The Discovery Summit Goal
JMP Discovery Summit supports the division goal to spread the use and impact of JMP by:
- Energizing the efforts to create a culture of analytics
- Educating JMP users in how to be efficient and effective
- Soliciting feedback to ensure JMP continues to meet the needs of our market
We do this by showcasing best practices in data exploration, by introducing people to cutting edge statistical techniques, and by inspiring people to think about analytics in newer and bigger ways.
We love sharing these messages with scientists, engineers, students and other JMP users. This is how we help new users become good users, and good users become expert users.
And we need to share these same messages with influential JMP users...the kind of people who determine which statistical discovery software is used in their organizations and in their communities--and how that software is used as well. Ultimately, this is how we’ll spread the use and impact of JMP.
Content
- Thought-provoking keynotes with themes that are of interest broadly across our audience
- Papers and posters from users that demonstrate and illuminate specific uses of JMP
- Papers from SAS staff that explain the design patterns and uses of JMP
- Networking sessions to foster the connections that bind a community of JMP users
- Opportunities for users to ask product questions of JMP experts
- Opportunities for users to provide feedback and make requests directly – or at times indirectly -- to JMP product marketing and R&D staff
Audience
- Every-day, average JMP users, who could become JMP champions
- JMP champions
- Managers and executives overseeing JMP-using teams
- Partners and other collaborators
- Key JMP prospects who would be impressed by the content and sense of community, and therefore move closer to buying
- Authors, lecturers and other well-respected individuals who would be impressed by the content and sense of community, and therefore help spread the word about JMP
Values
- Content that is unapologetically sophisticated and technical
- VIP attendees (judged not by title or organization, but by statistical depth and rigor)
- Investment in online production for a professional and user-friendly experience upholding the reputation that JMP people are helpful
- Investment in in-person venues and components (sets, lighting, signage, fixtures, etc.) befitting the longevity and success of SAS
What attendees have come to expect
Attendees expect to meet brilliant people with common interests. To watch papers. To participate in posters. To showcase their work; to learn from other JMP users who showcase theirs. To ask JMP experts about anything and to make development requests -- often even to get the ear of John Sall and the development team. And, when in-person, to be taken to a very special place, to be wined and dined, and even entertained.
Online or in-person we also have students who expect to meet potential employers, professors who expect to make industry connections, and partners who expect to spend time with clients.
Why Discovery will always be online
Some users can’t travel to attend in-person events. And if all users could, we couldn’t host them all! Therefore, Discovery Summits in every region will address the needs of the majority of JMP users by making this rich content, these vast resources, and the important interactions available online.
This is how we scale up. This is how we can take care of 5 million users in a few years.
Creating a special online experience
We can and should create an inspirational experience online for users who can’t attend in-person. We can do this by investing in a virtual conference center, putting extra work into recording papers and posters before the event, and being creative in how we facilitate conversations and interactions. In the spirit of democratizing interaction with JMP staff across the globe, online Discovery Summits must include opportunities to provide feedback and to learn.
Why an in-person component is wanted
Even the best online events can’t replace in-person interactions. And the red-carpet experience can’t quite be duplicated online. Therefore, may be a desire to maintain an in-person component of some sort. When we know that there is an audience for an in-person event, when it is safe, when we can provide content that makes sense, and when we have enough staff to create an experience worthy of the Discovery brand, we should host an in-person part: a Special Segment.
What planners need to know about online Discovery Summits
- Timing: The online event should run for a few hours every day for as long as appropriate: the bigger events will span a week; shorter ones will be two or three days. These may be before the in-person part or after...depending upon regional needs. They should not run simultaneously with the in-person part because we want each part to get 100% of our attention, and we want users to be able to attend both if they want.
- Audience: This would be open to any and all interested JMP users and prospective users. Registration should always be required. A registration fee may be implemented, with the option of waiving it for users who have no budget.
- Components: All Discovery Summits will include these components:
- One or more keynotes (selected by regional staff with help from global staff)
- Paper and poster sessions (selected by a Steering Committee managed by Regional Staff and supported by Customer Care and Global Events)
- Ask the Expert sessions (planned by Regional Staff with support from Customer Care and Global Events)
- Product feedback opportunities (planned by Regional Staff with support from Product Management and Global Events)
- Additional components may be added based on regional needs and interest, such as “un-sessions” and training
- Feel: Even though online, this event should feel inclusive and interactive.
- Look: We want each of these events to be branded appropriately and to look professional. A program like Hubb or a special landing page will be created for each event.
What planners need to know about Discovery Summit Special Segments
- Timing: As we ramp back up, the in-person parts will be one- or two-day events only. As Covid worries subside, we can consider additional days if warranted.
- Audience: Think quality over quantity. Who do we want there? And who really, really wants to be there?
- In the Americas (Oct 2021) and Europe (March 2022) we will focus on getting no more than 100 influential JMP enthusiasts from accounts with high growth potential. Let’s include those who have an interest in JMP Live and/or are strategic for another reason. Consider a relaxed invitation-only model.
- In China where JMP users are back in their offices and factories, we will not get their devoted time and attention unless they are in-person. So, we will aim for larger gatherings.
- We will adjust in-person attendee expectations for Korea and Japan appropriately. At this time, we have no plans for in-person components for 2021 events.
- Components: These special segments should include content that complements the online program. A little duplication with online content is ok, but tailor the program to offer content that can’t be created online. Think of the Special Segment as an opportunity to create an experience. Consider these components:
- High-level content in the way of keynotes (selected by regional staff with help from global staff)
- Paper and/or poster sessions (selected by a Steering Committee managed by Regional Staff and supported by Customer Care and Global Events)
- Ask the Expert sessions (planned by Regional Staff with support from Customer Care and Global Events)
- Product feedback opportunities (planned by Regional Staff with support from Product Management and Global Events)
- Additional components may be added based on regional needs and interest, such as “un-sessions” and training
- Food, beverage, fun
- Feel: This is your opportunity to “wow” your customers by creating an immersive, interactive and caring in-person experience. Make sure everybody who attends in person feels special.
- Look: Brand, brand, brand. Use signage and accessories to make us look bigger than we are.
