The 2025 Higher Education Data World (HEDW) Conference was hosted at Georgia Tech April 6 – 9, bringing together more than 300 higher education professionals dedicated to the sharing of knowledge management and best practices across colleges and universities from across the globe. Staff members from the Office of Information Technology Enterprise Applications and Data Integrations (EADI) team led efforts to organize and execute the conference.

The conference’s theme centered on data strategy, analytics, and innovation. More than 40 Georgia Tech staff members participated in the event, including the demonstration of 15 presentations that covered data modeling, AI, Workday, and integration strategies.  

EADI Director of Data Services, Nick Chaviano, and Associate Director of Data Services, Andre Goodman, led the initiative to bring the conference to Georgia Tech. “Bringing this year’s HEDW Conference to Georgia Tech was no small feat,” said Chaviano, who served as 2025 conference chair. "It required a year of planning, coordination, and dedication. The end-result was an engaging experience that highlighted the Institute’s commitment to data-informed decision making and its investment in enterprise-level data services.”

“Eight to nine years ago, we went to HEDW with the goals of becoming a best-in-class higher education institution for data and the desire to host one of its annual conferences,” added Katie Crawford, EADI executive director for Enterprise Services. "I’m proud to say we accomplished both.” 

Established in 2003, the HEDW is a network of professionals dedicated to promoting the sharing of knowledge and best practices regarding knowledge management across colleges and universities, including building data warehouses, developing institutional reporting strategies, and providing decision support. The organization boasts more than 2,000 members representing institutions from around the world. 

To learn more about the Higher Education Data World, visit hedw.org.