GetYourGuide, a global marketplace for travel experiences, reached diminishing returns with its XGBoost-based ranking system. We switched to a Deep Learning pipeline in just nine months, maintaining high throughput and low latency. We iterated on over 50 offline models and conducted more than 10 live A/B tests, ultimately deploying a PyTorch transformer that yielded significant gains. In this talk, we will share our phased approach—from a simple baseline to a high-impact launch—and discuss the key operational and modeling challenges we faced. Learn how to transition from tree-based methods to neural networks and unlock new possibilities for real-time ranking.

In this presentation, I will discuss my transition from a Data Scientist to a management role, covering key managerial responsibilities, preparation tips, and the pros and cons of the switch. The talk is particularly relevant for engineers who have recently moved into management or are considering the change, as well as those interested in understanding the challenges managers face. The session will include brief presentations followed by interactive discussions with the audience.