga by the pool
Conference mobile app where you can build your schedule and engage with other attendees

Don’t forget to add pre- and post-conference classes to make the most of your time in the Bay Area!

And, there’s no better place to stay than the conference hotel!

Insurance question for user group leaders

ShelleySessoms — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:53:51 GMT

Has anyone had experience obtaining a certificate of liability insurance when your group hasn't yet formed a legal entity? One of our new-ish groups has encountered this issue and would like to learn from others how to go about this. Ideas and suggestions are very welcome and appreciated!

MinnSUG 2026 Annual SAS Conference

ShelleySessoms — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:09:15 GMT

📢 Registration for the 2026 MinnSUG Annual Conference is open!!
Register here: https://lnkd.in/g97fn8C5

Join us on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026 for a day of continuing education, networking, and free food! SAS speakers include Chris Hemedinger, Charu Shankar, and Carleigh Jo Crabtree. Our full agenda will be posted soon!

Re: PhilaSUG presents “A Game Changer for Efficient SAS Programming Using ChatGPT”

ShelleySessoms — Wed, 20 May 2026 18:42:48 GMT

The recording has now been posted: https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-User-Groups-Discussions/Recap-of-PhilaSUG-Virtual-Meeting-June-6/td-p/988407

Recap of PhilaSUG Virtual Meeting, June 6

ShelleySessoms — Wed, 20 May 2026 17:59:47 GMT

On June 6, 90 people heard from Jyoti Agarwal on the topic, "A Game Changer for Efficient SAS Programming Using ChatGPT." If you missed it, you really should check out the recording:

(view in My Videos)

Recap of NJSUG Virtual Meeting, June 8

ShelleySessoms — Wed, 20 May 2026 17:46:23 GMT

This year's NJSUG webinar brought together two great minds, Danny Modlin and Bart Jablonski. 91 attendees were able to witness their expertise first hand. For those who could not make it, the recording is now available, along with Bart's material. I will add Danny'd slides when I receive them, so stay tuned!

(view in My Videos)

WUSS Virtual Class: Introduction to R from a SAS Programmer’s Perspective

ShelleySessoms — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:01:39 GMT

Introduction to R from a SAS Programmer’s Perspective
David Bosak
Friday, May 15, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time

Register for only $99

This class will provide a hands-on introduction to the R language, but from the perspective of a SAS® Programmer. It is geared toward someone who has knowledge of SAS, but little to no knowledge of R. SAS and R differ in some fundamental ways. Reviewing these differences will speed up your understanding of R, and greatly reduce potential confusion. The course will start with a brief history of R, and then go into some elementary R topics like vectors, operators, and data frames. We will then perform some common tasks: loading data, performing basic data manipulation, and writing a report. Throughout the session, you will both review existing code and write some code yourself. If you are a SAS programmer who is looking to get a jump-start in R, then this course will be of interest to you.

WUSS Virtual Class: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence: Ready to Move Beyond AI Hype?

ShelleySessoms — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:55:33 GMT

Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence: Ready to Move Beyond AI Hype? Build Real Skills That Matter!
Lida Gharibvand
Friday, May 8, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time

Register now for only $99

Artificial Intelligence isn’t a future trend — it’s today’s strategic differentiator. From scalable machine learning pipelines to autonomous generative agents and intelligent copilots, modern AI technologies are redefining how professionals extract insight, streamline operations, and engineer high-impact solutions at scale.

Join this high-impact training and master the modern AI stack

You’ll dive into:

Distinguish major AI paradigms and deep learning architectures
Apply prompt engineering and structured LLM comparison methods
Use AI tools for research, coding, and data exploration
Evaluate AI outputs critically, including hallucination risks
Integrate AI-assisted workflows into professional practice
Work with GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Kaggle, and leading LLM platforms

This is not theoretical. You’ll use real tools, test prompts, and evaluate model outputs in production-style workflows. Leave ready to build faster and use AI as a true analytical co-pilot — not just a chatbot.

Learn not just how AI works — but when to trust it, challenge it, and deploy it for measurable impact

WUSS Virtual Class: Advanced SAS® DATA Step Programming Techniques

ShelleySessoms — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:52:24 GMT

Advanced SAS^® DATA Step Programming Techniques
Josh Horstman
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time

Register now for only $99

To solve complex coding problems with the SAS^® DATA step, one must go beyond a basic understanding of the individual statements. You need to understand how the various statements interact with each other and how their options can be leveraged to build DATA step code that provides innovative solutions to the toughest of problems. Based on Art Carpenter’s book, Carpenter’s Guide to Innovative SAS^® Techniques, this class is a must for the DATA step programmer who wants to take his or her programs to the ‘next’ level.

Topics include:

Working across multiple observations using look-ahead and look-back techniques
Employing the DOW loop
Taking advantage of double SET statements
Working with hash objects
Performing table lookups
Using arrays to transpose data from columns to rows and back again
Evaluating complex expressions
Applying data set options
Adopting new DATA step functions (and old functions with new options)
And more!

This course is designed to be taken by a student who has a basic understanding of the DATA step and its primary statements. The material will focus on advanced topics that will give the student a deeper understanding of the operation of the DATA step. Through examples, students will be exposed to innovative techniques for solving difficult programming problems.

WUSS Virtual Class: From RECIST to Kaplan-Meier: Building Oncology Trials the Right Way

ShelleySessoms — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:21:21 GMT

From RECIST to Kaplan-Meier: Building Oncology Trials the Right Way
Kevin Lee
Friday, May 1, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time

Register today for just $99

Compared to other therapeutic studies, oncology clinical trial studies are generally complex and difficult for programmers, statisticians and data managers. There is more to understand and to know such as different clinical study types, specific data collection points and analysis. In this training, programmers and statisticians will learn oncology specific knowledge in clinical studies and will understand a holistic view of oncology studies.

