MWSUG 2026 Special Events

Steve First

Fifty years ago, using processing data meant mainframes, Job Control Language, punch cards, second-generation computer languages, with repetitive and fussy syntax. Steve is one of the few people who has spent fifty years coding, implementing, training, and leading in the SAS sphere.

In this keynote address, Steve bridges the past, present, and future of data science. The presentation explores the design and critical events from the early days of SAS until today that has made SAS so popular for so long.

Beyond syntax, Steve highlights the industries, applications, users, and developers within the SAS community. Whether you are a novice coder or a veteran systems architect, this talk will leave you smarter, inspired, and ready for the next innovation.

This event will focus on all the different Job Descriptions that a SAS programmer can have and play a little match maker. Meant to be an informational event that helps individuals understand the opportunities that might speak best to them, allows those in jobs they love to pay homage to the best employers out there, and helps students understand what they can attain with the new skills they gain from the conference. This is a great way for students to connect with those already in industry.

Paired with this panel discussion will be a series of tables in the Hive for each job description where individuals can ask questions about that job. Available positions can be posted at the tables, but no interviews or job offers will be allowed at the conference, as this is meant to be informational only.

Love your job and want to be on the panel? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Meet the Panelists

	Melinda MacDougall, MS is a senior data programmer at Cincinnati Children’s in the Division of General and Community Pediatrics.
	Jack Shoemaker is a Business Transformation and Integration Leader and is self-employed

Miss Remy Bell

During the conference open sessions and walking around the venue will be Miss Remy Bell, Therapy Poodle. She is there to help attendees relax, reset, and smile! Pet her as often as you see her, YES - PET ME will be present on her gear.

See her Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/missremybell_therapypoodle/