WUSS 2026 Submission Guidelines

Final Paper Requirements

For those who have opted to submit a paper, the final paper must be submitted no later than August 10th as a PDF file. WUSS recommends that you download and use the preceding Microsoft Word template; the document must be saved as a PDF prior to submission. Whether you use the template or not, your paper must adhere to certain formatting requirements listed below:

  • Your paper number (###) must appear at the top of the first page of your paper (as “Paper ###-2026” for general authors, or “SAS###-2026” for SAS employees) and must match the three-digit paper number maintained in the SoftConf Submission System.
  • The title of your paper must exactly match the title as entered in the SoftConf Submission System.
  • The list of authors must appear on the first page below the title and should match the list of authors entered in the SoftConf Submission System.
  • An “ABSTRACT” heading and section should immediately follow your title and authors; all headings must be written in bold, left-justified, and in ALL CAPS.
  • The paper abstract should be a single paragraph that introduces and describes the content and intent of the publication. The final paper abstract need not match the abstract submitted in SoftConf exactly, but please be aware that the version of the abstract in SoftConf will be displayed to attendees through the conference mobile app.
  • Page numbers must appear centered at the bottom of each page; page numbers can begin on either the first or second page of the paper.
  • A “REFERENCES” heading (and section) is required to list the primary sources consulted or directly quoted in the paper. Any primary citation style (i.e., APA, MLA, Chicago) can be utilized, but it must be done so consistently.
  • A “CONTACT INFORMATION” heading (and section) is required and must include the 1) names of all authors 2) and email addresses of all authors. Additional contact information can optionally include the job titles, affiliations, or social media links.
  • The following text should be included in the “Contact Information” section ONLY for SAS employees: “SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. ® indicates USA registration.”
  • Additional style recommendations are included in the above Microsoft Word paper template.

Saving and uploading your paper

When saving the final PDF you may optionally edit and save the following metadata fields: AUTHORS, TAGS, TITLE, SUBJECT.

When saving the final PDF, if using Microsoft Word, ensure that ALL fonts are embedded in the PDF to ensure it renders correctly. To do this in Word, navigate to the “Save” page:

  • Select “File.”
  • Select “Options.”
  • Select the “Save” tab in the “Word Options” window.
  • Check the “Embed Fonts in the File” checkbox.”
  • Ensure the “Do Not Embed Common System Fonts” is NOT checked
  • Save the file as a Word document (DOCX).
  • Save the file as a PDF.
  • Upload ONLY the PDF in the SoftConf Submission System.

Slide Presentation Requirements

For those who have opted for a paperless presentation, the final slide presentation must be submitted (through the above SoftConf Submission System) no later than August 10th as a PDF file. WUSS recommends that you download and use the preceding PowerPoint template; the document must be saved as a PDF prior to submission. Whether you use this template or not, you should adhere to the following style and formatting requirements.

  • The first slide should show the full presentation title and the names of all authors. Other optional information can include your job title or affiliation.
  • For paperless submissions that are presented as a lecture, the PDF should be representative of the presentation given live at the conference.
  • In other cases, such as demos, panel discussion, or hands-on workshops submitted as paperless in which the main content may not be delivered as a slide show, the PDF should at minimum include:
    1. a title slide/page that contains at least the presentation title and all authors
    2. a slide/page that contains the abstract and/or outline of the presentation
    3. a slide/page that includes contact information for all authors.
  • If there is a GitHub repository or other web page associated with the presentation, the URL should be listed somewhere in the slides.

Saving and uploading your slide presentation

Note that two versions (i.e., filetypes) of your slide presentation can be uploaded to the SoftConf Submission System, and they serve distinct purposes.

  1. PDF filetype – This file must be uploaded to SoftConf on or before August 10th so that Section Chairs can provide timely feedback to authors if revisions are necessary; after the conference concludes, this PDF will be posted to LexJansen.com:
    • The PDF can be created in PowerPoint by selecting “Save As” and “PDF” filetype; however, the PDF does not need to originate in PowerPoint
    • This file is required for paperless submissions and is optional for paper submissions.
  2. PPTX filetype – This file is used only for your live presentation, and if uploaded before the conference, must be uploaded to SoftConf on or before August 24th:
    • This file is optional for both paper and paperless submissions.
    • If uploaded to SoftConf, the PPTX file will be preloaded on conference laptops prior to your presentation for your convenience.
    • If you do NOT upload a PPTX file prior to August 24th, you will need to bring your presentation to the conference on a USB drive or bring your own laptop (with an HDMI port) to present from.

Questions about Submissions

Authors should contact their designated Section Chairs for any questions throughout the submission process. Thank you again for your significant contributions to WUSS 2026!