What to Expect at the Women in AI and Data Science Conference

Keynote Speaker Announcement
We are honored to welcome Cathy O'Neil, renowned data scientist and author of Weapons of Math Destruction and The Shame Machine, as our keynote speaker! Cathy earned a Ph.D. in math from Harvard and worked as a math professor at Barnard College before transitioning to the private sector, where she served as a quant for the hedge fund D.E. Shaw and as a data scientist in the New York startup scene. Her insights on big data's impact on inequality and democracy promise to be thought-provoking and inspiring.

View the full event schedule

Networking Reception
At the conclusion of the event, join us for an unforgettable evening at The Market at Malcolm Yards, a stunning converted industrial building now home to nine unique food kitchens and a craft cocktail bar. Enjoy a 30-tap self-pour beer and wine wall, and remember that your conference badge is your ticket to a free drink! Virtual attendees, don’t worry—you’re included on our guest list. We recommend opening a Yard Card to streamline your food purchases and ensure they’re tracked with the conference.

Getting there is easy: it’s just a 5-minute drive or a 15-minute ride on the Green Line from the conference venue. If taking the Metro, board at East Bank Station, head East to Prospect Park Station, and enjoy a short 5-minute walk (.2 miles) to The Market.

Giveaway
Participate in our exciting giveaway for a chance to win a seat in the Carlson School of Management's Women in Leadership course (May 21-22, 2025), valued at over $3,500! Simply drop your name in our giveaway box at the event. For an extra entry, share a photo of yourself at WiADS next to our UMN backdrop and tag it with #WiADS2024.

Recording & Participation Options
We are committed to making everyone comfortable during the event. The conference will be mostly recorded, with designated "no photography" zones clearly marked in each room. Optional "no photo" name badge stickers will be available for those who prefer not to be photographed. To facilitate engagement, we’ve implemented Q&A tools in every breakout room, with in-person microphone options to ensure virtual participants can hear all discussions.

Refreshments & Accessibility
We’ve got you covered with boxed lunches and all-day coffee, tea, and water service. For those requiring closed captioning or hearing assistance, you can connect to each room’s Zoom webinar via laptop (just bring your computer and don’t forget your headphones!). A private lactation room is available on the 2nd floor, located at the rear of the women’s restroom. If you need help finding it during the event, just ask any staff member, and we’ll be happy to show you the way.

Virtual Attendee Information
Virtual participants will receive their webinar links the morning of the event. You’ll have the flexibility to move between virtual rooms as you please, with a dedicated moderator ensuring your questions are shared in the room. All Q&A tools will be provided via link. We’ll send final reminders at the end of the week. Have any questions or requests? Contact DSIevents@umn.edu—advance notice helps us serve you better!