Federal Forecasters Conference

Event Details (cer.columbian.gwu.edu)

This event will feature Zhoudan Xie.

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?