The Data Story Slam, an informal social held in conjunction with the 2025 Data Science Research Bazaar, will take place on Thursday, February 27, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Attendees are invited to share and hear stories of ordinary to extraordinary moments where life intersects with data. To hear more about the Data Story Slam, we talked to Heather Shimon, one of the organizers.
Can you please give us an overview of the Data Story Slam event? Who is the event for and what can people expect?
Heather Shimon: Thanks for asking! This is the second year that the Data Science Research Bazaar is hosting a Data Story Slam as a way to bring folks together and have fun before the more formal discussions happen at the Bazaar. The story slam is open to everyone, and is a great way to build community around how we are using data, or how we are impacted by data in our lives. We do not follow traditional story slam rules and allow storytellers to use notes and visuals because there is often a visual component to understanding data, and we don’t want to limit anyone. Anyone is welcome to share a story, and it doesn’t have to be perfect.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Data Story Slam event?
HS: I’m excited to meet new people and see people who I don’t usually work with. We’re hoping that both UW and non-UW folks are able to come and share stories and make connections.
What is a data story? Can you give some examples of the kinds of experiences people might share as a data story?
HS: Good question! We are completely open to what a story can be. Last year, one person gave a funny improv of a TED-like talk about artificial intelligence (AI) by saying the phrase “AI” over and over with no other dialogue. The expressions they used gave all the context. Very creative! Another person shared some beautiful data visualizations by collaborators at another university, and one person discovered life insights by analyzing past playlists. The only request we have is that the stories be under five minutes long.
What are some of the benefits of sharing a data story?
HS: As a librarian, connecting others to information – in any form – is what I live for, so I definitely have a bias to sharing stories! The audience last year was so supportive and receptive, it’s rewarding to participate in that community and receive positive feedback. It’s also a low-stakes way to get presentation practice and build confidence.
How can people sign up to share their data story?
HS: We are asking that people RSVP so we order enough snacks, and there is a place to sign up to tell a story on the RSVP form. Or people can sign up to tell a story at the event as well.
