MSUG Meetings.

MSUG - Michigan SAS Users Group

MSUG Meetings!

Host A Meeting - Present at MSUG! - Write for MSUG Newsletter

This is a great opportunity to have skilled programming professionals become acquainted with your business and facility. If you would like to host a meeting or if you have any questions, be sure to contact MSUG task force member Ken Schmidt at (734) 484-7777 or Andrew Ugorcak at (313) 323-7324. Below, you will find information on what it takes to host a meeting.

Set an available date with MSUG

Reserve the meeting room and equipment

Supply MSUG with a map and directions on how to get the facility and where to park

Supply MSUG with the address of the facility

Refreshments should be arranged by the host but paid by MSUG

The host may supply the topics and presenters but it is not necessary

The host may MC the meeting but it is not necessary

MSUG holds quarterly meetings. Please make reservations with MSUG in advance for requesting a date on which to host an MSUG meeting. The meeting time is usually from 2:00-4:30 pm. The room for the meeting should be reserved beginning an hour befor the meeting start time and continuing through 30 minutes after the scheduled ending time for meeting preparation and clean-up. The format of the meetings is:

Opening welcome and review meeting itinerary

Opportunity for hosting company to say a few words

Review of upcoming meetings, events, notes, or messages.

First presentation

Break for refreshments and mingling

Handout of presenter prizes, article author prizes and door prize

Second presentation

Reminder of next meeting

The address of the facility, a map, and directions on how to get to the facility and where to park are required by MSUG to add to the newsletter. The newsletter is sent 2 to 3 weeks prior to the actual meeting. If the hosting site will also supply presenter(s), it is necessary to inform MSUG of the presenter(s) and the topic(s) to be added to the newsletter. Be sure to coordinate with the MSUG task force on these important points for the newsletter. If MSUG will be supplying the speakers, then MSUG will coordinate with the facility what equipment will be necessary.

MSUG suggests that the hosting site supply refreshments (pop, cookies, coffee, etc) if at all possible. MSUG will reimburse the host for the refreshments as long as the cost isn't excessive. It is often the case, that the hosting site can have their cafeteria staff setup and supply the refreshments for a small charge. If it will not be possible for the hosting facility to supply the refreshments, then inform the MSUG task force and they will bring the refreshments.

MSUG likes to offer the hosting company the opportunity to supply the presenters since it is easier to coordinate things. It is easier for the presenter to make it to the meeting. It is easier for the presenter to coordinate with the host to make sure the setup and equipment are correct. If the host will not be able to supply the presenters, then MSUG can make arrangements for other people to present their topics.

MSUG can also help make suggestions on what topics to use for presentations.

The host can be the master of ceremonies of the meeting, but MSUG usually does the honor. The host can help in introducing only the presenters, if they would not like to MC the whole meeting. In the case where the host will MC the meeting, MSUG will still be responsible for informing the attendees of the important up coming meetings, events and notes.

MSUG is responsible for supplying name tags, sign-up sheets, and prizes. If the hosting company would like to offer something as a door prize, it would be appreciated but it isn't necessary.

Hosting an MSUG meeting is a great opportunity for everyone. If you are a programmer, please let your company know about the opportunity to host a meeting.

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Giving a Presentation for MSUG

If you have thought about giving a presentation to MSUG but weren't sure what's involved, these guidelines should clear things up for you. If you haven't thought about giving a presentation, perhaps you should think about it. There are many advantages to giving one.

Impressing your current employer

Impressing your next employer

Helping those around you that may have helped you

Practicing your presentation skills in a casual, comfortable setting

Presenting topics that you may present later at a more formal meeting

Public praise and appreciation from MSUG attendees

Getting a prize!

Thats right, getting a prize! For doing a presentation, MSUG will allow you to select a gift from a number of items (shirts, mugs, books, hats, pens, and more). Actually below you will find out what the ins-and-outs are of giving a presentation.

Tell MSUG that you would like to do a presentation

Coordinate with MSUG when you would like to do your presentation

Decide on a topic (MSUG can help you out here if you need it)

Tell MSUG how long you think the presentation will last

Give MSUG a small topical summary to add to the newsletter

Give MSUG a little personal background to introduce you

Tell MSUG of the equipment you will need to present your topic

Make copies of handouts for MSUG attendees

Make it to the meeting and do your knock-out presentation

Receive your gift!

Tell MSUG that you would like to give a presentation. You can even reserve a spot for a meeting many months away (to give you more time to prepare). The presentation should be anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes long (its up to you). If you are not sure about what topic to address, feel free to contact MSUG task force member Ken Schmidt at (734) 484-7777 or Andrew Ugorcak at (313) 323-7324.

Once you know you will be giving a presentation, please give MSUG a small 5 line or so writeup on your topic to be added to the newsletter. Also give a little personal info for your introduction. Figure out what type of equipment you will need for the presentation (overhead projector, phone line, etc.) Make copies, about 40 to 50 of them, of your handouts for MSUG attendees. MSUG will reimburse you for your copies and for other typical expenses like transparencies. Hand outs aren't necessary, but it makes it a lot easier for people to remember your topic and learn. It also provides them with something to jot down notes on.

Then comes the easy part of giving MSUG the presentation. Wow MSUG attendees with your knowledge and skill. Show them that charismatic personality. Feel like a star on stage. And then best of all, receive a gift as a sign of a job well done and adored by all. Its an all-win situation.

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Writing an Article for the MSUG Newsletter

Why should you write an article for MSUG?

It's a great way to get your name in print and recognized by companies and workers. You also will receive a gift from MSUG in appreciation. Many people think that it is a lot of work to write an article. The common article is one page long and takes one hour to prepare. A good rule of thumb for a topic is that if you find yourself looking up a new technique in a manual, then it is probably good as a topic.

A full page article usually consists of some syntax and a few examples which will take up most of the page. The rest of the article simply clarifies what the program is doing to produce the output. Articles can be of any length but please try to keep them under 4 pages long.

Perhaps you would like to write an article for MSUG, but are not sure what's involved.

Simply tell MSUG that you would like to submit an article for the newsletter

Pick a topic

Write the article

Verify that the tip, trick, technique works and that the article is correct

Send a hardcopy (printed) version or electronic (file) version to MSUG

MSUG will review it and add it to the next newsletter

At the next meeting, you will be able to choose which gift you would like from MSUG

To get in touch with MSUG, call task force member Ken Schmidt at (734) 484-7777 or Andrew Ugorcak at (313) 323-7324. If you are not sure what to write an article on, MISUG can give you some ideas. If you do not have sufficient means for typing up a nice document, MSUG would gladly type up your article and add it to the newsletter. You may also supply MSUG with a file and MSUG will coordinate with the rest of the newsletter. Faxing is probably the most common way for MSUG to receive articles.

As thanks, MSUG will allow you to choose a gift at the next meeting. If you can not make the next meeting, then MSUG will get you your gift via some alternate means.

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