Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The DataConnect Conference 2026 is an inclusive event that brings together industry leaders, technical experts, and entrepreneurs to explore the latest trends in data, analytics, machine learning, and AI. Attendees will enjoy two full days of engaging content, networking opportunities, and workshops tailored to various skill levels.
The conference is hosted at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center, providing a welcoming environment for all participants. DataConnect Conference 2026 takes place in.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: DataConnect Conference 2026 takes place on October 29-30, 2026, at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center in Lewis Center, Ohio.
- 2Scale and Focus: This conference gathers industry leaders and technical experts to discuss advancements in data, analytics, machine learning, and AI.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by Women in Analytics, the conference aims to foster discussions around data and AI.
- 4Entry: Register now for early bird pricing and secure your spot at this premier data event.
Why visit
DataConnect Conference is built for practitioners who work with data and AI every day, with two days of sessions and hands-on workshops covering data engineering, analytics, machine learning, and AI governance.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their innovations to a diverse audience of data professionals, gain visibility in the industry, and connect with potential clients and partners. This conference gathers industry leaders and technical experts to discuss advancements in data, analytics, machine learning, and AI. Attendees include data scientists, analysts, machine learning engineers, and executives from various industries.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Data engineers and analytics engineers building pipelines and data platforms
Data scientists and machine learning engineers deploying models
Analytics leaders, heads of data, and chief data officers
AI and ML platform owners responsible for model lifecycle and governance
Business analysts and BI developers turning data into decisions
Product managers working on data-intensive products and features
Researchers and students in data science, analytics, and AI
IT and cloud architects evaluating data infrastructure and tooling
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Data platform and cloud data warehouse vendors
ETL/ELT and data integration providers
Business intelligence and analytics tool vendors
MLOps and model lifecycle platforms
AI governance and data catalog solution providers
Feature store and streaming data platforms
Consulting and systems integrators specialising in data and AI
Data quality and observability tool vendors
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Data integration and ETL/ELT tools
Cloud data warehouses and lakehouse platforms
Business intelligence and visualisation software
Machine learning and MLOps platforms
Data catalogs and governance solutions
Streaming data and event processing platforms
Data quality and observability tools
AI/ML model deployment and monitoring
Vector databases and LLM tooling
Location & Facilities
Venue
The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center
100 Green Meadows Dr S, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Facilities
Parking
The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center in Lewis Center typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center in Lewis Center typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Conference Pass
995Combo Pass
1250Executive Ticket
1595Virtual Pass
145
Who runs the show
Organisers
Local currency · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center
On-site / venue hotel
Lewis Center, OHUSD 115–175 / night
Hotel and event center hosting the conference; listing sources indicate 3-star class and the property was formerly Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center.
sourceWyndham Columbus
3-star
Columbus, approx. 4.7 km from venueBreakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center, bar.
Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington by IHG
4-star
Worthington, approx. 6.7 km from venueBreakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, pools, hot tub, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center.
Quality Inn and Suites
3-star
Lewis Center area, approx. 4.3 km from venueFree breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center, golf, accessible.
Courtyard by Marriott Columbus Worthington
3-star
WorthingtonBreakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rideshare / taxi
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forJohn Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center
Common option for the 4-7 km hotel-to-venue hops and airport transfers.
COTA bus
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forColumbus metro / Lewis Center corridor
Check cota.com/tripplanner for current routes and schedules; service to the venue area may require a transfer plus a short walk or rideshare.
Rental car
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forCMH to Lewis Center
Useful if combining the conference with visits around the Columbus metro; most captured hotels offer free parking.
Weather
October 2026 Late October in central Ohio (Lewis Center / Columbus) typically brings cool autumn conditions; captures did not include a specific temperature table, so check a local forecast close to 29-30 October.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is the norm at data and AI conferences in central Ohio. Dress in layers because session rooms can vary in temperature.
Tipping
Standard U.S. tipping applies: 15-20% at restaurants, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, and USD 2-5 per day for hotel housekeeping.
Local transport
Rideshare and taxi are the simplest way to reach the venue from CMH. COTA buses serve the Columbus metro but may require a transfer to Lewis Center.
Weather
Late October in central Ohio is cool and variable. Bring a jacket and an umbrella for possible rain.
