Top 11 Data Science Conferences: Learn From the Best
The best data science conferences put you in the same room as the researchers, engineers, and practitioners shaping how data gets used. Whether you're deepening your ML skills or scoping out new tools, the right event can shift your trajectory. Here's what you need to know to pick the one worth your time.
Best Data Science Conference in 2026-2027 Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best data science conferences I think are worth attending in 2026-2027:
- DATA 2026 - Porto, Portugal (July 16-18, 2026)
- CDAO Government - Washington, D.C., USA (September 22-23, 2026)
- Big Data LDN - London, UK (September 23-24, 2026)
- AnalytiCon - Boston, MA (October 13-15, 2026)
- ODSC AI West - Burlingame, CA (October 27-29, 2026)
- Women in Statistics and Data Science Conference - Cincinnati, OH (October 28-30, 2026)
- World Data Summit APAC - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (APAC) (October 29-30, 2026)
- DataConnect Conference - Columbus, OH (October 29-30, 2026)
- NextGen Data 2027 - London, UK (March 17-18, 2027)
- The Data Science Conference - Chicago, IL (May 28-29, 2027)
- Big Data, Data Science & Machine Learning - Austin, TX (October 18-20, 2027)
Best Data Science Conference of 2026-2027
Below are my summaries of the best data science conferences that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each event’s dates, location, pricing, and unique offering.
Want more from The CTO Club?
Create a free account to finish this piece and join a community of CTOs and engineering leaders sharing real-world frameworks, tools, and insights for designing, deploying, and scaling AI-driven technology.
Have an account? Log In
1. DATA 2026 - Porto, Portugal (July 16-18, 2026)
- Dates: July 16-18, 2026
- Location: Vila Galé
- Pricing: From €585 (member)-€645 (non-member)
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
DATA 2026 is an international research and practitioner conference focused on data science, technology, and applied data systems. The event brings together researchers, engineers, and practitioners interested in databases, big data, data mining, data management, data security, information systems, and advanced data applications.
Why attend? This is a strong fit for a data science conference shortlist because it focuses directly on both the technical and applied sides of data. Attendees can explore research presentations, technical discussions, and practical work around data science methods, tools, and applications. The 2026 edition is held in Porto and is part of a group of related events expected to gather more than 400 delegates.
2. CDAO Government - Washington, D.C., USA (September 22-23, 2026)
- Dates: September 22-23, 2026
- Location: Le Méridien Washington D.C. Metro
- Pricing: $499
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
CDAO Government (Chief Data & Analytics Officer Government) is a two-day summit focused on data, analytics, and AI leadership in the public sector. It’s for senior data and analytics leaders from the U.S. government agencies to share knowledge, strategies, and best practices tailored to government needs.
“CDAO Government offered a broad collection of Gov/Fed Data Professionals that served as an accelerator to networking, solution awareness, common roadblock removal, and awareness. Great to stretch data thinking to be more creative and encourage collaboration in the community."
- Engineering Duty Officer, U.S. Navy
Why attend? At CDAO Government, you'll engage with peers facing similar challenges in the public sector. The event offers insights into data governance, ethical AI, and analytics strategies specific to government operations. It's an opportunity to learn from experts and apply cutting-edge practices to your agency's initiatives.
3. Big Data LDN - London, UK (September 23-24, 2026)
- Dates: September 23-24, 2026
- Location: Olympia London
- Pricing: Free
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
Big Data LDN is the UK’s leading data, analytics & AI conference and exhibition, held annually as a two-day event designed for the global data community. It combines a conference programme with over 400 seminars and an exhibition floor featuring major technology vendors, startups, and solution providers across data, analytics, and AI.
Why attend? Big Data LDN provides your team with insights into the latest data trends and technologies. With engaging talks and hands-on workshops, you’ll gain practical knowledge to drive your data initiatives forward. The event's focus on real-world applications ensures you leave with actionable strategies.
4. AnalytiCon - Boston, MA (October 13-15, 2026)
- Dates: October 13-15, 2026
- Location: The Westin Copley Place
- Pricing: $2,595
- Social Media: LinkedIn
Analyticon is a premier analytics and AI conference focused on the life sciences industry, bringing together data scientists and senior leaders from the USA in data, analytics, and artificial intelligence to advance how organizations generate insight and drive decisions from data.
The event emphasizes the practical application of data analytics and AI to solve real business challenges in life sciences, including strategic analytics leadership and modernizing data infrastructure. Attendees can choose from foundational to advanced workshops and build understanding and practical skills through interactive sessions.
Why attend? Attending AnalytiCon offers you a chance to dive deep into analytics and data-driven strategies. With workshops, panel discussions, and keynote sessions, you'll gain practical insights and network with industry leaders. It's the perfect setting to enhance your team's capabilities and stay ahead in the analytics field.
5. ODSC AI West - Burlingame, CA (October 27-29, 2026)
- Dates: October 27-29, 2026
- Location: Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport
- Pricing: Starts at $1,597-$3,997
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
ODSC (Open Data Science Conference) is one of the largest and most influential global gatherings focused on applied data science, machine learning, NLP, generative AI, and artificial intelligence. It’s a community-driven conference and expo aimed at bridging education, innovation, and real-world application of AI and data technologies.
