As you get ready for #data17, here’s a quick guide to some of the hottest presentations at the year’s biggest data fest

It’s almost time for the Tableau Conference – one of the biggest data conferences of the year! Unlike traditional conferences, the Tableau Conference, which takes place this year from October 9 to 12 in Las Vegas, is a celebration for data nerds and viz junkies ready to geek out on analytics, processes, and technology.

However, for first-timers, navigating the conference can seem overwhelming, with over 400 different sessions available.

As such, we’ve highlighted the top 7 activities to look out for at #data17:

#1 – Tableau’s Vision

Tableau CEO Adam Selipsky and other data leaders will share their vision on what’s coming next for business intelligence and analytics. As the field of visualization continues to rapidly evolve and grow, it will be interesting to hear Tableau’s take on potential new features, capabilities, and innovation on the horizon.

#2 – Iron Viz

The ultimate battle for the Iron Viz title will be tough this year, with three solid competitors from the Iron Viz feeder contests (Joshua Milligan, Tristan Guillevin, and Jacob Olsufka). The contenders will face off head-to-head in a 20-minute viz challenge. Don’t miss out on who will be crowned the iron viz champion of 2017!

#3 – Tableau Doctor

Got a serious case of the vizzing blues? Be sure to schedule an appointment with a Tableau Doctor who can help solve your technical challenges and answer any tricky questions you may have to make sure that your dashboard is in tip top shape! You can book an appointment in advance on the conference website or stop by the walk-in clinic during open hours.

#4 – Data Village

If you’re taking a break between session, stroll through the Data Village and mingle with some new data friends. There are sponsors, partners, food, beverages, and developers from Tableau Labs. This year, there are some exciting lab sessions, such as eye tracking, hands on with Project Maestro, and NLP user experience flows.

#5 – Data Night Out

Data Night Out is the biggest data party of the year, where Tableau enthusiasts come out to celebrate! There will be live performances by Empire of the Sun and Robert Delong, games, food, and drinks as you meet other data-minded professionals and get to know some rock stars in the Tableau world.

#6 – Unite with Your Tribe

Tableau has an amazing network of communities, and this is your opportunity to connect with members of your groups from across the globe. Unite with data fanatics from all over during these community sessions, such as for the Tableau User Groups, Data + Women, and of course Makeover Monday, the biggest data viz community project in the world!

#7 – #data17donates

In light of the recent tragedy in Las Vegas, there will be opportunities throughout the week for the Tableau conference attendees to help support the victims and families. Please follow #data17donates on Twitter to join a blood drive at the conference and to stay updated on community events to help those affected.

We hope to see you at the conference! Please visit the Tableau Conference website for more details, including the full schedule of events.

If you cannot be there in person, you can also live stream certain sessions by registering here. Come join the fun with fellow data lovers – and learn about creating powerful insights and beautiful visualizations.