DataFest 2022
Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Edinburgh
DF22 represented the ambitions of a pre-pandemic world. The Data Lab was locked into a two year contract with the EICC which was negotiated before a significant reduction in funding. My task as the newly-appointed Head of DataFest was to make the event relevant to an eclectic, widened audience and come as close to breaking even as possible. By sourcing speakers from around the world, striking up partnerships with organisations such as NASA, and by diversifying the topics discussed, we reached a significantly wider audience than previous years - allowing us to sell more tickets and break even for the first time.
The cost of DF22 compared to the previous full iteration of the event increased by 257%, primarily due to the vastly increased venue costs. Through careful budget management and significantly increased ticket sales I was able to break even, fulfilling the primary goal of the organisation. DF22 also saw the first rebrand in the event's history, giving it a more modern and sophisticated look. I designed the rebrand based around a topological map of Scotland I rendered in 3D and turned into a wireframe, playing with retrofuturistic ideas of what the future may look look.
We welcomed 700+ attendees, 50+ exhibitors, and held fringe events across Scotland.
Select Speakers
Hannah Fry, broadcaster and mathematician
Stephanie Hare, technology ethicist and author
Devi Sridhar, global public health expert
Jim Al-Khalili, quantum physicist
Kevin Murphy, Chief Scientific Data Officer - NASA
Susie Dent, broadcaster and lexicologist