What is DataFest?

DataFest is a campus-wide event that brings together small teams of students from various academic backgrounds for a fun and friendly data analysis competition! It offers a fantastic opportunity to explore real-world data and tackle its intriguing challenges, providing a unique learning experience that goes beyond the typical classroom setting.

At DataFest, teams work on an assigned dataset over the weekend to extract insights through visualizations and statistical analysis. They then present their findings to judges. The main prizes will be awarded in: Best Insight, Best Visualization, and Best Use of External Data.

The goal is not just to find answers but to provide actionable insights that data owners can implement. Recognizing the difficulties this task entails, we offer assistance via consultants who are academic and industry professionals. They will be available throughout the weekend to help students with their analysis, including any software issues.

Organized annually by more than 50 colleges in collaboration with the American Statistical Association (ASA), DataFest provides an opportunity for participants to develop and showcase their data analysis skills, collaborate with peers, and gain hands-on experience working with large datasets. It brings together students, data enthusiasts, academic and industry experts to tackle real-world data challenges.

Who Should Participate?

DataFest is for every Siena student who works with data, not just Data Science or Business Analytics majors! Past participants have come from 17+ different programs. If your coursework involves analyzing numbers, spotting patterns, or making evidence-based arguments, you belong here. We especially welcome students from:

Science & Math	Business & Economics	Social Sciences & Other
Data Science, Biology, Chemistry / Biochemistry, Mathematics, Physics / Astrophysics, Environmental Science, Computer Science, Actuarial Science	Business Analytics, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, Economics	Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Nursing / Health Professions, Social Work, Education, Communication

No advanced data skills are needed; just curiosity, teamwork, and a willingness to learn. We provide workshops the week before the event to help you get comfortable with the tools.

Why Should You Participate in DataFest?

• Hands-On Experience: DataFest offers a unique opportunity to work with real data sets, enabling you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations. This experience is invaluable for enhancing your resume and preparing for future job opportunities.
• Team Collaboration: Join forces with fellow students to solve complex problems. This collaborative environment not only fosters creativity and critical thinking but also provides a platform for personal growth, inspiring you to reach your full potential in today’s job market.
• Networking Opportunities: DataFest connects you with the data science community. While students handle the work, they benefit from support provided by graduate students, faculty, and industry professionals who act as roving consultants.
• Workshops and Learning Sessions: Enhance your skills by attending workshops that cover a range of topics such as data visualization using Python, R, and Tableau, ensuring that you gain a well-rounded understanding of contemporary data practices.
• Recognition and Prizes: Show off your hard work and creativity! Winners will receive achievement certificates, a one-year American Statistics Association student membership, and surprise gifts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who can participate in DataFest? DataFest welcomes undergraduate students from all disciplines at Siena.

Q2: What skills should I have to be successful at DataFest? No advanced data analysis experience is required; a basic understanding of statistics is adequate. Participants should be familiar with data analysis tools, as well as have a grasp of statistical concepts and data visualization.

Q3: How can I prepare for ASA DataFest? You can prepare by brushing up on your statistical analysis and data visualization skills, familiarizing yourself with relevant computational tools, and forming a diverse team with complementary skills. You’re free to use any platform of your choice for data analysis. At previous DataFests, students used R, Python, SQL, SPSS, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Microsoft Power BI, Looker Studio, Qlik Sense, and Tableau. To help you get comfortable with some of these tools, we offer friendly workshops a week before the main event. You can view the schedule of these workshops here. If you’re interested in a workshop for a different software, just let us know, and we’ll gladly arrange it.

Q4: How do teams form for the competition? Students may form their own teams or seek teammates during the event’s kickoff session on Friday afternoon. Teams typically register ahead of the event. Please use this link to sign up as a team of 2 to 5.

Q5: Do I need to form a team before the event? No. While prior team formation is encouraged, participants will also have the opportunity to form teams during the event. If you do not have a team in mind, sign up with  Single Registration to leave us your information so that you can be matched with others.

Q6: What kind of datasets are used and what types of problems are tackled in DataFest? Problems vary depending on the partner organization providing the data. They may range from business challenges, healthcare analytics, to policy evaluations. This year’s data set will be revealed at the opening ceremony of the event on Friday evening, April 16, 2027. The data sets from previous years feature pro bono legal advice from the American Bar Association, ticket sales from TicketMaster, travel information from Expedia, and employment statistics from Indeed. To view the complete list and the goals of each challenge, please visit the ASA DataFest’s webpage.

Q7: What if we need help during the competition? At all times between, there will be a consultant present. These are faculty or other professionals with field-specific knowledge of the dataset. They all have different areas of expertise, so if you get stuck on something, ask someone else later. Feel free to ask anything. This is not an exam but a collaborative competition. Do not expect the consultants to write code for you or do data management, etc. They are there to help point you in the right direction, but you’re responsible for getting there on your own. The schedule of consultants will be made available at the beginning of the event.

Q8: Is there a cost to participate? No, the event is free; however, registration is required.

Q9: Are there prizes for the winners? Yes, the main prizes will be given in three categories: Best Insight, Best Visualization, and Best Use of External Data! Winners will receive achievement certificates, 1-year American Statistics Association student membership, and surprise gifts. Each participant will get a free DataFest@ Siena t-shirt upon registration. There will also be many mini-data analysis challenges during the event, with each one having small gifts, such as stickers, car decals, and books.

Q10: What is the duration of the event? The event spans a weekend, starting on Friday evening with a kickoff that includes dinner, data set distribution, and team formation. Teams work continuously through the weekend, culminating in presentations to judges on Sunday noon.

Q11: Will there be food during the event? Yes, we provide meals and snacks to keep participants energized throughout the intense weekend. Feel free to share your preferences with Professor Tosun. Otherwise, most of the food will come from his favorite spots, Panera and Chipotle. Please see the event schedule here.

Q12: Do I have to be on campus all the time? You can come and go as you please. Your team will be assigned a room in Roger Bacon Hall, where you will receive ongoing support from both academic and industry experts. Another benefit of working in RB is the opportunity to win prizes in our mini-games throughout the weekend.

Q13: Can we collaborate with other teams? DataFest is a competition but a friendly one, so collaboration between teams is not only allowed but highly encouraged.

Q14: Why is the dataset secret? DataFest is an international competition. This year, parallel events are being held at 54 other locations, with participation from a total of 111 colleges and universities. Each participating college hosts the event during the time period that begins with the third weekend in March and ends with the first weekend in May. We have to keep the data source secret until after the last ASA DataFest event (May 8, 2027). 

Q15: How is the event structured in terms of time management? Participants are encouraged to manage their time efficiently, with flexibility built into the schedule to allow for brainstorming sessions, data analysis, and rehearsal of presentations. Regular check-ins with consultants can help keep teams on track.

Q16: How do we submit our analysis? The presentation must be emailed to Professor Tosun at ktosun@siena.edu by 12:30 pm on Sunday. Along with your presentation, you will also turn in a one-page write-up of your project. You can think about this as the text of your presentation. The judges will refer to these during deliberations.

Q17: How do we present our results? Each team will have 5 minutes to present their findings to the judges. All team members must be present for the presentation, but not all team members need to actually speak (given the time limitation).

Contact Professor Tosun (ktosun@siena.edu) if you have any questions.