Lara Ainsworth – Applied Data Science Manager @ dunnhumby
The dunnhumby team partnered with Data Science Festival for the DSF WinterFest Online Global Summit event. Find out below how they have found the partnership!
Overview
dunnhumby partnered with DSF WinterFest Online Global Summit to showcase its science capabilities to a global audience of data professionals.
As a leader in retail and consumer analytics, dunnhumby’s Science teams build scalable, responsible, and high-impact solutions for retailers and brands. Their day-to-day work spans developing and optimising machine learning models across targeting, measurement, and personalisation; operationalising science through automation frameworks; designing experimentation workflows and decision-support tools (including agentic AI prototypes); and upholding rigorous QA, data governance, and Responsible AI standards.
WinterFest provided a platform to share this applied science with a broad, diverse, and technically skilled community, aligning perfectly with dunnhumby’s ambition to contribute meaningfully to the wider data ecosystem.
Objectives
dunnhumby partnered with DSF to:
• Showcase cutting-edge data science applications in retail and consumer analytics
• Raise brand visibility within the global data science community
• Attract talent by highlighting the complexity and impact of their work
• Contribute practitioner-focused insights to a community eager for real-world learning
Results
Strong keynote engagement
dunnhumby’s session generated high levels of engagement, particularly around topics such as geo-spatial modelling and churn prediction. The audience actively participated in discussions, reflecting strong alignment with the applied, real-world focus of the content.
Elevated recognition within the DSF community
The partnership increased awareness of dunnhumby’s science capabilities among a global network of data professionals, strengthening brand positioning as a leader in retail analytics.
Ongoing collaboration opportunities
Following WinterFest, dunnhumby received continued invitations and interest from DSF for deeper involvement in future events, demonstrating the long-term partnership value of engaging with the community.
Internal and external impact
Presenting at WinterFest helped refine how the team communicates complex scientific concepts clearly and effectively. Participation boosted morale and provided valuable visibility and recognition for the data science team.
Community Engagement
dunnhumby highlighted several aspects that made DSF stand out:
- Community-first culture – A welcoming, curiosity-driven environment where speakers feel genuinely supported and celebrated.
- Global reach – The online format enabled participation across geographies, industries and seniority levels.
- Appetite for honest storytelling – Attendees valued transparent lessons and real-world insights, not just polished outcomes.
This alignment created a space where applied science resonated strongly with practitioners looking to solve meaningful business challenges.
Success Metrics
dunnhumby measured success through:
- Engagement levels during and after the keynote session
- Quality of discussion around advanced modelling topics
- Increased recognition of dunnhumby’s data science work within the DSF network
- Follow-on collaboration opportunities with DSF
Partner Feedback
“DSF is a great partner if you want to reach an engaged, technically skilled audience. The team is fantastic to work with, the events attract high quality practitioners, and the relationship offers strong visibility for companies looking to share expertise or attract talent.”
— Lara Ainsworth, Applied Data Science Manager, dunnhumby