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Consumer Expenditure Surveys
Bureau of Labor Statistics > Consumer Expenditure Survey > Home

Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CE) Microdata Users’ Workshop (July 16-18, 2025)

The CE Microdata Users’ Workshop is for microdata users of all levels of experience. The free workshop provides hands-on training in how to apply your programming skills to working with CE public use microdata. During the workshop, data experts proficient in different programming languages are readily available to assist with technical issues. Attendees can expect to obtain not only a well-rounded understanding of the statistical estimation methods used in CE publications, but also the skills required to correctly apply those methods using various statistical software platforms.

In addition to direct training, attendees will hear presentations from researchers and other data users. These presentations include an overview of the work’s purpose and findings, but are focused on practical concerns: variables the researcher used; difficulties encountered; solutions found; tips for others; etc. (See the call for presenters for details.)

Workshop attendees also have the opportunity to Meet with an Expert to discuss their work—in progress or proposed—to discuss questions, concerns, or in any other way seek advice from an experienced member of the CE staff.

The event will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams Live Stream, and it is free to attend. However, registration is required.

Key dates

How to prepare for the workshop?

Workshop participants are asked to specify on the registration form the statistical software package they intend to use during the hands-on training. BLS will provide sample code for the training sessions in SAS, R Python, and STATA. Prior to the event, we highly recommend reviewing the Getting Started Guide and downloading the 2023 datasets that will be used in the workshop practical training sessions.

Questions, comments, or suggestions?

Do you have questions, comments, or suggestions regarding the workshop? Please contact us. Attendees with detailed questions about projects in progress using CE data, or who have suggestions about improving CE products, are encouraged to Meet with an Expert.

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Last Modified Date: March 19, 2025