The conference focuses on practical skills, hands-on training sessions, cutting-edge tools, and industry insights rather than purely academic research, making it useful for both technical and non-technical attendees alike.
Keynote speakers for the event include Harrison Chase, CEO and Co-founder of LangChain; Helen O’Sullivan, AI Solutions Specialist Manager at Dell Technologies; and João (Joe) Moura, CEO of CrewAI.
Why attend? ODSC AI West provides hands-on training and workshops that are invaluable for you and your team. The conference is known for its practical focus, allowing you to apply what you learn directly to your projects.
With sessions by leading industry experts, you’ll stay ahead in AI and data science trends.
6. Women in Statistics and Data Science Conference - Cincinnati, OH (October 28-30, 2026)
- Dates: October 28-30, 2026
- Location: Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
- Pricing: From $495 (member)-$695 (non-member)
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
Women in Statistics and Data Science Conference 2026 is an American Statistical Association event that brings together a diverse community across statistics and data science. The conference is designed for students, early-career professionals, experienced practitioners, researchers, and leaders who want to learn, connect, and celebrate the contributions of women shaping the field.
Why attend? This event is a strong fit for a data science conference shortlist because it focuses directly on statistics, data science, professional development, and community building. Attendees can expect opportunities to learn from peers, build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and gain inspiration from women working across data-focused roles and industries.
7. World Data Summit APAC - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (APAC)(October 29-30, 2026)
- Dates: October 29-30, 2026
- Location: Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre by IHG
- Pricing: MYR 5,195 excl. VAT
- Social Media: LinkedIn
World Data Summit APAC is a global conference focused on data, analytics, and the impact of data-driven strategies across industries. It is designed to help organizations build successful data analytics models and leverage data for transformative business outcomes.
It tackles data governance, data analytics, and responsible AI use, LLMs implementations, and data culture within organizations to help attendees stay updated with industry challenges and opportunities in the data-driven economy. Previous event partners are Edgee, Streams, and ObservePoint.
Why attend? This summit is essential for anyone seeking to improve their data analytics models. You'll engage with peers from various industries, learn best practices, and explore innovative solutions tailored to your business needs.
The event's global reach ensures exposure to diverse perspectives and cutting-edge trends.
8. DataConnect Conference - Columbus, OH (October 29-30, 2026)
- Dates: October 29-30, 2026
- Location: The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center & Virtual
- Pricing: From $125 (virtual pass) - $925 (in-person)
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
DataConnect Conference 2026 is a two-day data, analytics, machine learning, and AI conference hosted by Women in Analytics. The event welcomes attendees across genders, industries, roles, backgrounds, and technical skill levels, making it a strong fit for both technical practitioners and business leaders working with data.
Why attend? DataConnect is a strong addition to a data science conference shortlist because it covers analytics, data science, machine learning, and AI through multiple tracks. Attendees can expect presentations, panel discussions, expert-led workshops, peer networking, and opportunities to connect with the broader data community.
9. NextGen Data 2027 - London, UK (March 17-18, 2027)
- Dates: March 17-18, 2027
- Location: Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel & Virtual
- Pricing: From $299 (virtual)-$1,099 (in-person)
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
NextGen Data 2027 is a global conference focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science innovation. The event brings together researchers, industry professionals, and thought leaders to share developments across AI, ML, analytics, and applied data science.
Why attend? This conference is a good fit for a data science shortlist because it focuses on both research and practical innovation. Attendees can expect sessions on AI, machine learning, data science applications, emerging analytics methods, and industry use cases, along with networking opportunities for academics, practitioners, and technology professionals.
10. The Data Science Conference - Chicago, IL (May 28-29, 2027)
- Dates: May 28-29, 2026
- Location: Gleacher Center
- Pricing: $1,400
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The Data Science Conference is an in-person professional conference exclusive to real data science practice, without commercial pitches or hiring drives. It’s known for being vendor-free, sponsor-free, and recruiter-free, so the focus stays squarely on technical and analytical content rather than marketing or recruitment.
The event’s philosophy is to create a space where presentations are about data science work and not product demos, and networking is all about peer conversation and not business development or hiring contacts.
Why attend? This conference offers a pure focus on data science, free from commercial distractions. You’ll connect with like-minded professionals and gain insights from a community-driven agenda, making it an ideal setting for authentic learning and networking.
11. Big Data, Data Science & Machine Learning - Austin, TX (October 18-20, 2027)
- Dates: October 18-20, 2027
- Location: Austin, Texas & Virtual
- Pricing: TBA
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
The Big Data, Data Science & Machine Learning by Aver Conferences brings together researchers, academicians, and industry professionals to explore topics across big data, ML, AI, and data science. The 2026 edition features speakers from Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, and Accenture.
Why attend? This summit covers 14+ topic tracks—from data governance and cloud computing to blockchain and edge IoT—making it one of the broader data science summits available. It runs as a hybrid event, so you can join in person or virtually. The mix of academic researchers and industry practitioners from companies like Amazon Web Services and General Motors gives it a cross-sector perspective you won't find at more niche events.
Summary
Conferences can significantly benefit your professional development and strategic positioning in data science. They provide exclusive knowledge and networking opportunities that can enhance your skills and understanding of data analytics' current and future landscape.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more lists of the top conferences for CTOs and aspiring tech leaders. We'll help you scale smarter and lead stronger!
