What are the Jim Goodnight Excellence Awards?
The Jim Goodnight Excellence Awards recognize and reward SAS customers who help us change the world through analytics. The awards celebrate users whose work reflects the values that have long defined SAS: long-term partnership, principled innovation, and real-world impact through analytics.
2026 Award Categories
User Feedback Award
Awarded to a SAS customer who provides valuable feedback on SAS products and has been an essential reference for product improvements.
Customer Impact Award
Awarded to a SAS customer who has had the most impact through a willingness to share their analytics journey, successes and lessons learned with others.
One winner will be selected from the public sector and one from the private sector.
In-House User Group Leader Award
Awarded to a SAS User Group in-house leader demonstrating a dedicated passion for the success of users group members.
FAQ
What are the terms and conditions?
Can I submit an entry for a Jim Goodnight Excellence Award?
Please stay tuned for the 2027 Awards to learn more.
What if I'm employed by a government?
If selected, contact your ethics and legal department and let us know whether you are subject to any limitations.
The Prizes that will be provided as part of this contest may be considered gifts by your employer or gifting laws. If you are named as a winner and SAS determines that you are prohibited from accepting any or all of these Prizes, SAS will only provide such Prizes as are acceptable under your employer’s policy or by law. If you are aware of such restrictions at the outset, please notify SAS so we can accommodate accordingly.
What do the winners receive?
Each winner will receive registration and travel expenses* for one individual employed by the winning company to attend SAS Innovate 2026 in Grapevine, Texas as outlined in the official terms and conditions. In addition, winners will recieve a trophy, SAS swag and public recognition!
*See the official contest rules for details. Stay tuned for the 2026 terms and conditions.