How to Submit a SUGI Paper

How (and when) are papers selected?

Papers are reviewed and selected by the SUGI conference leaders. Each paper is judged on the quality of the idea and presentation shown in the abstract and working draft. Final decisions will be made after all submissions are received. The section chairs will notify authors in November 2004.

The abstract you submit is considered final and will be published in the conference materials if your paper is accepted. The abstract cannot be more than 250 words long and should include the SAS software products mentioned in your presentation, any operating systems that your paper is limited to, and the skill level of the intended audience.

The working draft is not considered your final paper and will not be published. It should contain at least 1,000 words of actual text and should present the reader with a clear concept of your paper's focus, direction, and quality.

If my paper is selected, when will my final paper be due?

If accepted, the final version of your paper will be due on or before February 4, 2005 for inclusion in the SUGI 30 Proceedings. You will be required to submit your final paper as a PDF, and you will be required to submit a signed Copyright Grant in December 2004.

Are all papers automatically accepted?

No, the Conference Chair has final approval over all papers. The success of SUGI over the years has made the selection process more difficult. A well-developed draft will assist the section chairs in identifying the papers and topics that will be of interest to the attendees of SUGI 30.

What kinds of papers are appropriate?

Each section description explains in detail what the section chairs are anticipating. In general, though, papers describing real-world applications of SAS software are particularly appropriate. Tips and techniques on effective or innovative uses that others can adapt are well received. Theoretical or general overview papers are also welcome.

Can I give a paper about my consulting services or a product that I have developed?

A paper about your work is acceptable. However, the paper may not include price lists, support commitments, promotional information, or other descriptions of a sales nature.

How long can my paper be?

The final version of your contributed paper can be no more than 12 publishable pages including any charts, figures, source code, and so on. You will have 20 minutes at SUGI to present your paper, except in the Coders' Corner section where a majority of the presentations are limited to 10 minutes.

If I submit a paper and it is accepted, when will I receive confirmation of its acceptance?

Final decisions will be made after all submissions are received. The section chairs will notify authors in November 2004.

Is my attendance required at the conference if my paper is accepted?

Yes, all SUGI authors are required to attend and present the paper at the conference.

What if I have a question about the paper submission process?

You should contact Gregory S. Nelson Owen, the SUGI 30 Conference Chair. His contact information is in the SUGI 30 Directory.

What if I have a specific question about one of the section descriptions, and what papers are applicable to that section?

You should contact the section chair(s) in charge of that section. Contact information for each section chair is available in the SUGI 30 Directory.

What if I want to volunteer to be a session coordinator or make a suggestion for improving the conference?

You should contact Debbie Buck, Volunteer Coordinator, by using the Participation Form, by email at debbiebuck@houston.rr.com, or by phone at 281.256.1619. Debbie wil happily take your suggestion or accept your offer to be a session coordinator.

What if I have questions about the SUGI conference in general?

You can visit this Web site for all of the details currently available about the conference. And you can call the SUGI hotline at any time at 919.531.5000.

Why was Philadelphia selected for SUGI 30?

Philadelphia, the birthplace of modern invention, is a place that cries of innovation and excitement. It's also the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In other words, it's a great city and a great location for the 30th annual SUGI conference! And the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) is in the heart of it all. Located in Center City, the local term for downtown, the PCC is in the middle of Philadelphia's cosmopolitan and historic metropolis. With magnificent architecture, natural light, state-of-the-art technology and carefully conceived meeting space, the facility is a perfect match for SUGI 30. Convenient to shopping, entertainment and cultural districts, the PCC covers six downtown city blocks. And below the complex, Market East Station connects the center with Amtrak's 30th Street Station and Philadelphia International Airport via regional rail service.