UGA ASA DataFest 2026

ASA DataFest began at UCLA in 2011, when 30 students came together for 48 intense hours to analyze five years of arrest records provided by Lt. Thomas Zak of the Los Angeles Police Department. Since then, the event has grown into a national phenomenon sponsored by the American Statistical Association (ASA) and hosted by many of the most prestigious universities across the country.

ASA DataFest is a fast-paced, three-day data analysis challenge where teams of undergraduate students collaborate to uncover insights from a large, complex, real-world dataset. The dataset and research questions are revealed at the start of the competition, keeping everyone on their toes. Past DataFests have featured datasets from organizations such as Expedia, Ticketmaster, Kiva, and the City of Los Angeles, giving students the opportunity to work on authentic, high-impact problems.

Beyond the competition itself, DataFest is a unique opportunity to connect with potential employers, network with professionals, and engage with the local statistics and data science community. Teams will present their findings to a panel of judges that include UGA faculty, local business leaders, and industry professionals from the insurance and analytics sectors. 

Throughout the weekend, mentors from UGA and local companies will also be available to offer guidance, feedback, and technical advice.

For more information about ASA DataFest  

We are excited to announce UGA ASA DataFest 2026, taking place April 10–12, 2026, at the UGA Innovation District, 210 Spring Street, Athens, GA.

To participate, please complete the Student Participant Registration Form here: 

You may register as part of a 3–4-person team (priority will be given to full teams) or as a 2–3-person team. If you don’t yet have a team, you can still register with us. We’ll do our best to match you with other students looking for teammates. Seats are limited to 50 participants, so register early! The registration deadline is Friday, February 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST. 

• Event Schedule: DataFest begins Friday, April 10, at 5:00 PM and concludes Sunday, April 12, at 3:00 PM. Please check the event schedule for specific arrival and presentation times.
• What to Bring: You’ll need your own laptop(s) and any software tools you plan to use.
• Data will be provided via USB drives (to be returned at the end of the event).
• Meals: All meals and snacks will be provided throughout the weekend.
• Team Requirements:
  • Teams must consist of 3–4 undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Each team member must register individually and list the team’s name exactly as it appears to all members.
  • Team names should be professional and appropriate for an academic and workplace setting.
• Data Access: The dataset will be distributed on USB drives during the opening session on Friday evening. At least one team member must be able to read the data. The dataset may be up to 2 GB, so ensure you have sufficient storage capacity.
• Team Formation: Larger teams will receive priority if space becomes limited. Once registration closes, substitute team members will not be allowed.

Faculty Mentors 

Graduate Student Mentors

Judges 

• Department of Statistics at the University of Georgia
• American Statistical Association
• ASA DataFest
• Innovation Center

• How do I sign up?

Students may register using the Student Participant Registration Form 

Teams of up to four students are encouraged to register together, though individual participants are also welcome—solo registrants will be placed on a team at the event. Because capacity is limited, early registration is strongly encouraged. Registration deadline: Friday, February 27, at 5:00 PM.

• Who can participate?

All undergraduate and graduate students are welcome, regardless of major or prior data-analysis experience. Beginners are encouraged to join—DataFest is designed to be a learning experience.

• Is there a cost to participate?

No. Participation and parking are free. However, because DataFest requires extensive preparation and resources, we expect registered students to attend. If your plans change, please notify us promptly so we may offer the spot to someone on the waitlist. 

• Will food be provided?

Yes. Food and drinks will be provided throughout the event from Friday through Sunday at no cost. 

• What kinds of prizes will be awarded?

Prizes may include student memberships to the American Statistical Association, gift cards, and certificates and other recognition items. Additional prizes may be announced closer to the event.

• What equipment do I need?

Participants should bring a laptop capable of running data-analysis tools of their choice. There are no restrictions on software or programming languages. If you do not have a laptop, you may borrow one through the UGA Student Technology Loan Program. 

• What are the competition guidelines and how do we submit our project?

All teams must submit one final project by April 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM PST. All materials, including the slide deck and one-page summary—must be uploaded as PDF files. Collaboration across teams is encouraged, and all analysis must be completed during the event period. A link to the official submission portal will be emailed to all registered participants after registration closes.

• What materials will my team submit?

Each team must provide:

1. A PDF slide deck: You will have up to five minutes to present your findings to the judges. Presentations may be shorter, but additional time will not be provided. Judges rely heavily on your presentation during deliberations, so make it clear and concise.

2. A one-page written summary: This summary should explain your work, methods, key results, and main takeaways. 

• Will help be available during the event?

Yes. Mentors (faculty and graduate students) and consultants will be available in-person throughout the competition.

• How can teams communicate during DataFest?

Teams may communicate using the DataFest Slack workspace (team channels can be created) or any other communication platform they prefer. 

• Code of Conduct

All participants are expected to follow the DataFest Code of Conduct (link will be provided).

Friday, April 10 — Opening Day (5:00 PM–8:00 PM)

• 5:00 -- Registration & Networking
• 5:30 -- Welcome & Introduction to ASA DataFest
• 5:45 -- DataFest Workshop
• 6:30 -- Data Reveal & Dinner

Saturday, April 11 — Workday (8:00 AM–7:00 PM)

• 8:00 -- Breakfast
• 12:00 -- Lunch
• 5:00 -- Dinner 

Sunday, April 12 — Presentations & Awards (8:00 AM–3:00 PM)

• 8:00 -- Breakfast
• 12:00 -- Lunch
• 1:00 -- Presentation Preparation
• 1:30 -- Team Presentations to Judges
• 2:30 -- Judges Deliberation
• 2:45 -- Special Presentation
• 2:55 -- Awards Ceremony

If you have any questions, please contact: 

• Dr. Prince Allotey – prince.allotey@uga.edu
• Dr. T.N. Sriram – tn@uga.edu