Stats For America Annual Conference

June 3, 2019 @ 9:00 am – 4:30 pm EDT

Bureau of Labor Statistics Conference Center
2 Massachusetts Avenue NE
Washington, DC

Connecting Statistical Agencies and their Users

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Janet Norwood Conference Center

The public data produced by the federal government has a uniquely important role to play in understanding the issues that impact our nation. But in a world that’s become flush with data:

  • What are the unique advantages of these public data assets?
  • How can journalists, researchers, and communications professional find and use these assets?
  • What are the statistical agencies doing to make their data more accessible?
  • How can federal agencies go beyond publishing their data to help journalists and researchers make the most of the high quality and essential data they release?

The Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics sponsored a forum at the Janet Norwood Convention Center, Bureau of Labor Statistics, on Monday, June 3, 2019.  The forum will connect federal agencies, the media, and users of federal statistics.

This forum explored:

  • Innovations in the presentation of information
  • The data and services available from federal agencies for journalists, analysts and other researchers
  • Uses Federal Statistics that promotes transparency and trust
  • The needs and concerns of data users

This event featured discussions between users and producers, demonstrations of data presentation, an interactive exhibition for media and agencies to interact, and discussion of current issues relating to federal statistics.  All will learn what is available, what is new, and where to get the best information.

Program

TimeTopic
9:00 – 9:15Welcoming Remarks: The Importance of Federal Data
Cynthia Clark, Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics
9:15 – 10:15Session I: What’s Changing and Improving in Federal Statistics
Modernization efforts within the agencies, and new initiatives such as the Foundations of Evidence-based Policy Act and the Federal Data Strategy outside the agencies.
10:15 – 11:15Session II: Keeping Federal Statistics from becoming “Fake News”
Impact of changing attitudes towards government data on public trust and how federal statistics are adapting to the new climate.
11:15 – 11:30Break
11:30 – 12:30Session III: How you can use Federal Statistics on DeadlineTranslating federal data into compelling stories.
12:30 – 2:30Lunch and Exhibits by Federal Statistical Agencies
2:30 – 3:30Session IV: The Open Data Movement meets Federal Statistics
Federal Statistical Agency initiatives to make their data more accessible—agency data releases and dissemination, communication strategies and/plans, engagement with stakeholders.
3:30 – 4:30Session V: What would Edward Tufte say about the Charts and Graphs coming out of Washington
Helping audiences understand data with graphics, maps, visualizations, and interactive web products.