Blerim Sheqa, the CPO of Icinga, delivered a talk at GrafanaCon LA about avoiding common pitfalls in data visualization, stressing the importance of conventions, proper labeling, comparability, readability, and understanding of data. He illustrated how incorrect data visualization can lead to misinterpretations by using examples such as a misleading graph about gun laws and a poorly labeled load graph. Sheqa emphasized that following conventions, using proper labels, and ensuring graphs are readable and comparable are crucial for effective visualization, particularly in debugging infrastructure issues. Highlighting key parts of a graph, using grids, and avoiding overcrowding with too many annotations can improve clarity and understanding. He also underscored the necessity of knowing the data thoroughly to prevent misinterpretation and create accurate and useful dashboards.