DataFest 2024

The ASA DataFest is a celebration of data in which teams of undergraduates work around the clock to find and share meaning in a large, rich, and complex dataset.

DataFest was founded at UCLA in 2011. DataFest is now sponsored by the ASA and hosted by as many as 55 institutions this year. A key feature of DataFest is that it brings together the data science community. Undergraduate students do the work, but they are assisted by roving consultants who are graduate students, faculty, and industry professionals. Many professionals find DataFest to be a great recruiting opportunity. Professionals get to watch talented undergraduate students work under pressure in a team and examine their thinking processes.

After two days of intense data wrangling, analysis, and presentation design, each team is allowed five minutes and no more than two slides to impress a panel of judges. Prizes are given for Best in Show, Best Visualization, and Best Use of External Data.

Student Participant Registration

Announcing 2024 ASA DataFest, March 29-31 at the Data Science Studio in the eScience Institute. To register, please complete the Student Participant Registration using this link

You can sign up as a 3-4 (gets priority) or 2–3-person team or leave us your information to be matched with others looking for team members. Seats are limited, so register early! The registration deadline is Friday, March 8, at 5:00 PM PST.

What You Need To Know

DataFest begins in the late afternoon on Friday. Please check the schedule below for the actual time you should arrive. You will need your own laptop(s) and software. We will provide the data on USB drives (which you will be asked to return).

Meals and snacks are provided. DataFest begins Friday evening and ends Sunday afternoon. Please see the schedule below for the precise dates and times.

How Will My Team Get The Data?

The data will be distributed via USB drives on the opening day (Friday, March 29) and so at least one team member should be able to read the data. The data set may be as large as 2 GB, so make sure you have sufficient memory.

Your team must consist of 3-4 people. All team members must be undergraduates. Each team member must register. At the time of registration, you will be asked for your team’s name. The name must be spelled consistently by all team members. Team names must be of professional quality. In other words, don’t use terms or words that you wouldn't use in the workplace.

The number of participants is limited to 30 by the size of the facility. If we must prioritize, some preference will be given to teams that enroll first, but the time of enrollment will be based on the last member to register. Once registration is closed, substitute team members will not be allowed.

How large are the teams?

Larger teams will be given priority. If you don't have a team, please leave us your info and we'll match you with others in the same boat. Applicants must form their teams prior to applying.

What is ASA DataFest?

DataFest is a team competition. Teams of up to 4 undergraduate students have less than 48 hours to determine who can provide the best insight —and communicate that insight–gleaned from a large, complex dataset. The teams that impress the judges will win prizes. Everyone else will have a great experience, food, and fun.

Who can compete at the UW ASA Datafest?

All undergraduate students are eligible. Graduate students can serve as mentors or consultants during the event. All members of the team must be undergraduate students. Teams can have no more than 4 people. Space is limited to 40 students and priority will be given to teams with STAT and CS majors.

How do I register?

To register as a student, use the Student Participant Registration Form. Use this link to sign up. Please fill out the form fully. Larger teams will be given priority, but you are still welcome to fill in the register as an individual. Individual registrants will be matched into teams at the time of the event. Seats are limited, so register early! The registration deadline is Friday, March 8, at 5:00 PM.

Is There A Registration Fee?

No, there is no registration fee. However, note that the event takes significant resources to run. So, if you sign up, we expect that you will show up! If your plans change, let us know ASAP so we can make your spot available to someone else.

What are the prizes?

Prizes include student memberships to the American Statistical Association, gift cards, and certificates.

What do I need to compete?

All you need is a laptop with tools for data analysis (there is no limitation on which software you use) and enthusiasm for data. You can borrow one for the event from the UW Student Technology Loan Program! See this link for information on the university's laptop loan service.

What are the rules of the competition?

• All projects must be submitted by March 31, 2024, at 1:00 PM PST time. There is only one submission per team.
• All slide decks and write ups must be submitted as a PDF document.
• It's a competition, but a friendly one, so collaboration between teams is not only allowed but highly encouraged.

How do I submit my analysis?

Once the registration window closes, participants will receive an email with a link to the project submission form.

What will I submit?

There should only be one submission per team. Each team will have exactly 5 minutes to present their findings to the judges. No additional time will be given, but it is perfectly fine if your presentation is shorter than 5 minutes. The team representative must be present to deliver the presentation. We do not expect any fancy editing, we just want to be able to see your slides/visualizations well and hear you well.

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 this during deliberation. In short, make sure you give the judges everything they’ll need to evaluate your work.

Where can I get help during the competition?

We will use Slack for communication during the competition. The link to the Slack workspace for the consulting sessions will be emailed to participants registered for the competition.

How can I communicate with my teammates during the competition?

You are welcome and encouraged to use the DataFest Slack (where you can create a channel for your team) for communication, but you are also welcome to use any other app/platform you prefer for communicating with your teammates.

Code of Conduct

Other questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact Professors Prince Allotey (pallotey@uw.edu) or Caren Marzban (marzban@uw.edu) with any questions.