In a unanimous vote, the MinneAnalytics Board of Directors approved a resolution naming Best Buy Headquarters Campus in Richfield, MN as the host for future Data Tech events. The decision was made following a successful Data Tech conference at the venue on June 9.

MinneAnalytics President Dan Atkins cited the great location, amenities, parking, engagement, and commitment to the community as reasons for the decision, but said the key factor is the people at Best Buy:

“Most importantly, Wes Strait, Tyler Rentfrow, and the rest of the Best Buy staff, are the most incredible venue liaisons and hosts we have ever worked with.”

More than 900 people participated at the June 9 event, which featured 58 sessions exploring topics related to the intersection of emerging technology and data science. Speakers, sponsors, startups, and professionals from across the Midwest and beyond were in attendance.

“We loved sharing our HQ campus with the broader analytics community in Minnesota,” said Wes Strait, Director, Technology Transformation at Best Buy. “It was incredible to bring together so many analytics professionals for a day of networking and learning.”

The Data Tech conference was organized by MinneAnalytics as a highly popular annual event up until 2020 when live events were put on hold. After the success of the 2023 event, the organization plans to resume the conference on an annual basis once again.

“We look forward to continuing this event well into the future,” said Atkins. “As technology advances, one aspect that doesn’t change is the importance of bringing professionals together to connect, engage with the community, and share ideas. That’s what Data Tech is all about.”

Photo: Eric Hall & Kenneth Lewen presenting to a packed Theater at Best Buy Headquarters Campus for Data Tech 2023.