Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is the status of SDSS 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 SDSS 2020 as a virtual conference.
What dates and times will the virtual event take place?
With the move to a virtual conference, we have adjusted the program dates to June 3–5. 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 April 8, cancellations made by May 15 will be issued a full refund. For registrations that remain active, the difference between the amount paid and the new pricing will be automatically refunded. Refunds will be issued beginning May 18.
Should I cancel my travel arrangements?
If you have already made your travel arrangements for Pittsburgh, please contact your travel provider to investigate the cancellation options you have available.
Who can participate in the SDSS 2020 virtual event?
All paid registrants. You can register for the event through Friday, June 5.
Is registration open for the SDSS 2020 virtual event?
Registration is now open and will remain so through Friday, June 5.
Is registration open for short courses?
Registration for the short courses is now open and will remain so through Thursday, June 4.
Will there still be exhibitors?
Yes, there will be a virtual exhibit hall as part of the virtual conference. Take a look at the current list of exhibitors.
How do I access the virtual event?
Once registered, you can access the event by clicking here: https://amstat-sdss.conferencecontent.net/. You will need to verify your registration in order to access SDSS. Recorded content will be available for on-demand viewing until July 3, 2020.
Do I need to download anything to attend SDSS 2020 sessions?
As an attendee, there are no downloads or installations required to attend sessions, ask questions, view posters, or visit exhibitors. However, if you have registered for short courses, you will access these via WebEx. WebEx help can be found here. To participate in Friday’s virtual social events, Zoom will be required. Zoom help can be found here.
What platform is being used by session speakers?
Through the virtual event provider, BAV Services, program participants (speakers and session chairs) will use Skype for the invited and contributed refereed session presentations. WebEx will be used for short courses, and Zoom will be used for social events.
Is the ASA Activities Conduct Policy in place for virtual conferences?
Yes, we want all participants at SDSS 2020 to enjoy a welcoming environment free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The complete policy is available at https://www.amstat.org/ASA/Meetings/Meeting-Conduct-Policy.aspx.
Program Information
What portion of the SDSS program will be available virtually?
The virtual conference will include short courses, general sessions, concurrent invited and contributed refereed sessions, and e-posters. There will also be a virtual exhibit hall and Career Service.
Register now for short courses
The SDSS short courses will be presented virtually in the late afternoon on both June 3 and 4. You can register for these online and via PDF registration form.
E-poster presentations
E-poster presentations are being presented on demand with designated Q&A times on the program.
General sessions
There are three keynote sessions on the program, and we hope you will join us for all of them:
Welcome and Keynote Address, given by Rebecca Nugent
Friday Keynote Address, given by Jeannette Wing
Closing Keynote Address, given by Robert Tibshirani
Welcome and Keynote Address, given by Rebecca Nugent
Friday Keynote Address, given by Jeannette Wing
Closing Keynote Address, given by Robert Tibshirani
Saturday conversations with lunch cancelled
The Saturday luncheon panels have been cancelled.
Session Chair Information
What actions are required of me prior to the event?
Complete this very short form so we can collect important information related to you and your session!
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 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 (generally 15 or 30 minutes each). 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 the virtual event provider, BAV Services, program participants (speakers and session chairs) will use Skype for the invited and contributed refereed session presentations.
- Presenters and chairs will need to have Skype downloaded and installed on their machine. Windows computers will likely already have Skype installed.
- Anyone who is presenting live, serving as a session chair, or planning to pre-record will need to complete this form and provide their Skype ID in advance of the meeting or recording session (no later than May 20). This will help us ensure BAV is talking to the right people at the right time. Everyone will be asked to create a Skype ID by Skype when they download or log in to the app for the first time.
- Once BAV has your Skype ID, they will send you a link / invitation to the Skype meeting that you will use to join your rehearsal and subsequent live involvement (please note these will most likely be different URLs).
- You will log in and start your audio and video. BAV’s control room will join the meeting and get things started.
Invited and Contributed Presenter Information
What actions are required of me prior to the event?
- Complete this very short form so we can identify important information related to you and your session!
- 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 the virtual event provider, BAV Services, program participants (speakers and session chairs) will use Skype for the invited and contributed refereed session presentations.
- Presenters and chairs will need to have Skype downloaded and installed on their machine. Windows computers will likely already have Skype installed.
- Anyone who is presenting live, serving as a session chair, or planning to pre-record will need to complete this form and provide their Skype ID in advance of the meeting or recording session (no later than May 20). This will help us ensure BAV is talking to the right people at the right time. Everyone will be asked to create a Skype ID by Skype when they download or log in to the app for the first time.
- Once BAV has your Skype ID, they will send you a link / invitation to the Skype meeting that you will use to join your rehearsal and subsequent live involvement (please note these will most likely be different URLs).
- You will log in and start your audio and video. BAV’s control room will join the meeting and get things started.
E-Poster Presenter Information
What actions are required of me prior to the event?
E-posters will be posted to the virtual event for on-demand viewing throughout the conference. You will need to upload your e-poster by June 1. You will receive separate upload instructions that will include the acceptable formats. Each e-poster presenter has been assigned a date and time during which to check the discussion group 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.
Sponsor/Exhibitor Information
I’m a sponsor/exhibitor of SDSS 2020. Will my company be refunded?
All sponsors and exhibitors are being contacted individually to review options for the 2020 symposium. 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.