Fields Sports Analytics Workshop

An important aspect of this workshop is to shine a brighter light on the role that advanced mathematical, statistical and computer science methods play in this area both now, and in the future. The major objectives of the workshop are to:

1. Disseminate the latest results and state of the art mathematical, statistical and computer science methods from researchers to academics, students, and especially to teams and industry
2. Communicate past work, types of data, challenges, and insights from the sports industry community to gathered researchers
3. Highlight the role that sophisticated analytical methods will likely play in the sports industry in the near future
4. Encourage and inspire students and other researchers to find new and innovative ways to apply the latest mathematical, statistical and computer science methods to the sports industry
5. Provide pathways for industry and researchers to utilize funding organizations to financially support future research, employment opportunities and internships

Invited Talks

There will be 14 invited talks from top academic researchers and industry professionals.

Confirmed Speakers

• Ed Kaplan (Yale School of Management)
• Luke Bornn (Vice-President, Strategy and Analytics, Sacramento Kings)
• Justin Detlor (Manager, Sports Analytics, Canadian Tire)
• Mark Glickman (Harvard)
• Mark Broadie (Columbia)
• Ben Baumer (Smith College)
• Tim Chartier (Davidson)
• Michael Lopez (Skidmore College)
• Meghan Chayka (Co-Founder, Stathletes)
• Keith Boyarsky (Director of Analytics, Toronto Raptors)

Panel Discussion

On Friday there will be an hour long panel discussion on the future of sports analytics and the increasing mathematical sophistication that will guide its future developments.

Student Datafest Competition

Two days before the workshop begins, undergraduate students (with a graduate student mentor) will be split into teams and given a large, rich, and complex data set. Teams will work around the clock for 48 hours to find insights in the data. A specific problem to solve with the data will not be provided.

After two days of intense data wrangling, analysis, and presentation design, each team is allowed a few minutes and no more than two slides to impress a panel of judges. A Cash prize will be awarded. The winning team will be invited to give a longer presentation on Day 2 to the workshop attendees.

Networking and Recruitment Lunch

Following the panel on Friday, teams, industry, academics and students will be able to participate in a networking lunch session. This is an excellent opportunity for industry and researchers to exchange ideas and discuss potential collaborations. It will also provide industry a forum to recruit talented and motivated students from across technical disciplines.

Schedule

To be announced.