DataFest™ 2023: March 31- April 2
DataFest 2023 Winners
Best Insight
Espresso Overflow
James Park, Anusha Kurapati, Alexia Witthaus Viñe, and Tiantian Li
Best Use of External Data
Databest
Best Visualization
DaytaDreaming
Rita Wang, Lin Zhou, Nancy Chen, and Teresa Shi
Event Details
WHAT is DataFest™?
A 3-day data analysis challenge. Teams of 3-5 students work together to attack a complex, surprise dataset. Any undergraduate interested in data can participate. Form your own team or let us find one for you.
WHO can participate?
Any and all Emory undergraduate students with an interest in data analysis can participate.
HOW do I register?
Registration will be open until March 20th, 2023
- Click here to register for DataFest @ Emory
- All undergraduate students with an interest in data analysis can participate. You can register as a team of 3-5 or as an individual (and we will find you a team).
- Register by March 15th to guarantee a t-shirt!
WHEN and WHERE is this happening?
ASA DataFest @ QTM Emory will take place March 31-April 2, 2023 in Math & Sciences Center (MSC) E208. See the DataFest Itinerary for the specific time and location details.
WHY should I get involved?
- Gain hands-on experience with real-world data!
- Receive meals and snacks each day of the competition
- Compete for fame, glory, and nerd bragging rights
- Network with fellow college students, university faculty, and business representatives
- CASH PRIZES to winning teams in three categories: Best Insight, Best Data Visualization, and Best Use of External Data
Testimonials
While DataFest is a competition, the main goal of the event is to promote collaboration. See testimonials from past participants:
As a result of the 2018 DataFest, we started a Technology Student Association where students work on technology problems, enter competitions (such as Emory’s DataFest). The group has grown from the 5 who attended last year to over 30 students" — Jeff Kent; Teacher, Wheeler High School, GA
"Datafest was a great opportunity to experience what real world data analysis entails. By getting the chance to work on a large company dataset, Datafest participants can understand the challenges and rewards of discovering insights from big data. Working in teams in Datafest also promoted a great sense of meaning and collaboration in our analysis work. Datafest was a rewarding experience that provides lots of help along the way so I encourage anyone interested in data analysis to come and participate."
— 2015 DataFest @ Emory Participant
Pre-DataFest Workshops
Practice Before You Participate! Click the videos to learn more.
Data Visualization
Data Transformation
Strings
Map
DataFest Itinerary
| 5:00pm-5:30pm | Volunteer Check-In and Set-Up | Math & Sciences Center E208 |
| 5:30pm-6:00pm | Participant Check-In | Math & Sciences Center E208 |
| 6:00pm-7:00pm | Introduction to Data | Math & Sciences Center E208 |
| 7:00pm | Work begins & Dinner served | Math & Sciences Center E208 |
| 11:59pm | Math & Sciences Center closes |
| 8:00am | Math & Sciences Center opens and work begins | |
| 8:30am | Coffee served | Math & Sciences Center E208 |
| 12:30pm | Lunch served | Math & Sciences Center E208 |
| 6:30pm | Dinner served | Math & Sciences Center E208 |
| 11:59pm | Math & Sciences Center closes |
| 8:00am | Math & Sciences Center opens and work begins | |
| 8:300am | Coffee served | Math & Sciences Center E208 |
| 11:00am-12:00pm | Optional presentation practice | Math & Sciences Center N215 |
| 12:30pm | Presentation submission & lunch served | Math & Sciences Center E208 |
| 12:30pm-1:00pm | Judges check-in & Meet 'n' Greet | Math & Sciences Center E208 |
| 1:00-4:00pm | Presentations | Math & Sciences Center E208 |
| 4:00pm-4:30pm | Judge deliberations | Math & Sciences Center N215 |
| 4:30pm-5:00pm | Awards and feedback | Math & Sciences Center E208 |
| 5:30pm | Event closes |
FAQs
Do students have to stay the entire time?
No. You may come and go as you please. However, you are not allowed to work on the project except while you are on DataFest™ grounds, and at least 3 members of your team must attend the introduction on Friday night.
Anything else I should know about DataFest™?
DataFest™ is a great opportunity to gain experience that employers are looking for. Having worked on a data analysis problem at this scale will certainly help make you a good candidate for any position that involves analysis and critical thinking, and it will provide a concrete example to demonstrate your experience during interviews.
What do I need to compete?
A laptop and familiarity with tools for data analysis (there is no limitation on which software you use) and enthusiasm for data. You may also find it useful to bring scrap paper, a pencil, and/or a graphing calculator.
What are the rules of the competition?
The rules are very simple:
- Teams must be composed of 3-5 undergraduate members.
- Team members can come and go as they please but all work has to be done on-site. A steady supply of food, beverage, and candy make it more inviting to stay. Students have gone full steam into the wee hours of the night/morning, or just worked business hours. It's up to you!
- The data may not leave the competition site. The data we work with is proprietary to a real, live organization.
- It's a competition, but a friendly one, so information sharing between teams is not only allowed but highly encouraged. Official DataFest consultants (grad students, faculty, etc.) will also be around throughout the weekend to help with any questions you might have. However, you may not get help from people who are not involved in DataFest.
When you say prizes, what do you mean?
We're talking about cash prizes for your team!
- $40 Amazon gift card to each team member for the following 3 categories:
- Best Insight
- Best Use of External Data
- Best Visualization
Questions?
Email QTM@emory.edu and we will answer your questions as soon as possible.