Clinical Study Type
Response Criteria
Data Collection
Analysis

Programmers, statisticians and data managers will also find out what makes oncology studies unique and learn how to lead oncology study projects effectively.

The training will cover four different sub types and their response criteria guidelines.

The first sub type, Solid Tumor study, usually follows RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor).
The second sub type, Immunotherapy study, usually follows irRC (immune-related Response Criteria).
The third sub type, Lymphoma study, usually follows Cheson.
Lastly, Leukemia studies follow specific guidelines (e.g., IWCLL for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia).

The training will show how to use response criteria guidelines for data collections and response evaluation.

Programmers, statisticians and data maangers will learn how to create SDTM tumor specific datasets (RS, TU, TR), what SDTM domains are used for certain data collection, and what Controlled Terminology (e.g., CR, PR, SD, PD, NE) will be applied. They will also learn how to create Time-to-Event ADaM datasets from SDTM domains and how to use ADaM datasets to derive efficacy analysis (e.g., OS, PFS, TTP, ORR, DFS) and Kaplan Meier Curves using SAS Procedures such as PROC LIFETEST and PHREG.

Finally, programmers and statistician will understand how to build end-to-end standards driven oncology studies from protocol, study sub-types, response criteria, data collection, SDTM, ADaM to analysis.

Free Half-Day Michigan SAS User Group Conference

ShelleySessoms — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:39:15 GMT

Join us for our NEXT MEETING- a FREE Half-Day Conference!

Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Place: VisTaTech Center
Schoolcraft College
18600 Haggerty Rd
Livonia, MI 48152
Cost: FREE! However, please register by Wednesday, May 13 so that we can plan accordingly.

Agenda

SAS Coding with Copilot: From Raw Data to Analysis-Ready Tables - Melodie Rush, SAS
What's Your Favorite Color? Controlling the Appearance of a Graph - Richann Watson, DataRich Consulting
Identifying Synthetically Generated Documents and Receipts for Fraud Detection - Robert Blanchard, SAS
Working with Damaged Datasets in SAS - David Corliss, Grafham Analytics
Transforming Auto Captive Finance Lending: The Power of AI in Next Best Actions - Gene Grabowski, SAS
Day of the Week and Time of Day: Does Scheduling Impact Surgical Outcomes? - Wenjing Weng and Yuxuan Chen, University of Michigan
Getting Started with SAS/IML - Gary Allen

Register Now!

PhilaSUG presents “A Game Changer for Efficient SAS Programming Using ChatGPT”

ShelleySessoms — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:35:56 GMT

Please join Jyoti Agarwal as she presents, “A Game Changer for Efficient SAS Programming Using ChatGPT” on May 6, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.

This presentation explores the potential of integrating ChatGPT, a natural language processing model developed by OpenAI, into SAS programming within the pharmaceutical industry. Leveraging ChatGPT’s capabilities can enhance productivity by assisting with code generation, debugging, and workflow optimization. By demonstrating practical applications and techniques, this presentation illustrates how ChatGPT can streamline statistical programming, reduce errors, and empower programmers with innovative tools to tackle common challenges.

Register today.

About the presenter:

Jyoti Agarwal is a Certified Advanced SAS Programmer with over 15 years of experience in statistical programming within the pharmaceutical and CRO industries. She has contributed across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, inflammation, and virology. Jyoti is recognized for delivering high-quality SDTM, ADaM, and TFL outputs for regulatory submissions, ensuring compliance with industry standards while meeting the complex needs of clinical trials. Her leadership in managing cross-functional teams, vendor oversight, and process optimization continues to enhance efficiency and data quality across projects.

As the founder of G.CREW, a global initiative that unites and empowers Gilead’s clinical data sciences community, Jyoti has driven an 89% improvement in engagement and retention. Through her inclusive leadership and commitment to collaboration, she continues to foster a culture of openness, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jyoti is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She enjoys mentoring and volunteering, inspiring children to explore creativity through art and outdoor activities. A passionate nature enthusiast, she finds balance and inspiration in the mountains, fueling her approach to leadership and connection.

Jyoti holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and remains dedicated to advancing technological innovation in statistical programming. She leads by example, inspiring others to think boldly, embrace diversity, and work toward meaningful impact.

Iowa SAS® Users Group’s 2026 One Day Conference

ShelleySessoms — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:01:00 GMT

The Iowa SAS® Users Group’s 2026 One Day Conference will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026. This full-day conference provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to engage in professional development, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow SAS users. Hear from SAS employees Shelby Taylor, Cat Truxillo and Melodie Rush.

The event requires pre-registration, so please head to the pre-registration site at your earliest convenience to reserve your place and assist with event planning: https://iowasasuser.org/event/iowa-sas-users-group-the-16th-one-day-conference/

NJSUG Webinar: The Future of Statistical Programming

ShelleySessoms — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:46:53 GMT

NJSUG 2026 webinar: The Future of Statistical Programming

Date: May 8, 2026. 10:00am-11:40am

Agenda:

Opening remarks: 5 minutes
Danny Modlin (PROC PPF - Past, Present, Future): 30 minutes (20-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A)
Bart Jablonski (La petite SAS package - a workshop about the "Hello World" SAS package.) : 60 minutes
Closing remarks: 5 minutes

Register today.

Re: SAS Users Day at SAS Innovate

ShelleySessoms — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:13:34 GMT

Thanks so much for participating, @yabwon! It's going to be an awesome time.