Get a jump start on the conference by taking advantage of Sunday Workshops being offered on NESUG 2010 opening day! These workshops provide you an opportunity to explore a topic not otherwise offered during the conference, or to delve more deeply into a topic of interest to you. They are open to registered attendees for an additional fee of $95. per workshop. New this year, at a fee of $150, workshops are available even if you do not register to attend the conference. To participate, click the appropriate box when registering. Please note that space is limited and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis at the conference.
Sunday, November 14
9:00 am - Noon
Adding SQL to Your SAS® Programming Repertoire
Warren Repole SAS Institute
Overview:
Although the DATA step and Base SAS procedures can accomplish many tasks, there is a role for Structured Query Language (SQL) in many SAS applications. Some SAS users are reluctant to try SQL because they perceive it as “a different programming language.” After they recognize the numerous parallels between SQL approaches and the corresponding traditional SAS techniques, it becomes apparent that SQL is just another variation of SAS code, much like the SAS macro language. In fact, PROC SQL is part of Base SAS itself.
This seminar shows parallels between SQL and traditional SAS solutions, and illustrates the benefits of implementing SQL-based solutions in place of, or in addition to, step-based SAS code. Well-crafted SQL alternatives can streamline SAS programs, expedite the development and debugging process, and minimize future code maintenance. As a bonus, certain applications can run more efficiently when written using SQL.
Topics are divided into four main categories: (1) Displaying and Computing Data; (2) Combining Data; (3) Modifying Data; and (4) Macro Applications.
Instructor's bio: Warren Repole began using SAS software in 1979 through the Statistics department at the University of Florida. Warren has presented at SAS users group meetings since 1985 and has taught SAS classes since 1992. He joined the Rockville, Maryland SAS Training Center as an instructor in 1994. His specialties include DATA step and macro programming, SAS/GRAPH, and SAS/IntrNet. Warren currently holds the SAS Certified Advanced Programmer for SAS9 credential.
More and more SAS professionals are using social media to network and learn. There's real out there - if you know where to look for it. One of the challenges of social media for beginners is knowing where to start, and how to participate without getting overwhelmed.
In this hands-on workshop, airmed at beginners and new users of social media, you'll discuss:
The most important social media channels for IT professionals
how to set up your accounts
how to find interesting and relevant people to follow
tips for communication effectively in those channels
You'll also learn some tools and techniques for integrating social media into your work life without getting overwhelmed.
We'll conduct a survey in advance to learn more about each participant's level of comfort and use of social media, and tailor the workshop to the group's expectations.
If you've been waiting for the right time to learn more about social media, this is it.
Instructor's bio: David B. Thomas is Social Media Manager at SAS. Dave has worked in marketing communications for a variety of companies and clients, mostly in technology. Dave has been actively involved in social media since 1994 when he joined his first Internet forum, and began blogging in 2002 when he wrote the daily update for the Iceland Airwaves music festival. You can find all of Dave's online presences at dbthomas.com.
Analyzing U.S. Healthcare Survey and Sample Data with
SAS®
Paul Gorrell
Social & Scientific Systems, Inc.
Overview:
As healthcare reform continues to be debated, and implementation of the March 2010 legislation phased in, understanding healthcare data and related analyses becomes increasingly important. This half-day class is for programmers and healthcare analysts who want to learn how to analyze data from nationally representative healthcare survey and sample data released each year by the U.S. government. The goal is to provide sufficient data-source background and analytic resources that can serve as a foundation for research using SAS with Federal healthcare data.
Prerequisites: Participants should be familiar with the basics of SAS data step programming and with descriptive statistics, as well as a general familiarity with healthcare research.
Instructor's bio: Paul Gorrell is a Senior Research Scientist, Director of Quality Assurance, and Director of Analytic Programming at IMPAQ International LLC. He has used SAS for over 25 years, primarily to analyze healthcare data focused on quality of care measures, as well as utilization and expenditure data related to different medical conditions. He is a frequent presenter at SAS-user and healthcare-research conferences. He was Co-Chair of NESUG 2006 and is on the NESUG Executive Committee.