The IEEE Visualization and Graphics Technical Committee (VGTC) sponsors the International Data-Visualization Contest to recognize outstanding design in visualization and visual analytics from around the world. Each year has its own theme, and is administered by the IEEE Visualization Pioneers Group (VPG) under the auspices of IEEE VGTC. The awards are announced at the IEEE VPG Reception held at the IEEE VIS conference. You are not required to attend either the VIS conference or the VPG reception to participate in the contest.