It's been almost two weeks since hayaData 2026, and there is still so much work to be done... organizing a conference doesn't end when the conference ends. Who knew....
Anyway, it's about time I shared a few words about this crazy experience.
So another
hayaData Conference is behind us, our 6th consecutive year, and once again, I was part of the team leading and organizing this crazy thing.
Months of planning, endless meetings, phone calls, emails, spreadsheets, solving problems, creating new problems, solving those too... all for one day. A bit like a wedding.
And then, suddenly, it's over. Just like that.
But what a day.
This was probably our biggest hayaData ever, with over 1,100 attendees, dozens of speakers, four tracks, and so many amazing people. We also got some great feedback, so apparently all that work paid off.
But beyond the numbers, one of my favorite parts was simply seeing everyone together. People catching up, meeting new people, sharing ideas, and just enjoying being part of this community. That's really what hayaData is all about, and why we keep doing this year after year.
There are sooo many people to thank:
🎤 Our speakers - thank you for putting so much time and effort into your talks, going through the dry runs (yes, we know there were a lot of them), and sharing your knowledge with everyone.
💜 Our amazing hayaData team - data experts from different companies who volunteered to review CFPs, build the agenda, mentor speakers, run dry runs, and help with a million other things.
🤝 Our sponsors - without you, this whole thing simply wouldn't happen. Thank you for supporting the conference and the community behind it. And a special thank you to
Riskified &
Riskified Tech, where hayaData started six years ago, for continuing to lead and support this initiative.
🙌 Our community partners - thank you for helping bring more people together. And a special shoutout to
Data & AI | Mor Nitzan and Data Bites, who joined us to record podcast episodes and share conversations beyond the conference
And of course, everyone who showed up! Thank you for coming, listening, asking questions, meeting people, and making the conference what it is.
And a special thank-yous:
Avital Prokopef - I honestly don't know how this conference would have happened without you. From the biggest things to the tiniest details, you were involved in pretty much everything. Thank you!
The amazing
Spark Marketing Israel team, especially Reshef and
Merav, for turning all our plans, ideas, requests, and last-minute changes into an actual conference. And for putting up with us along the way. :)
Six years. Still a lot of work. Still a little crazy. Still absolutely worth it.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have about 700 emails to catch up on.
See you at hayaData 2027!
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