Planning the SESUG 2022: January 2022 updates

[BBO]

The SouthEast SAS® Users Group (SESUG) was formed to serve and support users of SAS software primarily in the southeastern United States, but ultimately throughout the world. They provide on

going education and professional development opportunities while facilitating communication with SAS for SAS users. These goals are most directly supported by SESUG's annual conference. SESUG is an all-volunteer organization.

January finds DeDe and Barbara in the throes of planning SESUG 2022. We have much left to accomplish and many hurdles to overcome. We would like to begin the year looking back at what we have accomplished so far, much of it with the support of our loyal SESUG supporters. And with this look back, as well as with future posts, we invite all readers to comment, suggest and support us in our endeavor towards a new, more interactive conference model.

• DeDe and Barbara have recruited and have in place a full complement of pre-conference volunteers to assist in everything from common conference activities like registration and academic section chairs to leaders of new activities like the naming of a Conference Game Master.

• The SESUG 2022 website is up and populated with substantial content, including important dates, academic sections, volunteer opportunities, and hotel and travel information. Go to: www.sesug.org.

• We are working with our conference hotel to make sure that the attendees’ health and safety is protected. Some plans are already in place, including mask distribution, hand sanitation stations, and reduced occupancy in presentation venues.

• SESUG will be able to offer a limited number of grants and has formalized the eligibility criteria and offerings for academic students and faculty and those just beginning to use SAS in their career. The level of support for grant awards has increased this year. For eligibility and award information, see https://www.sesug.org/SESUG2022/grants.php.

• Returning to the subject of games, DeDe and Barbara recognize that in many instances attendees, including DeDe, will be bringing their families. In addition to games for conference registrants, games for children are also being developed to help engage the youngest of our SAS user families.

We are working with SAS for their valuable support for SESUG 2022 and will share this with you as the information becomes available. We are also working with potential sponsors so that we can provide even greater value to our attendees. Our next major milestone will be the opening of the paper submission system next month. We will continue to share our progress and hope all of you will be along for the ride.