Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is the status of JSM 2020?
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 JSM 2020 as a virtual conference.
What dates and times will JSM 2020 take place?
With the move to a virtual conference, we have adjusted the program dates to August 2–6. Adjusted session dates and times can be found in the online program. All session times are indicated (provided) in the Eastern time zone.
Will my registration fee be refunded?
For those who registered through February 4, cancellations made by June 10 were issued a full refund. For registrations that remained active, the difference between the amount paid and the new pricing was automatically refunded. Details about how refunds were processed were sent via email to all qualifying registrants.
Should I cancel my travel arrangements?
If you have already made your travel arrangements for Philadelphia, please contact your travel provider to investigate the cancellation options you have available.
Who can participate in the JSM 2020 virtual event?
All paid registrants. You can register through Thursday, August 6.
Is registration open for the JSM 2020 virtual event?
Registration is now open and will remain so through Thursday, August 6.
Is registration open for the Career Service?
Yes, you can continue to register for the Career Service as either an applicant or employer.
Is registration open for roundtables?
Yes, you can add roundtable discussions (now free but requiring registration due to space limitations) to your registration. If you wish to attend a speaker with lunch session, there is no advance registration required.
Will there still be exhibitors?
Yes, there will be a virtual exhibit hall as part of the conference. Take a look at the current list of exhibitors.
Will there still be professional development?
Professional Development offerings such as Continuing Education short courses, computer technology workshops, and Professional Skills Development workshops will not be included with this year’s virtual JSM. These will be offered as distance-learning presentations such as webinars and scheduled throughout the remainder of 2020 and into the first quarter of 2021.
Will there still be meetings and social events?
Several online virtual events for attendees will be held during the week of JSM. These include the First-Time Attendee Orientation, Opening Mixer, and Student Mixer. Additional opportunities to network and socialize will be available, as well. The meetings and ICW events that typically take place during JSM will be held at the discretion of the organizing groups outside of the virtual platform.
What are docents?
Docents are JSM attendees who will be at the First-Time Attendee Orientation. Although we are all first-timers at a virtual JSM, docents know about the ASA, the partner societies, and how to choose sessions. They also have a lot of professional experience. They will facilitate the breakout rooms during the orientation and host networking meet-ups during JSM. If they don't know an answer to a question, they know who to ask!
Can I sign up to be a JSM docent?
Absolutely! Simply complete this form by July 22 to apply.
What is the JSM Mentoring Program?
The JSM Mentoring Program matches experienced statisticians and data scientists (mentors) with early-career statisticians and data scientists (students, new ASA members, and first-time JSM attendees).
Mentors - Please consider serving in this important role. Your participation will entail sending an email to your assigned mentee about a week before JSM to decide on a time and virtual place to meet at least once during the meetings. Many of us were fortunate to have a colleague show interest in us and help us open doors in our career. Please help strengthen our community by doing the same for an early-career colleague this year at JSM.
Mentees – You will connect with your mentor prior to JSM to decide on a time and virtual place to meet during the meetings. This mentoring program is one way the ASA is promoting the practice and profession of statistics. Getting mentoring advice from a more experienced colleague can help open doors in your career and help you, in turn, promote the practice and profession of statistics.
Mentoring Program Application: https://forms.gle/Am1ZxuqvWaJMpdsx8
Mentors - Please consider serving in this important role. Your participation will entail sending an email to your assigned mentee about a week before JSM to decide on a time and virtual place to meet at least once during the meetings. Many of us were fortunate to have a colleague show interest in us and help us open doors in our career. Please help strengthen our community by doing the same for an early-career colleague this year at JSM.
Mentees – You will connect with your mentor prior to JSM to decide on a time and virtual place to meet during the meetings. This mentoring program is one way the ASA is promoting the practice and profession of statistics. Getting mentoring advice from a more experienced colleague can help open doors in your career and help you, in turn, promote the practice and profession of statistics.
Mentoring Program Application: https://forms.gle/Am1ZxuqvWaJMpdsx8
How do I access virtual JSM 2020?
