Federal Forecasters Consortium

We will host a VIRTUAL conference via WebEx on Thursday, May 6, 2021.  Registration is now open at this link: https://go.gwu.edu/ffc2021registration

The Federal Forecasters Conference is open to everyone and there is no registration fee.  Note that from this link you'll need to click the register link from Event Status in order to be taken to the registration page.  Once registered, the same link will allow participants to join the plenary session when it's time.  The agenda and links for the afternoon sessions will be sent to registrants via email.  

FFC Forecasting Contest: The FFC forecasting contest is open to everyone. For a chance to win, fill out the Google form online or for a PDF form visit https://go.gwu.edu/ffccontest. Email Brian W. Sloboda at [email protected] for questions or if you are unable to access the contest links. All contest entries must be submitted by April 1, 2021. Each person may submit only one entry. All contest entries are confidential, and each individual will receive confirmation of receipt of his/her submission after the deadline. The winner will be announced at the FFC/2021 Conference, Thursday, May 6, 2021.

The 23rd Federal Forecasters Conference, FFC/2021 - Thursday, May 6, 2021

In the tradition of past meetings, FFC/2021 will provide a forum where forecasters from federal agencies and other organizations can meet and discuss various aspects of forecasting.

FFC/2021 Theme: Forecasting in the Presence of Missing Data

Forecasters draw upon current and historical data to make predictions about likely future outcomes. In many instances, though, the data available to forecasters are incomplete or delayed. Missing data have consequences for the accuracy of forecasts whether researchers are aware of its presence or not. Sometimes there are lags in the collection or release of data, which can be revised in future periods. In other cases, data are permanently missing due to coverage error or nonresponse. Missing data are a growing concern for researchers and practitioners as technological changes in communication methods mean that those without a landline telephone or internet access are increasingly excluded from sample frames. Further, privacy concerns and mistrust of the government limit people’s willingness to participate in surveys creating higher nonresponse rates. The 2021 Federal Forecasters Conference will consider the impact of missing data on forecasts. How does missing data affect forecasts, and what techniques can forecasters use when faced with missing data?

Plenary Speakers:

Jessica S. Banthin, Senior Fellow in the Health Policy Center of the Urban Institute

Dennis J. Fixler, Chief Economist of the Bureau of Economic Analysis

David Raglin, Chief of the Survey Analytics and Measures Branch in the American Community Survey Office of the U.S. Census Bureau

 

 

Charter of the Federal Forecasters Consortium

 
 

Papers and Proceedings from Previous Conferences