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. 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 any cost to participate? No, thanks to our sponsors, the event is free.

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 in Roger Bacon all the time? You can come and go as you please, but all work must be completed on-premises. One benefit of working in RB is the possibility of winning prizes in any number of our mini-games throughout the competition.

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 over 50 other locations, with participation from more than 100 colleges and universities. Each participating college hosts the event from the third weekend in March through the first weekend in May. We must keep the data source secret until after the last ASA DataFest event (May 3, 2026).

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.