Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is the status of the 2021 Joint Statistical Meetings?
After careful consideration, the ASA has determined the best and most responsible decision is to hold the 2021 Joint Statistical Meetings as a virtual conference due to concerns about COVID-19.
What dates and times will the virtual event take place?
With the move to a virtual conference, we have adjusted the program dates to August 8–12, 2021. Adjusted session dates and times can be found in the online program. All session times are indicated (provided) in the Eastern Time Zone.
Who can participate in the 2021 Joint Statistical Meetings?
All paid registrants. If not already registered, you can do so on the 2021 JSM website.
What about the short courses usually held at JSM?
Since attendees will access the conference virtually from anywhere, courses will be scheduled throughout the year. Please check the ASA website regularly for updated course information.
Will there still be exhibitors?
Yes, there is a virtual exhibit hall as part of the conference. Take a look at the current list of exhibitors.
How do I access the virtual event?
Details about how to access the 2021 JSM platform will be made available to all registrants Monday, August 2, 2021.
What platform will be used for the 2021 JSM?
The virtual event will take place on a third-party platform known as Pathable.
Information about the attendee experience, including a user FAQ & Best Practices guide, is available. An informational video may also prove useful.
Additional information about the program participant experience (speakers, discussants, and chairs), including a speaker FAQ & Best Practices guide, is also available.
Information about the attendee experience, including a user FAQ & Best Practices guide, is available. An informational video may also prove useful.
Additional information about the program participant experience (speakers, discussants, and chairs), including a speaker FAQ & Best Practices guide, is also available.
Do I need to download anything to attend the 2021 JSM sessions?
We plan for there to be no downloads or installations required, although attendees will have to log in to access the virtual event platform. Most content will be available on demand after JSM concludes, through December 31, 2021.
What platform is being used by session speakers?
We plan for Zoom webinars to be used by session speakers for their presentations. All sessions will be accessible via the virtual event platform, and instructions will be provided. For details about presenting via the virtual platform, please see the Pathable Speaker FAQ.
A Pathable speaker instructional video is also available.
A Pathable speaker instructional video is also available.
Program Information
What portion of the 2021 JSM program will be available virtually?
The virtual conference will include plenary sessions; concurrent invited, topic-contributed, and speed sessions; special lunchtime speaker sessions; and roundtable discussions. There will also be a virtual exhibit hall and networking events.
Speed Sessions
Presentations in speed sessions will be made in two parts: a live 3–4-minute overview during the scheduled concurrent session and a pre-recorded 10–15-minute presentation for on-demand viewing.
Will recorded sessions be available after JSM?
Yes, recorded sessions will be available on the platform through the end of the year.
Session Chair Information
What are my roles and responsibilities during my session?
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:
- Log in 20 minutes before your session starts to ensure connectivity, adjust volume, ask questions, turn on live transcription/captioning, 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.
- Manage Q&A
Concurrent Session Presenter Information
What are my roles and responsibilities during my session?
Please log in 20 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.
View the Pathable Speaker FAQ & Best Practices guide. A Pathable speaker training video is also available.
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.
View the Pathable Speaker FAQ & Best Practices guide. A Pathable speaker training video is also available.
I am a speed presenter. How do I record my talk?
With the move to a virtual conference, the format of speed presentations will be a bit different than when planned for the face-to-face meeting. Speed sessions will be in two parts: a pre-recorded 15-minute presentation and a live, 3–4-minute overview during the scheduled session.
Your 15-minute prerecorded presentation (.mp4) will be uploaded to the platform. Instructions for uploading recorded presentations are forthcoming.
There are no restrictions on the recording software. This can be done using tools such as PowerPoint or Google Slides with audio, Zoom, WebEx, Teams, Prezi, etc. Get tips for creating a conference recording.
Closed captioning is highly recommended for recordings. Depending on the recording software/video platform you use, instructions for how to enable this feature will vary.
Your 15-minute prerecorded presentation (.mp4) will be uploaded to the platform. Instructions for uploading recorded presentations are forthcoming.
There are no restrictions on the recording software. This can be done using tools such as PowerPoint or Google Slides with audio, Zoom, WebEx, Teams, Prezi, etc. Get tips for creating a conference recording.
Closed captioning is highly recommended for recordings. Depending on the recording software/video platform you use, instructions for how to enable this feature will vary.