Local area
Lewis Center is a suburban community north of Columbus. The nearby Polaris area has shopping and dining options for after conference hours.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Sample Google Flights search for New York JFK to the Lewis Center area on 2026-10-29 returned nonstop options of about 2 hours with fares flagged as 'currently high' at search time. Fares fluctuate; re-check live prices before booking and confirm the final leg into Columbus (CMH).
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Lewis Center; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center: Lewis Center, OH: The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center; Columbus, approx. 4.7 km from venue: Wyndham Columbus; Worthington, approx. 6.7 km from venue: Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington by IHG.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Lewis Center; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) operates the region's bus network; use the COTA Trip Planner at cota.com/tripplanner to check routes and schedules from Columbus city centre or suburban hotels to the Lewis Center / Polaris area. Schedules should be confirmed live for the event dates.
Parking: On-site parking is available at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Late October in central Ohio (Lewis Center / Columbus) typically brings cool autumn conditions; captures did not include a specific temperature table, so check a local forecast close to 29-30 October.
Seasonality: Late October in Lewis Center and the Columbus metro typically brings cool autumn conditions. Average highs are around 15-18°C (60-65°F) and lows around 5-8°C (40-45°F). Rain is possible, so pack a light jacket and an umbrella. Check a local forecast closer to 29-30 October 2026 for the most accurate daily conditions.
Packing: Pack layers for cool autumn mornings and evenings, a light rain jacket, and comfortable shoes for moving between sessions and the hotel; confirm the forecast for the event week before travelling.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at DataConnect Conference 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your registration tier (Conference, Combo, Executive, or Virtual) and download your ticket.
T-2
Book a room at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center or a nearby Columbus/Worthington hotel; rates and availability change closer to the date.
T-3
Check the schedule at dataconnectconf.com/schedule and shortlist sessions or workshops that match your data and AI stack.
T-4
Arrange travel to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and plan ground transport to Lewis Center by rideshare, rental car, or COTA bus.
T-5
If driving, confirm on-site parking rates at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center.
T-6
Pack business casual clothing and a light jacket for late October in central Ohio.
T-7
Bring a laptop if you plan to attend hands-on workshops; confirm any software requirements with the organiser.
T-8
Review the exhibitor and sponsor list to identify vendors you want to meet.
T-9
Set networking goals or pre-arrange meetings with peers and solution providers.
T-10
Check the local weather forecast a few days before travel; autumn rain is possible.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2DataConnect Conference 2026 registration concourse
The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · Conference Pass
USD 995 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · Combo Pass
USD 1250 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · Executive Ticket
USD 1595 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · Virtual Pass
USD 145 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Conference Pass | USD 995 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Combo Pass | USD 1250 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Executive Ticket | USD 1595 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Virtual Pass | USD 145 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether DataConnect Conference 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For DataConnect Conference 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Data analytics software and tools and Machine learning platforms solutions and benchmarking suppliers at DataConnect Conference 2026 in Lewis Center.
Min. budget
$2,095.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Data analytics software and tools and Machine learning platforms products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$9,427.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Lewis Center show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Data pipeline
- A series of processing steps that move and transform data from source systems into analytics or machine learning environments.
- ETL / ELT
- Extract, Transform, Load and Extract, Load, Transform are patterns for integrating data; ELT is common in cloud data warehouses where transformation happens after loading.
- Data lakehouse
- An architecture that combines data lake storage with data warehouse management features such as schemas, ACID transactions, and governance.
- MLOps
- Practices and tooling for deploying, monitoring, and maintaining machine learning models in production.
- Feature store
- A centralised system for storing, sharing, and serving machine learning features consistently across training and inference.
- Data governance
- Policies, roles, and processes that ensure data quality, privacy, security, and proper access across an organisation.
- AI governance
- Controls and oversight for AI systems, including risk assessment, bias monitoring, explainability, and compliance with regulation.
- Semantic layer
- A business-friendly abstraction over physical data that defines metrics, dimensions, and relationships for consistent reporting and analytics.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Data Conference in Lewis Center
- Analytics Conference 2026
- AI Conference in Ohio
- Data Science Event 2026
- DataConnect Conference 2026 Lewis Center
- DataConnect Conference Lewis Center 2026
- Lewis Center United States
- Conference Conference Lewis Center
- Data analytics software and tools
Trust footer
Sources
2
References
2
Publishers
0
Date checked
1
DataConnect Conference
- event_website
2
Women in Analytics
- organiser_website
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.