Engaging with South Africa’s Data and AI Leaders at DataFest 2025

Our team recently had the pleasure of participating in DataFest 2025, held on the 4th and 5th of June at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg. This premier data and AI conference brought together professionals, innovators, and thought leaders from across South Africa’s tech and data communities, hosted by Dalebrook Media.

Dimitri Gonatas at DataFest

As exhibitors, we were proud to present our interactive booth, which featured a creative LEGO challenge that invited attendees to build imaginative LEGO figures using foundational “building blocks”—a playful metaphor for data and innovation. The activity drew in a diverse crowd, sparking conversation, creativity, and genuine engagement. It was rewarding to witness the enthusiasm and ingenuity attendees brought to the task.

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Our LEGO activity encouraged attendees to pause and appreciate the creativity and collaboration involved in building with purpose
Big congrats to Zane Els, the winner of our LEGO challenge!
With Kat Vorster, the brilliant organiser who brought DataFest to life

In addition to the hands-on engagement at our booth, we had the opportunity to attend a series of inspiring talks and panel discussions throughout the two-day event. The sessions explored vital topics such as data governance, cloud infrastructure, AI ethics, and the future of data science in Africa, aligning closely with our mission of empowering organizations through smarter data practices.

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Together with the Snowflake team, we are excited to drive innovation through collaboration

We were especially honoured to connect with members of the broader data science community, including data professionals, analysts, and engineers who are passionate about shaping the future of data in South Africa. The energy at the event was palpable, and the sense of collaboration and innovation was truly invigorating.

Our booth stood out as a hub of activity and curiosity. Many attendees stopped by to discuss trends in data, AI, and cloud transformation, and we were excited to exchange insights and share some fun branded merchandise, including stickers and T-shirts.

PYGIO at DataFest
PYGIO dream team: Kirsten Naidoo, Ralph Hanan, Dimitri Gonatas, Nicolas Gonatas and Oliver Green

Participating in DataFest 2025 was both a privilege and a fantastic opportunity to be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking ecosystem. We are grateful to have been included and look forward to continuing the conversation with the inspiring individuals we met there.

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