Details about how to access the virtual JSM 2020 conference will be sent via email to all registrants as the conference approaches, but no later than July 29. This information will be sent to the email address used for your JSM registration. Log in will be required. Confirm your log-in credentials.
Do I need to download anything to attend JSM 2020 sessions?
As an attendee, there are no downloads or installations required to attend sessions, ask questions, view posters, or visit exhibitors. If you plan to participate in roundtables or the mindful meditation events, you will access these via Webex. Webex help can be found here. To participate in the virtual social events, Zoom will be required. Zoom help can be found here.
What platform is being used by session speakers?
Through our virtual event provider, BAV Services, program participants (speakers and session chairs) will use a custom platform for the invited and topic-contributed session presentations. Webex will be used for roundtables and mindful meditation sessions, and Zoom for social events.
Program Information
What portion of the JSM program will be available virtually?
The virtual conference will include plenary sessions, concurrent invited and topic-contributed sessions, on-demand contributed papers and posters, and roundtable discussions. There will also be a virtual exhibit hall and the Career Service.
Contributed paper and poster presentations
Contributed paper and poster presentations are being recorded in advance and presented on demand with designated Q&A times on the program.
Plenary Sessions and Featured Speakers
There are four plenary sessions on the program, as well as several named lectures, and we hope you will join us for all of them. View the complete list.
How will I access JSM programming during and after JSM?
JSM will feature both live and pre-recorded programming via the virtual platform. Live sessions will be recorded for on-demand viewing, unless otherwise noted. On-demand content will be available to all registered attendees via the virtual platform through August 31, 2020.
Session Chair Information
What actions are required of me prior to the event?
For invited and topic- contributed session chairs, contact your session speakers to make sure everyone has tested the platform and is comfortable with the available screenshare. If anyone in your session is unable to present live, please have them email meetings@amstat.org.
For contributed session chairs, contact your session speakers to confirm everyone has uploaded their presentations by the July 29 deadline.
For contributed session chairs, contact your session speakers to confirm everyone has uploaded their presentations by the July 29 deadline.
What are my roles and responsibilities during my session?
For invited and topic-contributed session chairs, you will fulfill the same role during your session as you would have during the face-to-face conference. This consists of the following:
- Log in five minutes before your session starts to ensure connectivity, adjust volume, ask questions, etc. This is important and will help you! There will be a technical support person assigned to your session.
- Introduce each speaker with name, affiliation, and talk title.
- Keep the session running on time. Please refer to the online program for speaker start times. If a presenter ends early or does not attend, use that time for discussion with the audience and speakers. (Do not start the next talk early, per ASA policy).
What platform is being used for the virtual sessions?
Through our virtual event provider, BAV Services, program participants (speakers and session chairs) will use a custom platform for the invited and topic-contributed session presentations.
- Presenters and chairs will need to have access to a computer with a webcam and microphone. Screenshare will be available via the platform.
- You will log in and start your audio and video. BAV’s control room will join the meeting and get things started.
Invited and Topic-Contributed Paper and Panel Presenter Information
What actions are required of me prior to the event?
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 (PowerPoint, Keynote, PDF, etc.) with the audience. Never fear—should any problems arise, there will be technical support available for assistance.
What platform is being used for the virtual sessions?
Through our virtual event provider, BAV Services, program participants (speakers and session chairs) will use a custom platform for the invited and topic-contributed session presentations.
- Presenters and chairs will need to have access to a computer with a webcam and microphone. Screenshare will be available via the platform.
- You will log in and start your audio and video. BAV’s control room will join the meeting and get things started.
Contributed Paper & Poster Presenter Information
What actions are required of me prior to the event?
Contributed papers and posters will be posted to the virtual event for on-demand viewing throughout the conference. You will need to upload your contributed paper or poster by July 29. You will receive separate upload instructions by July 22 that will include the acceptable formats. Each contributed paper and poster presenter has been assigned a date and time during which to check the chat area for Q&A pertaining to their presentation. Presenters do not need to remain in the discussion group for the duration of their assigned time, but simply check in during those hours and respond to questions and comments.