Data for Democracy is Focus of CTData Collaborative Conference

Amid a challenging and unprecedented time for public access to previously transparent and reliable data, as well as for the future of democratic practice as it has long been upheld, CTData Collaborative will be convening its annual statewide conference, this year focused on Data for Democracy.

The conference will explore how data both strengthens our democracy and helps us serve our communities better. With 16 breakout sessions and a dynamic and timely keynote address, the conference promises to provide a valuable experience—with multiple opportunities for participants to connect, learn, and support one another.

This year’s conference comes at a pivotal moment. With new and growing challenges to data collection and public trust, it’s more important than ever for nonprofit and public sector leaders to come together, share solutions, and advocate for the data that drives our missions and supports strong communities.

At the CTData conference, participants will be able to:

• Learn practical hands-on data skills with Data Tools 101 and 202

• Hear about participatory strategies to engage people with lived experience
• Learn how to conduct "before action reviews" and "in action reviews"
• And much more!

Tickets are now on sale, with a special discount available for the purchase of five tickets. The conference will be held at the Hartford Marriott Downtown, 200 Columbus Blvd., Hartford on December 3. Details at www.ctdata.org.

“At CTData, we are dedicated to empowering Connecticut’s nonprofits and public sector leaders with the data, tools, and skills they need to drive positive change,” said CTData Executive Director Michelle Riordan-Nold. “Our annual conference is the state’s premier gathering for data professionals and advocates. This year, we will convene hundreds of leaders to learn from experts, connect with peers, and explore solutions for ethical data use.”

The conference opening keynote will be delivered by Dr. Ismar Volić, author of Making Democracy Count: How Mathematics Improves Voting, Electoral Maps, and Representation. At a time when many Americans feel that democracy is failing them, and citizens believe their voices don’t matter and their votes don’t count, there is an urgent need for new approaches to strengthen our democratic systems. That’s what the keynote, and ensuing discussion, is all about. Dr. Volić illustrates how quantitative analysis can provide common ground for rebuilding trust in democratic processes.

The conference will include 16 breakout sessions for attendees to select from. Attendees will explore participatory engagement strategies that involve people with lived experience, examine how stronger data connections can transform health outcomes, address inequities, and more - and connect with peers working on data solutions that drive real impact.

Featured sessions include:

• Data as Civic Engagement: Communities Thrive When They're Informed
• Community Vulnerability vs. Deprivation: Analyzing Spatial Equity Data
• Measure Your Impact, Tell Your Story, Strengthen Your Community with CTData
• The AI Trust Deficit: Why Public Perception Moves Faster Than Policy
• Mapping and Measuring Disparities in Connecticut
• Federal Data Challenges and Changes
• Data as Civic Engagement: Communities Thrive When They're Informed
• Community Vulnerability vs. Deprivation: Analyzing Spatial Equity Data
• Connie: Transforming Healthcare Through Data Equity and Integration
• Community-Based Research: Lessons from Three Connecticut Projects
• Data Strategy in Action
• Data Tools for Everyone 101
• Data Tools for Everyone 201
• Lightning Sessions: Student Ridership, Homeownership, and Hartford Neighborhood Resources
• Improving Maternal Health Outcomes through Data Connections
• Strengthening Data Culture: Action Review Toolkit & Cultivating a Trauma-Informed Data Culture
• The AI Trust Deficit: Why Public Perception Moves Faster Than Policy

Detailed descriptions of each of the sessions can be reviewed at https://www.ctdata.org/conference-2025-sessions