Developing Data Analytics Capabilities Conference

2026 Data Analytics Olympics

The UGA Institute of Government is proud to announce the Data Analytics Olympics as part of the 2026 Developing Data Analytics Capabilities Conference!  

We invite poster submissions showcasing outstanding examples of data analytics, dashboards and decision-support tools developed to support your organization. Submissions should highlight the effective use of data analytics to:

1. Improve strategic decision-making

The tools support strategic decision-making by providing an aggregated view of performance, offering a holistic perspective through the integration of multiple data sources. 

2. Enhance operational efficiency 

These tools are designed to monitor daily processes and activities, offering a real-time or near-real-time view of operations. They help users identify operational issues quickly and take corrective actions, providing insights into the performance of specific strategies and initiatives.

3. Increase transparency

By displaying data about operations or services through an accessible dashboard on the web, these tools promote transparency. This allows stakeholders to easily access and interpret data, increasing trust and accountability. For example: Georgiawaterrates.org; Georgia Degrees Pay

4. Improve customer service

These tools help businesses track customer feedback and service performance, enabling quicker response times and more personalized interactions. 

 

Awards will be presented for the best use of data analytics in each of the four categories listed above.

Poster Submission Deadline: January 16, 2026 (5:00pm EST)

SUBMIT HERE

Judging of submissions:

1. Accepted posters will be posted at the conference during the first day.
2. Conference participants will vote for the best analytical tool in each of the four categories and best overall.
3. The five “best overall” posters with the most votes will be presented on the second day of the conference for an audience vote.
4. Winners of the data analytics awards will be announced at lunch on the second day of the conference. 

Judging Criteria: 

1. Clarity and Readability

• Is the data easy to understand at a glance?

• Use of appropriate visualizations (charts, tables, etc.)

• Clear labeling, legends and titles

2. Relevance and Accuracy

• Is the data relevant to the user's goals or decisions?

• Accurate, up-to-date data sources

• Filters or drilldowns to view segmented data

3. Interactivity and Usability

• Features like filters, date pickers and tooltips

• Intuitive navigation and responsiveness

4. Actionability

• Does the dashboard support decision-making?

• Clear KPIs and benchmarks

• Highlighting trends, outliers or actionable insights

 

Submission Questions Preview

1. Name (point of contact), title, organization, email and phone number
2. What software was used to create the decision-supporting tool?
3. Briefly describe the business problem your data analytics tool was designed to address. Describe the intended audience.
4. How has the tool improved decision-making? What has been the impact of your work?
5. Select the category that best fits your submission from the four listed above?
6. Submit a poster using one of the two formats (Template 1, Template 2) provided to demonstrate your tool and tell the data story of your visualization.
   • The poster must include a visual to showcase the tool. It may include a QR link to a short video to demonstrate your tool in action.
   • Please submit your poster proposal in a format suitable for printing at 36 x 27 inches (landscape). Be sure to use high-resolution images and ensure all text is legible at that size.
   • Your poster will be printed and displayed by the Institute of Government for participant voting during the first day of the conference.
   • If selected as a finalist, you will have five minutes to present your project using your poster as the backdrop.