Special Session - Formats

CODS COMAD 2024 Special Session Suggestions:

Here is a list of formats and different topics we suggest - but we are open to accepting topics and formats that you may have appropriate to the conference audience.

1. Panel Discussions:

"The Ethical Algorithm: Building Trust in AI"

Participants: Leading AI ethicist, data scientist working on responsible AI, legal expert on AI regulation, representative from a company actively working on AI governance frameworks.

Focus: Exploring the crucial role of ethics in AI development and deployment. Identifying and mitigating bias in algorithms, ensuring transparency and explainability, developing ethical guidelines and frameworks for AI governance.

"Data Science for Social Impact: Tackling Real-World Problems"

Participants: Data scientists working on social impact projects, non-profit organizations utilizing data science, students interested in applying data science for good.

Focus: Showcasing real-world applications of data science for addressing social challenges. Participants can work on a real-world case study and collaborate on solutions.

"AI Governance: Building a Responsible Future"

Participants: Experts in AI governance and regulation, leaders from various industries using AI, policymakers and researchers in AI ethics.

Focus: Engaging participants in a deep discussion on the crucial aspects of AI governance. Developing ethical guidelines, ensuring accountability, and exploring the role of governments and industry in regulating AI. Participants can collaborate in breakout groups to develop practical recommendations.

2. Interactive Workshops:

"Democratizing Data Science: Hands-On Workshop"

Focus: Introduction to low-code/no-code data science platforms, utilizing open-source tools and libraries, building basic data pipelines and visualizations, sharing best practices for collaborative data science projects.

Consider: Including a specific project challenge or dataset for participants to work on.

"The Carbon Footprint of Generative AI: Challenges and Solutions"

Focus: Understanding the environmental impact of GenAI systems, analyzing energy consumption and carbon emissions, exploring techniques for optimization, and discussing the development of greener AI infrastructure.

Consider: Providing a practical tool or resource for participants to use during the workshop.

3. Case Study Presentations:

"Case Study: Data-Driven Solutions in [Industry]"

Focus: Specific industry (e.g., healthcare, finance, retail) with a case study showcasing how data science has been used to solve real-world problems, challenges faced, and lessons learned.

Consider: Incorporating audience interaction through questions and discussions.

"Building a Sustainable Future with Generative AI: Case Studies and Best Practices"

Focus: Showcasing real-world examples of how GenAI is being used to address environmental challenges, analyzing the impact of GenAI solutions, and encouraging collaborative efforts for ethical and sustainable applications.

Consider: Including a panel discussion with experts from different sectors using GenAI for sustainability.

4. Lightning Talks & Fireside Chats:

"Lightning Talks: Data Science Innovations"

Focus: Cutting-edge research, novel applications of machine learning, unique data visualization techniques, emerging trends and technologies.

Consider: Pre-selecting a diverse range of topics for impactful presentations.

"The Future of Data Science: Emerging Trends and Technologies"

Focus: Exploring the cutting-edge of data science, discussing the rise of explainable AI, the impact of quantum computing, the future of data privacy, and the evolving role of data scientists in a world dominated by AI.

Consider: Inviting a prominent figure in the data science field to share their insights and perspectives.

5. Data Visualization Showcase & Exhibitions:

"Data Visualization Showcase: Art & Insights"

Focus: Showcasing the power of data visualization to communicate insights, exploring different techniques and tools, encouraging creativity and innovative storytelling with data.

Consider: Including a competition for the most impactful or creative data visualization.

"GenAI Art Exhibition"

Focus: Showcase a curated selection of artwork created using generative AI, sparking discussions about the creative potential of these technologies.

Consider: Including a panel discussion or Q&A session with the artists.

6. Interactive Roundtables & Debates:

"Data Science Career Paths: Interactive Roundtable"

Focus: Sharing insights on different data science career paths, advice for aspiring data scientists and career transitions, the importance of soft skills and continuous learning.

Consider: Inviting experienced data scientists from diverse backgrounds and career stages.

"Data Ethics Debate: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly"

Focus: Addressing ethical dilemmas related to data collection, privacy, and bias, analyzing potential risks and benefits of data-driven technologies, encouraging critical thinking and responsible use of data science.

Consider: Inviting experts representing different perspectives on data ethics.

7. Instant Hackathons & Competitions:

"Data Science Hackathon: Collaboration & Competition"

Focus: Participants work in teams to build data-driven solutions, prizes awarded for innovation, technical expertise, and collaboration.

Consider: Pre-defining a challenge or dataset for participants to work on.

"AI Governance Hackathon"

Focus: Participants work in teams to develop solutions for specific AI governance challenges.

Consider: Partnering with organizations or institutions working in AI governance.

8. Creative GenAI Session Ideas:

"Generative AI Storytelling Night": Host a session where participants use GenAI tools to collaboratively create short stories, poems, or scripts, exploring the creative potential of these technologies.

"GenAI Music Jam": Invite musicians to use GenAI tools to create music in real-time, engaging the audience in a live, interactive performance.

"GenAI Art Challenge": Encourage participants to use GenAI tools to create art on a specific theme, with prizes awarded for creativity and technical skill.

"GenAI Debate: The Future of Creativity": A debate between experts on the impact of GenAI on creativity, exploring its potential to enhance or replace human artistic expression.

9. Bonus Student sessions:

"AI Governance Hackathon": Fast-paced, collaborative session where participants develop solutions for specific AI governance challenges.

"GenAI Art Exhibition": Showcase a curated selection of artwork created using generative AI, sparking discussions about the creative potential of these technologies.

10. GenAI Exhibition Session:

Theme: "The Future is Now: Exploring the World of GenAI"

Format: Interactive Gallery Exhibit

Interactive Stations:

Demo Stations: Hands-on demonstrations of different GenAI applications (e.g., text generation, image creation, music composition) with interactive elements.

Creative Zone: Space for participants to experiment with GenAI tools and create their own art, stories, or other creative works.

Discussion Corners: Dedicated areas for facilitated discussions on specific GenAI topics, featuring experts and industry leaders.

Immersive Experiences: Use VR/AR technology to showcase the potential of GenAI in creating immersive experiences.

Showcase:

GenAI Art Gallery: Display of stunning artwork generated by GenAI, showcasing the creative potential of the technology.

GenAI in Action: Examples of real-world GenAI applications in various industries, highlighting the tangible benefits.

Future Visions: Presentations and discussions on potential future applications of GenAI and its impact on society.