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Cracking the Data Code

AI policy, data governance highlighted at UGA data conference

Nearly 275 professionals attended the recent Developing Data Analytics Capabilities Conference at the University of Georgia. The conference, hosted by the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s Georgia Data Innovation Hub, focused on AI policy and data governance.  It was geared toward professionals who work with data in government or academic settings.

The event showcased keynotes, panel discussions and breakout sessions featuring expert practitioners from public and private organizations. Keynote speakers included Seamus Dowdall, legislative director for telecommunications and technology for the National Association of Counties, and Kate Burns, MetroLab Network’s executive director. Dowdall shared a local government perspective on AI policy for government, while Burns discussed data governance, or how data is managed and used.

In addition to pre-conference workshops in data strategy and Power BI, conference attendees could take advantage of three custom tracks - Leadership, Analyst and Technical. Sessions covered topics such as best practices in data dashboard design and underlying data management, incorporating AI in analytics, and how to scale up an organization’s data analytics capabilities.

The Developing Data Analytics Capabilities Conference is hosted by the UGA Institute of Government’s Georgia Data Innovation Hub, which works to enhance the data analytics capabilities of state and local governments to improve data-informed decision-making statewide. Through the Georgia Data Innovation Hub, the institute offers support and trainings, including this conference and the Data Analysis and Decision Making for Government Certificate program.