Big Blue Data Academy successfully hosted the first DataGrowth Networking Event on Friday, April 3rd, 2026, at Impact Hub Athens. The event marked the launch of a new community-driven series designed to connect data professionals, spark meaningful conversations, and explore what it truly takes to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving data landscape.

The evening kicked off with opening remarks that set an energetic and welcoming tone for the night. Attendees were then treated to a lightning talk titled "From Fear to Forecast with the Power of Data," delivered by Ioannis Develekos, Data Analyst and Owner at iNous Marketing Labs, which challenged common anxieties around data adoption and illustrated how a data-driven mindset can become a powerful professional asset.

The centrepiece of the programme was a panel discussion on "Data Skills 2026: What It Takes to Stay Relevant," featuring four panellists from across the Greek data ecosystem: Spyros Poulos, Head of Analytics at Hack The Box and Data Science Instructor at Big Blue Data Academy, Nick Fournogerakis, AI Product Owner at Kaizen Gaming and Data Science Instructor at Big Blue Data Academy, Vasilis Katsikas, Data Scientist at Amplifyd and Data Science Graduate, and Stamatis Lykos, Co-Founder & COO at Asappien and Data Science Instructor at Big Blue Data Academy. The panellists shared candid perspectives on the skills, tools, and mindset shifts that will define data careers in the years ahead, sparking an engaged and thought-provoking conversation with the audience.

The formal programme was followed by an extended networking session giving professionals from diverse backgrounds, from analysts and scientists to business leaders and aspiring data practitioners, the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new collaborations.

"DataGrowth was born from a simple but powerful belief: that the data community in Greece deserves a space to come together, learn from one another, and grow, not just professionally, but as a network. Seeing that vision come to life at our first event was truly inspiring, and this is only the beginning," said Dimitris Mousadakos, CEO of Big Blue Data Academy.

The success of the first event signals Big Blue Data Academy's broader commitment to nurturing an active and connected professional community beyond the classroom, and sets the stage for future DataGrowth events throughout 2026.