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#2019APPAM Daily: Wednesday
Welcome to Denver, Colorado!

Today we are kicking off the 41st Annual Fall Research Conference with two Pre-Conference events, a Workshop and a Training.

The Workshop entitled "Deploying Machine Learning Tools for Public Policy Impact" provided an accessible introductory overview to machine learning tools, illustrated the range of policy problems to which they can be applied, tried to develop understanding of what makes for a good policy application for these tools, what can go right (and wrong), and where and how policy analysts can add value to making progress on these problems. The event had five sessions, ranging from new data sources to problem types, and fairness.

The Training entitled "Impact Policy with Your Research" focused on new professionals exposing specific strategies for reaching policymakers and affecting policy with research. The interactive event featured three veteran policy professionals who talked through with the participants how to communicate their research, making it useful for policymakers, and to create engagement and lasting relationships between researchers and policymakers.

For more about today's events, check out our coverage page.

Tomorrow is the first day of the conference and it is stacked with events, panels and posters. Read on for more info about specific parts of the day.

Let's get #2019APPAM started!
Download the Conference App and Connect Online
Using #2019APPAM
  • Download the Conference App

The APPAM Conference app provides the most up-to-date session information, allowing you to build your personal schedule, browse paper abstracts, and take notes. Plus, you can connect with fellow attendees via the app, enhancing your networking opportunities at the conference. Download the 2019 app by searching your app store for "APPAM" or click this link from your mobile device .

  • Join the Conversation: Connect with your fellow attendees via social media by following us on Twitter at @APPAM_DC and using #2019APPAM. You can also locate us on Facebook at APPAMDC.

  • WiFi Information: During #2019APPAM, attendees may connect to WiFi in all meeting spaces.

Network Name: Sheraton-MeetingRoom
Password: appam2019
  • Mathematica's #2019APPAM Official Podcast : The first episode in Mathematica's special #2019APPAM series is already out. Featuring Matt Stagner, Mathematica Vice President and APPAM President, the episode previews the topic of this year's Presidential Address, the emotional aspects of policy work, as well as Stagner's research overall. Throughout the conference, On The Evidence host, J.B. Wogan, will be recording and livestreaming special episodes connected to the work and conversations taking place at the conference. These episodes will then also appear on all the major podcasting platforms, like Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play.
Hotel Construction:
During our conference, the Sheraton is doing some major renovations. So, don't worry if you hear a little rumbling in your conference rooms, it's just the construction. Also, keep an eye out for 8-month old micro bully, Bruvis, the hotel's adorable construction pup.
Don't Miss the Welcome Breakfast Sponsored by University of Colorado Denver and University of Denver
Thursday, 7:00 am – 8:15 am 
Location: Plaza Ballroom DE, Plaza Building, Concourse Level

Get your breakfast with a side of information. The Welcome Breakfast will also feature an exciting panel session on Colorado Innovations in Energy and Environment.

Speakers:  Morgan Bazilian, Colorado School of Mines, Jordan MackNick, National Renewable Energy Lab, Frederick Mayer, University of Denver, Bill Ritter, Colorado State University, Brenna Simmons-St. Onge, The Alliance Center, Denver

Colorado is a hotbed of innovation in the energy and environment arena, a model of dynamic collaboration among state and federal government, business, and civil society in finding creative ways to meet energy needs in environmentally sound ways. This panel brings together leading figures from all three sectors to discuss what is happening in our host state.

The breakfast was a free RSVP during registration, but depending on space available, walk-ins may be accommodated.
Plan Ahead Tomorrow Morning:
Start the conference strong by joining the Fun Run & Walk on Thursday from 6:30 am - 7:30 am, meet in main lobby of the hotel. Spots may be available if you haven't RSVPed. Course maps will also be provided for those that prefer to run on their own. The full course is three miles, but participants are welcome to do as much or as little as they’d like. Run leaders are provided by Wolpaca Coaching of Golden, Colorado.
Hungry for Research Conversations? Add the Opening Luncheon to Your Calendar Tomorrow!
Thursday, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm 
Location: Plaza Ballroom DE, Plaza Building, Concourse Level

Join your fellow members for an opening lunch to kick off the conference.

How Migration is Changing the World: Jason DeParle of The New York Times spent 32 years following a single family as migration took them from a shantytown in Manila to a middle-class American life. DeParle and a panel of researchers including moderator Carolyn Heinrich (Vanderbilt University), Hamutal Bernstein (Urban Institute) and Neeraj Kaushal (Columbia University) will discuss the consequences of migration for families and society and the role of research and journalism in shaping policy discussions.

Onsite tickets can be purchased but are VERY LIMITED. Please visit the Registration Desk for $38, if you didn't purchase one when you registered.
APPAM Communities:
APPAM Communities support opportunities for any group of people to meet at the conference and discuss the topics most important to them. These get-togethers, selected through a submission process, will focus on any number of shared interests or experiences, including, but not limited to, the following: race, ethnicity, gender, geographical location, methodology, or approach. This initiative builds on suggestions made by APPAM’s Diversity Committee, and other requests for additional networking opportunities in the context of APPAM’s growth. No RSVP needed, please join us!

Tomorrow's sessions:
 
  • Indigenous APPAM
  • 10:15 am - 11:45 am

  • Early Career Faculty
  • 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm
 
  • Women in Economics @ APPAM
  • 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

A full schedule of the Communities can be found here .
Exhibitor Passport

All APPAM attendees are encouraged to participate in the Exhibitor Passport program. The process is simple: visit exhibitors, collect stickers, and win prizes!

Visit Exhibitors
This year's conference welcomes 29 exhibiting institutions that share APPAM's goal of furthering public policy research. From publishers and think tanks to research labs and academic programs, there's something of interest for everyone.

Collect Stickers
By visiting an exhibitor booth and interacting with their staff person, you earn a sticker from that institution. The more stickers you collect, the more prizes you can win.

Win Prizes
There will be three $200 Amazon gift cards up for grabs as the program's grand prizes. By collecting 10 exhibitor stickers, you will earn one entry into the grand prize drawing. By collecting 20 exhibitor stickers, you will earn two entries towards the grand prize drawing. The drawing will be held on Saturday afternoon and winners will be notified via email.
BONUS! The first 50 attendees to collect 20 stickers and present their passport at APPAM Central can collect an instant prize in addition to their drawing entries! Completed passports can be returned to the Registration Desk.
APPAM Plinko
Don’t forget to visit APPAM Central to receive a complimentary APPAM gift after playing Plinko ! Prizes vary by day but might include reusable straws, APPAM socks, travel pouches, and more!
Preview of Thursday's Schedule
Thursday's Weather:
weather + 10 day forecast