DataFest 2026
Please join us on Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29, 2026 for DataFest.
Registration
Registration is due March 18 by 5 p.m.
About DataFest
The event is sponsored nationally by the American Statistical Association (ASA). During the 48-hour event that begins Friday afternoon and concludes Sunday afternoon, the student competitors work in team to analyze a large and rich dataset provided by a well-known sponsor organization and compete for prizes. Students are assisted by faculty, industry professionals and graduate student mentors.
DataFest participants hone analytical skills as well as communication and collaboration skills necessary to complete a project in a short timeframe. Just as important, the student competitors will be able to showcase their analytical and soft skills in front of the judges and corporate mentors for potential job opportunities.
Timeline
All DataFest activities are in Sweigart Hall. Students are welcome to use rooms noted on the Reserved Rooms list when not participating in workshop.
Friday, March 27
Noon to 1 p.m. | Registration
SCI 102
1 p.m. | Data released
SCI 102
Break
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
2 to 3 p.m. | Workshop: "Getting Started with RapidMiner"
SWG 108
3:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Dinner
SWG 109
Saturday, March 28
9 to 10:30 a.m. | Sign-in and Breakfast
SWG 109
11 a.m. to Noon | Workshop: "Data Exploration with Excel"
SWG 108 (Computer Lab)
Noon to 1 p.m. | Lunch
SWG 109
5 to 6 p.m. | Dinner
SWG 109
Sunday, March 29
*Please arrive before 9 a.m. due to Open House!
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. | Sign-in and Breakfast
SWG 109
9:30 to 10 a.m. | DEADLINE to upload team presentations to Canvas
See mentors in SWG Lobby if having upload issues.
10 a.m. to Noon | Presentations
10 minutes to present
5 minute Q&A with Judges
SWG: Rue Auditorium
Noon to 1 p.m. | Lunch
Students: SWG 109
Mentors/Judges/Staff: Room 208/Boardroom
1 p.m. | Presentations RESUME
10 minutes to present
5 minute Q&A with Judges
SWG: Rue Auditorium
Time TBA | Winners Announced
Prizes and certificates presented
SWG: Rue Auditorium
Sponsored by
