Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is the status of the 2021 Symposium on Data Science and Statistics?
After careful consideration, the ASA has determined the best and most responsible decision is to hold the 2021 Symposium on Data Science and Statistics 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 June 2–4, 2021. Adjusted session dates and times can be found in the online program. All session times are indicated (provided) in the Eastern Time Zone.
Should I cancel my travel arrangements?
If you have already made your travel arrangements for St. Louis, please contact your travel provider to investigate the cancellation options you have available.
Who can participate in the 2021 Symposium on Data Science and Statistics virtual event?
All paid registrants. You can register for the event through Friday, June 4.
Is registration open for the 2021 Symposium on Data Science and Statistics virtual event?
Registration is now open and will remain so through Friday, June 4.
Is registration open for short courses?
Registration for the short courses is now open and will remain so through Thursday, June 3.
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?
Details about how to access the virtual 2021 Symposium on Data Science and Statistics will be made available to all registrants as the conference approaches, but no later than Friday, May 28, 2021.
What platform will be used for the 2021 Symposium on Data Science and Statistics?
The virtual event will take place on a third-party platform known as Pathable.
Additional 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, instructors, and chairs), including a speaker FAQ & Best Practices guide, is also available.
Additional 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, instructors, and chairs), including a speaker FAQ & Best Practices guide, is also available.
Do I need to download anything to attend the 2021 Symposium on Data Science and Statistics sessions?
We plan for there to be no downloads or installations required for attendees to access the program. Login will be required to access the virtual event platform and speakers/presenters will need to download and log in separately to Zoom to present during their session. Most content will be available on demand after the symposium concludes.
What platform is being used by session speakers?
We plan for Zoom webinars to be used by session speakers for their presentations. Short courses will use Zoom meetings. All sessions will be accessible via the virtual event platform, and instructions will be provided. For additional 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 Symposium on Data Science and Statistics program will be available virtually?
The virtual conference will include short courses, general sessions, and concurrent refereed and lightning sessions. There will also be a virtual exhibit hall and networking events.
Short Courses
The 2021 Symposium on Data Science and Statistics short courses will be presented virtually on Wednesday, June 2, and Thursday, June 3, 2021. You can register for these online or via the PDF registration form.
Lightning Presentations
Lightning presentations 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.
Plenary Sessions
There will be three plenary sessions on the program. These will take place on Wednesday, June 2, from 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and Friday, June 4, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. and 5:10 p.m. – 6:20 p.m.
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 10 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
Short Course and Concurrent Session Presenter Information
What are my roles and responsibilities during my session?
Please log in 10 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 lightning presenter. How do I record my talk?
With the move to a virtual conference, the format of lightning presentations will be a bit different than when planned for the face-to-face meeting. Lightning 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 presentations (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 presentations (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.