Top Data Science Conferences to Attend in 2024

Conferences are a great way to network with Data Scientists and lead to jobs. While solving DataLemur questions from the comfort of your home is a great way to practice, sometimes meeting people in person is the best way to learn (and a good excuse to leave the house!)

Spending years in data science roles at Facebook and Google, I’ve seen how helpful conferences can be. Today, I’m here to guide you through the meetings to attend in 2024.

As you dive into this guide, check out Ace the Data Job Hunt course to help you walk in prepared!

Women in Data Science Conferences

If you are passionate about data science, attending Women in Data Science (WiDS) conferences can be a game changer. Staying updated with the latest trends is important, but you also need to network with inspiring women in data science and getting advice from leaders who can help you push your career.

WiDS (Women in Data Science) Conference 2024

WiDS hosts conferences all around the world and at different times of the year! So keep an eye out and sign up for the one in your area. Here are the details of an upcoming WiDS conference in Montreal if you’re interested!!

• Date: October 23, 2024
• Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (UTC -4)
• Location: Google Montreal, 425 Avenue Viger Ouest, Montréal, QC H2Z 1W5, Canada

Key Speakers:

• Marie-Claude Côté, VP Data Science, Ivado Labs.
• Negar Rostamzadeh, Staff Research Scientist, Google.

Highlights:

Engaging keynote presentations on AI’s future and societal impact. Thought-provoking panel discussions on ethical AI and practical business applications.

Women in Analytics Conferences

These conferences are best for learning from top industry experts, networking, and taking advice to improve your skills. Here, you will get to see real-world case studies showing how big companies are using analytics to solve complex problems, giving you practical ideas that you can apply to your project.

Grace Hooper Celebration

• Date: October 8-11, 2024
• Location: Philadelphia, PA + Virtual

Highlights:

While GHC is broadly focused on women in computing, it includes significant content related to data science and analytics. It's one of the largest gatherings of women technologists.

• Event Overview: Keynotes from influential women in tech and analytics + Technical sessions on data science, machine learning, and AI + Career development workshops and resume reviews + Networking events and career fairs

Speakers:

• America Ferrera: Activist, Actor, Director, Producer, and UN Global Goodwill Ambassador for IOM.
• Viola Davis: Award-winning actress, producer, and New York Times best-selling author.

Data Connect 2025

• Date: October 2-3, 2025 (Doors open at 7:00 AM)
• Location: Columbus, OH

Highlights:

• Event Overview: Two full days of cutting-edge content focused on analytics, data science, machine learning, and AI.
• Multiple Tracks: Tailor your agenda with a variety of sessions across multiple tracks, catering to all levels of expertise and interests.

Speakers:

• Akia Obas: Director of Data and Insights, Nestify.
• Ashley Keating: Partner, Cincy Tech USA.

Marketing Analytics Data Science Conferences

If you are a data expert in marketing, you must attend the Marketing Analytics Data Science Conferences. These events are filled with knowledge on how brands are using analytics to targets customers, optimize ad campaigns, and predict customer behaviors.

Marketing Analytics Summit 2025

Dates:

• Conference: June 3-4, 2025
• Workshops: June 2 and June 5, 2025
• Location: Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, Phoenix, AZ

Highlights:

An event blending networking with relaxation, where marketing analytics professionals can connect over delicious dim sum and Peking Duck. Attendees will explore trends in Data AI and digital marketing with key industry decision-makers.

Key Speakers:

• Jim Sterne: Founder of Marketing Analytics Summit, Co-Founder of Digital Analytics Association.
• Peter Cloutier: Head of Solutions Engineering, Improvado.

Predictive Analytics World for Marketing

Dates:

• Dates: June 3-4, 2025
• Location: Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, Phoenix, AZ

Highlights:

• Industry Focus: Keynotes, case studies, and workshops designed for data scientists, analytics managers, and AI experts across various industries including manufacturing, logistics, marketing, e-commerce, and finance.
• 4 Days of Learning: Deep dive into knowledge-sharing, expert discussions, and extensive networking opportunities within the data science community.

Key Speakers:

• Catherine Paradis-Therrien: AVP, Product Analytics, TD
• Marina Petzel: Machine Learning Engineer, Autodesk

If you're looking to deepen your understanding of how SQL is applied in marketing, this SQL marketing analyst guide offers a thorough breakdown of its key techniques and applications.

Moreover, for a detailed exploration of how data science can transform marketing strategies, check out this article on data science in marketing, which covers real-world case studies and innovative approaches in the field.

Chicago Data Science Conferences

For those living in the Midwest, The Chicago Data Science Conferences are pretty much a must-go. Such events are perfect for networking with local professionals, hearing from experts, and joining workshops.

The Data Science Conference 2025

• Dates: 29-30 May 2025
• Location: Gleacher Center, downtown Chicago

Key Speakers:

• Shalise Ayromloo, Senior Economist at the U.S. Census Bureau.
• Marjolijn Bruggeling, Associate Director of Policing Innovation and Reform at the University of Chicago Crime Lab.

Past Event Highlights:

• 2024 Edition: Sessions ranged from practical applications of machine learning to innovative solutions in big data analytics.
• 2023 Edition: Featured diverse industry presentations from leading professionals in fields such as artificial intelligence, deep learning, and predictive analytics.

Midwest Machine Learning Symposium (MMLS)

• Dates: May 20–21, 2024
• Location: Graduate Hotels, Minneapolis

Highlights

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from prominent figures in the field and connect with fellow researchers through a series of presentations, panel discussions, and networking events.

Key Speakers:

• George Karypis, Senior Principal Scientist at AWS & Professor at the University of Minnesota
• Mikhail Belkin, Professor at the University of California San Diego

How to prepare for a Data Science Conference

Decided to attend a data science conference? It can be the perfect opportunity to network, learn and showoff your skills. You'll be seeing industry experts and you need you have an elevator pitch prepared, a quick and punchy intro about who you are and what you do. Check out Data Lemur’s guide on preparing for behavioral interviews, this will help you with strategies to confidently present yourself and make a lasting impression at any data science event!

And if going in person is not an option for you, don't let that stop you! Check out these Virtual Data Science Conferences.

Also SQL is a key skill for anything Data Science. Check out this free SQL Tutorial to help you get started on your Data Science Journey.