University of Maryland

DC DataFest 2024 A Virtual 48-hour data competition for teams of undergraduate students

Event Dates: April 12-14, 2024

Location: Virtual

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Registration deadline is April 5!

About DataFest The 2024 DC DataFest is a 48-hour competition where teams of undergraduate students from U.S. colleges and universities compete virtually to analyze rich, complex data sets from a major organization. Students are allowed just two slides to convince the judges that they have found the best data supported insights or visualization. DataFest promotes collaboration, creativity, critical and practical analysis skills, and most of all, fun. We can’t reveal the source of this year’s data until the event begins, but a few past data sets have been provided by the Los Angeles Police Department, eHarmony, and Ticketmaster. The competition is open to undergraduate students from the University of Maryland and other prominent universities and colleges in the U.S.

Academic & Real-World Impact Students’ analysis skills are put to the test with much more complex data than what they normally see in class. Their creativity is challenged as students are given free rein to analyze the data however they see fit, taking direction from the client’s presentation on the first night of DataFest. DataFest gives students the opportunity to gain real-world analysis experience and network with potential employers. All sponsoring companies have the opportunity to act as VIP Consultants and Judges to DataFest participants. VIP Consultants are invited to drop in during DataFest to see the student teams in action, and offer advice and guidance. The role of a Judge is to evaluate presentations at the end of the competition and determine the winners in 3 categories:

  • Best Insights,
  • Best in Visualization
  • Best use of Outside Data

FAQs

How do I sign up?
Please fill out the online registration form fully using the registration button (above). We only need one application per team. Registration ends April 5, 2024.

Is this strictly a statistics activity? Or are the data likely to use other techniques outside of statistics techniques?
This is not a statistics activity—it’s a data activity! The event is open to anyone with an interest in data, regardless of major.

Who is eligible to compete?
All undergraduate students are eligible.

How large are the teams?
Teams can be made up of two to five students, but we recommend at least three team members if possible.

Do I have to be part of a team to compete?
Yes.

Is the 2024 DC DataFest in person or virtual?
This year’s DC DataFest will be virtual! The kickoff and data reveal will be Friday, April 12, via the Microsoft Teams platform. On Sunday, April 14, participants will present their findings to our judges virtually. The 2024 DC DataFest winners will be announced on Sunday, April 14.

What do I need to compete?
All you need is a laptop with tools for data analysis (there is no limitation on what software you use) and enthusiasm for data.

Questions? Email DCDataFest@ summitllc.us for more information.

Find us on Twitter: @DCDataFest    #DCDataFest.   #ASADataFest24