Frequently Asked Questions

After careful consideration of the evolving concerns about COVID-19 regarding travel and large group gatherings, the ASA has determined the best and most responsible decision is to hold the 2021 ASA Biopharmaceutical Section Regulatory-Industry Statistics Workshop as a virtual conference.

With the move to a virtual conference, we have adjusted the program dates to September 21–24. Adjusted session dates and times can be found in the online program. All session times are indicated (provided) in the Eastern time zone..

If you have already made your travel arrangements for Rockville, Maryland, please contact your travel provider to investigate the cancellation options you have available.

All paid registrants. You can register for the event through Friday, September 24.

Registration is now open and will remain so through Friday, September 24.

Yes, there will be a virtual exhibit hall with sponsors. Take a look at the current list of sponsors.

Details about how to access the virtual 2021 ASA Biopharmaceutical Section Regulatory-Industry Statistics Workshop will be made available to all registrants as the conference approaches, but no later than September 20.

We are still in the process of selecting the platform for the virtual event; however, as an attendee, we plan for there to be no downloads or installations required. Speakers/presenters may need to log in to present during their session. Most content will be available on demand after the workshop concludes.

We will be using the Pathable platform, the same platform that has been used for the ASA’s Conference on Statistical Practice (February 17–19) and Symposium on Data Science & Statistics (June 2–4).

The virtual conference will include short courses, plenary sessions, concurrent contributed sessions, roundtable discussions, and e-posters. All short courses, plenary sessions, and concurrent contributed sessions will be recorded to allow for on-demand viewing after the workshop. There will also be a virtual exhibit hall and a networking event.

The 2021 ASA Biopharmaceutical Section Regulatory-Industry Statistics Workshop short courses will be presented virtually on September 21. You can register for these online and via a PDF registration form. Feel free to register for multiple short courses, as they will be available for on-demand viewing during and after the workshop.

The format for e-poster presentations is still being developed. We will provide more information to presenters in August.

Roundtable discussions—to be held Thursday, September 23—require advanced registration and the virtual chat rooms will be limited to 15 participants at a time.

There will be three plenary sessions on the program—one at the start of every day, beginning Wednesday, September 22, at 10:30 a.m. ET.

During your session, we need you to fulfill the same role as you would have during the face-to-face conference. This consists of the following:

1. Reviewing presentations for length and visibility and discussing concerns with the organizer(s)
2. Checking the program and serving as the main contact for the session with ASA staff in case any changes need to be made (e.g., reordering of speakers within session, withdrawing a speaker, etc.)
3. Requesting a copy of all presenters’ slides in case they run into technical difficulties the day of their presentation
4. Logging in at least 10 minutes early, attending the entire session, and assisting with the online broadcast
5. Ensuring speakers are on time for the session
6. Introducing the speakers at the beginning of the session
7. Making sure each speaker begins/ends at their allotted time
8. Facilitating Q&A discussion after each presentation, including preparing questions in advance to spark discussion
9. Encouraging attendees to fill out the online evaluation form

Please log in five minutes before your session starts to ensure connectivity, adjust volume, ask questions, etc. This is important and will help you!

The sessions will run essentially as they would have at the face-to-face meeting. Please be prepared to share your presentation (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote, PDF, etc.) with the audience. Never fear—should any problems arise, there will be technical support available for assistance.

Pre-registered attendees will be able to join virtual chat rooms on Thursday, September 23. Virtual rooms will be limited to 15 participants.

Please log in five minutes before your session starts to ensure connectivity, adjust volume, ask questions, etc. This is important and will help you!

The discussion will run essentially as it would have at the face-to-face meeting. We recommend preparing 2–3 key questions to help aid the discussion. Never fear—should any problems arise, there will be technical support available for assistance.

All sponsors are being contacted individually to review options for the 2021 workshop. We are working to create opportunities that will deliver value during the virtual event and possibly beyond. If you have not been contacted, please email amy@amstat.org for more information.