First-Time Attendees

Thank you for choosing to attend the Joint Statistical Meetings. We are so pleased you will be joining us!

What Can I Expect During My First JSM Experience?

• You will have access to new and innovative sessions, social events, and career opportunities.
• You will receive information about the latest statistical software in the virtual EXPO.
• You will have the opportunity to meet colleagues in your field and learn about other fields.
• Most of all, you will have the chance to have fun while building relationships and networking with other statisticians from around the world.

JSM Is Virtual. What Does That Mean?

You will have access to 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. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.

Want to Learn More About JSM Before the Conference Kicks Off?

Plan to join the JSM First-Time Attendee Orientation Sunday, August 8, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.

Interested in an overview of the conference? Download the JSM 2021 schedule-at-a-glance.

JSM Lexicon

Sessions

• Late-Breaking – Must cover one or more technical, scientific, or policy-related topics that have arisen in the year prior to JSM.
• IOL (Introductory Overview Lecture) – Lectures that provide relatively brief, high-quality introductions to important and timely statistical topics selected because of their potential to enrich the future directions of statistical theory and practice through broader dissemination.
• ICW (In Conjunction With) – Any event (e.g., meeting, reception, mixer) for a non-ASA group.
• Contributed Speed – Consists of 20 oral presentations of approximately four minutes, with a five-minute break after the first set of 10 talks. These presentations also have pre-recorded 15-minute presentations available for on-demand viewing.
• Invited – Approved for the program through a highly competitive system and organized in advance by the program committee. Sessions may consist of anywhere from two to six speakers and the speaking time per person can vary.
• Topic-Contributed – Approved for the program through a less rigorous system and organized in advance by the program committee. Each speaker receives 20 minutes.
• Paper vs. Panel – A paper session consists of a series of speakers, after which there is floor discussion. A panel session is a more fluid conversation in which three to five panelists provide commentary on a topic.
• Student Paper Award – Usually organized as a topic-contributed session. Most sections offering student paper awards schedule them in one session, though some schedule them in various sessions based on topic. Deadlines are typically early- to mid-December.