First-Time Attendees
Thank you for choosing to attend the Joint Statistical Meetings in Washington, DC. 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 EXPO, where you can also win prizes.
- 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.
Interested in an overview of the conference? Download the JSM 2022 schedule-at-a-glance. Complete program information for 2022 will be available in early April.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm here! What do I do first?
Once you are settled into your hotel, stop by the Registration and JSM Help Desk in the convention center. You can pick up your welcome packet, which includes the JSM Quick Guide and a badge holder (or badge if you left yours at home). The JSM badge will enable you to enter the conference center, mixers, and EXPO. You also get a nice bag to carry these things around in. First-time attendees and docents can request a ribbon to attach to their badge that specifies these distinctions. If you are a chapter or section officer, pick up a ribbon for that, too!
What is the difference between special presentations, invited sessions or panels, topic-contributed sessions or panels, and contributed sessions?
Special presentations are introductory overview lectures or late-breaking sessions presented concurrently with other sessions. More than likely, these will be given by renowned statisticians.
Invited sessions, including plenary sessions and named lectures, are pre-organized sessions with speakers who have been invited or are expected to give talks based on their position in the organization (e.g., the President’s Invited Address). Plenary sessions are given at a time during which they do not compete with other sessions. Awards are given at some of these events, as well.
Topic-contributed sessions are planned about eight months in advance of JSM. These are typically based on a single topic and organized by one or two people.
If you submitted an abstract to the JSM planning committee, you will most likely be in a contributed session. These are papers that have been grouped together based on a theme.
TIP: The type of session will not necessarily reflect its quality. In the past, promising talks have fallen short due to an apparent lack of preparation, while some contributed session presentations were excellent, as it was obvious they were rehearsed. Go to sessions you think will be interesting; do not limit yourself to only “renowned” speakers.
Invited sessions, including plenary sessions and named lectures, are pre-organized sessions with speakers who have been invited or are expected to give talks based on their position in the organization (e.g., the President’s Invited Address). Plenary sessions are given at a time during which they do not compete with other sessions. Awards are given at some of these events, as well.
Topic-contributed sessions are planned about eight months in advance of JSM. These are typically based on a single topic and organized by one or two people.
If you submitted an abstract to the JSM planning committee, you will most likely be in a contributed session. These are papers that have been grouped together based on a theme.
TIP: The type of session will not necessarily reflect its quality. In the past, promising talks have fallen short due to an apparent lack of preparation, while some contributed session presentations were excellent, as it was obvious they were rehearsed. Go to sessions you think will be interesting; do not limit yourself to only “renowned” speakers.
What are roundtable discussions?
These are small group talks that occur in conjunction with breakfast and lunch, giving you the opportunity to network while discussing a topic of interest. Roundtables are ticketed events in which space is limited, so it is best to register for them prior to JSM.
What is the Professional Development (PD) program?
PD is the process of improving and broadening the knowledge, skill, and personal qualities needed to be successful in the practice of statistics. To meet your professional development needs, the ASA offers continuing education and personal skills development courses and workshops at JSM. These offerings are ticketed events in which space is limited, so it is best to register for them prior to JSM.
What are the EXPO, ASA Store, and Cyber Center?
Whatever you do, do not miss walking through the EXPO, where many of the JSM sponsors have booths. While you can pick up novelties, there are also many academic, employer (i.e., recruiter), and publisher booths.
The ASA Store is usually in the EXPO. ASA merchandise (e.g., shirts, jackets, coffee mugs) can be purchased there. Also, shirts from previous JSMs can be purchased there at a discount.
In the years before portable devices with email and internet access became ubiquitous, JSM began offering the Cyber Center. There usually is not a long wait to access the internet or send a quick email at these computer kiosks. If your cell phone battery is low and you need to make a reservation, head there!
The ASA Store is usually in the EXPO. ASA merchandise (e.g., shirts, jackets, coffee mugs) can be purchased there. Also, shirts from previous JSMs can be purchased there at a discount.
In the years before portable devices with email and internet access became ubiquitous, JSM began offering the Cyber Center. There usually is not a long wait to access the internet or send a quick email at these computer kiosks. If your cell phone battery is low and you need to make a reservation, head there!
What is the Career Service?
This is a full-service recruiting facility, usually near the EXPO, in which employers look for and meet with job seekers. There is an additional fee to register for the Career Service.
There are many business meetings and mixers. Am I welcome to attend those?
As long as the conference program does not say “closed” or “ticketed event,” consider yourself welcome! Even if you are not a current member of a section, you may go to its mixer to find out what it is about.
I did not buy tickets in advance, but several Professional Development courses and roundtables look interesting. Can I attend those?
Maybe. The best way to guarantee you can go to these is to register beforehand. However, there may be available tickets to some events onsite. It never hurts to ask! Stop by the Registration Desk for help.
How can I begin networking?
Be adventurous! Go to sessions on topics you have heard only a little about. Don’t be afraid to reach out to speakers or attendees if you have questions. Many lunches are planned after the 10:30 a.m. session (i.e., not much planning a priori), so if you are talking to someone, ask if they have plans—you never know what connections you will make and how they will serve you in the long run!
Who are docents, and what can they do for me?
Docents are JSM attendees identified with a special ribbon on their badge or orange button who will be at the First-Time Attendee Orientation and Reception and also answer your questions related to JSM throughout the conference.
Is there a number I can call in case of an emergency?
In case of emergency, messages may be left during registration hours by calling (202) 249-4005.
I'm a presenter and I just arrived. Is there anything I should do?
Speakers are required to check in at the Speaker Ready Room, CC-209, four hours prior to their presentations to upload their materials to the speaker management system or confirm their materials were uploaded correctly. Session chairs also should check in to confirm all speakers have uploaded their materials.