Teams from across ASU came together to participate in knowledge-sharing sessions.
“Being able to come to this data conference and meet people at all levels and hear the challenges they're having, or the things they're doing, is just really cool,” said Kennedy. “To be able to speak to that community and learn about what's going on in their lives gives you information you wouldn't otherwise have.”
On day two, Sharkey hosted Sliced!, a data-challenge competition inspired by the hit show Chopped!
Judged on accuracy, design and storytelling, contestants spent an hour slicing data before presenting in front of a live audience.
Games, such as Sliced!, have a unique and powerful ability to build rapport and spark imagination, even if contestants have never worked together, have never met, or have different skill sets. The overarching goal is to build a supportive community and collaborate, said Sharkey. “This is not an ‘I win, you lose’ style of competition. It’s very positive and supportive.”
Strong cross-institutional networks are essential to ASU’s data-driven future. Year after year, block by block, the Data Conference helps break down barriers to form deeper connections, no matter your background in data.
“There's something for everyone, whether you are a hardcore data user, or just curious, there's something exciting for you,” said Kennedy. “It’s a legacy we get to leave to our community so that they can find out what's going on here across ASU.”
ASU Enterprise Technology is proud to host the Data Conference for the ASU data community each year. Learn more about our annual events.
Written by Kevin Pirehpour; photos by Mike Sanchez.