Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s new for 2026?
It’s our 10th anniversary, so share your big ideas and latest projects! We’re particularly interested in proposals for in-person events throughout New York City.

For School of Data, we are excited to expand opportunities for people working on digital equity, smart cities, and artificial intelligence. If you use publicly available data on these topics, share your event ideas!

How do I submit a proposal for Open Data Week? School of Data?
Use this form to submit a proposal to the Open Data Week program and the School of Data program. Learn more about the difference below. If you’re unsure which program your idea is most suitable for, you can tell us in the form and we’ll help you make the decision. Do not use this form to submit an idea for Data Through Design’s annual art exhibit, use their form at datathroughdesign.com.

Who should submit a proposal?
Anyone who wants to share their work, expertise, and enthusiasm for the community, open data, and New York City. Presenters should have expertise in their proposal topic and experience with presenting to a live audience. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. It does not matter how you identify or how others perceive you. We welcome you!

Does it cost money to hold an event?
No. Open Data Week can set up a virtual meeting for you. For in-person proposals, we rely on the organizer to find an event space.

What can I submit?
We are excited to hear your ideas for in-person and virtual events, whether you have a rough sketch, a grand vision, or anything in between. Please read the following criteria carefully and be sure that your proposal meets them. Note that if your proposal is accepted, you will have the opportunity to update your event information before it is published in the festival program.

Every proposal must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  1. It relates to a dataset on NYC Open Data
  2. It relates to publicly available data, specifically about NYC
  3. It relates to publicly available data about a broader area than NYC, if NYC is used as the main example
  4. It relates to open data conceptually and is something that might benefit NYC

Submitting to NYC School of Data?
Unless otherwise specified, all proposals will be evaluated for placement for both Open Data Week and the School of Data conference. For School of Data, we are looking for proposals that activate NYC’s public interest technology and open data community.

For School of Data, we are interested in interactive sessions that:

  • foster civic dialogue, collaboration, and participation
  • provide community-building or networking opportunities
  • demystify technology and make data accessible to new and old audiences
  • teach participants a skill or tool
  • showcase curriculum and share insights on how digital literacy is delivered
  • present non-traditional tech perspectives
  • present a community call to action

For more inspiration, check out past NYC Open Data Week and School of Data event recordings here.

When and where do events take place?
All events must take place between Sunday, March 22 and Sunday, March 29, 2026. In your application, you can specify your preferences for your event’s setting. Please note that travel funding is not available.

Events that are selected for BetaNYC’s School of Data conference will take place on March 28 at the CUNY School of Law. BetaNYC might add a second day to the conference. If so, it will be an un-conference day where sessions need to be conversational, and you will have to pitch those sessions in person.

In-person events selected for the festival program will take place at a date and time of your preference and a venue secured by you.

Virtual events selected for the program will take place on our Zoom during a time slot arranged with the Open Data Week team.

What event formats are you looking for?
We are interested in a variety of virtual and in-person events, including:

  • Community Activities
  • Demos or Showcases of projects
  • Exhibitions
  • Hackathons or Data Jams
  • Mapathons
  • Networking Events
  • Outdoor Excursions
  • Performances or Art Installations
  • Panel Discussions
  • Parades
  • Public Trainings
  • Talks
  • Tours
  • Workshops

How many proposals can I submit?
Please submit one idea per form. You are welcome to submit multiple proposals by completing this form multiple times.

What should I expect after submitting a proposal?
The Open Data Week Team will review proposals on a rolling basis. Here is our process:

  1. You submit your proposal
  2. Our team reviews your proposal
  3. You will hear from us within 30 days of your submission
  4. If your proposal is selected for further discussion, you will be asked to have a call with our team to discuss it
  5. If your proposal is rejected, you will receive an email stating why
  6. Once you have met with our team and your proposal is selected for the program, you will be required to submit program-ready event details. Someone from your organizing team will also be required to attend information sessions in the months leading up to the festival.
  7. The Open Data Week and School of Data 2026 program will go live in early 2026

Possible outcomes include:

  1. Your proposal is selected for the program
  2. You are asked to edit or reframe your proposal in a discussion with our team
  3. You are asked to merge your proposal with another, similar proposal
  4. Your proposal is rejected

If selected for participation, you agree to the following:

  1. Being responsive to communications from the Open Data Week 2026 Team and finalizing your event information in a timely manner
  2. Promoting Open Data Week 2026 to your communities
  3. If you are hosting your own event, collecting participation metrics using our survey
  4. To the best of your ability, adhering to the event organizer’s timeline, all accessibility and inclusivity event management practices. The Open Data Week Team will provide guidance where possible.

When will the program be published?
This date is highly dependent on your collaboration with us to prepare your submission for the program. Our aim is to launch a version of the program in January 2026, with the full program launching in the middle of February. Please submit your ideas early so we can discuss them with you. The sooner we can publish the program, the sooner we can promote your events.