There are no sponsors. There are no booths. This event is for you, the senior leadership of the insights industry to learn and grow professionally and personally.
Explore a dynamic agenda packed with keynotes, panels, case studies, and hands-on workshops designed to deliver actionable insights.
Hear directly from CMOs, insights leaders, and outside experts who are shaping the future of marketing and research.
Experience the conference in a premier location, offering the perfect setting for learning, networking, and inspiration.
Kick things off by connecting with fellow leaders over a relaxed lunch in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This first gathering sets the tone for meaningful conversations, new relationships, and the collaborative spirit that will carry throughout the event.
We set the stage for three days of learning, connection, and collaboration. The event's Co-Chairs will highlight key themes and prepare attendees for an engaging experience filled with insight, dialogue, and opportunity.
This candid discussion will tackle the existential forces shaping the future of our industry—AI readiness, data quality, ownership shifts, private equity and venture backing, the “silver tsunami” of retiring owners, and the fragility of small businesses in an uncertain economy—setting the tone for the conversations to come.
With the post-pandemic surge in spending now behind us, growth tops the priority list for brands again. In this session, Kantar Knowledge Lead J. Walker Smith will dig into the new challenges facing marketers in a changing macro environment of AI, inflation, jobs, and consumer expectations. These are the questions brands will pose to their consulting and insights partners as they look for sustainable growth opportunities in the year ahead.
Take a short break to stretch, grab a coffee, and chat with fellow participants. Use this time to exchange ideas, meet new colleagues, and build connections that can spark future collaboration.
Engage in candid, peer-to-peer conversations on today’s most pressing leadership and industry challenges. These interactive sessions provide a trusted space to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore practical solutions—fostering connections and insights that extend well beyond the Summit.
Unwind and connect with peers in a relaxed, social setting featuring an open bar and a selection of delicious passed appetizers. This welcoming gathering is the perfect opportunity to mingle, spark new conversations, and build lasting connections before the Summit sessions begin.
Start your day with a fresh breakfast designed to fuel both body and conversation. This casual, welcoming setting provides the perfect opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and build relationships before the day’s sessions begin.
Kick off the second day of the Summit with thoughtful reflections on key insights from Day 1 and a look ahead at what’s to come. These opening remarks set the stage for another day of dynamic sessions, fresh perspectives, and engaging conversations.
Take a refreshing pause to grab coffee, recharge, and continue conversations with peers. This dedicated time allows you to build connections, share ideas, and prepare for the next round of sessions in a relaxed setting.
Explore evolving trends, key players, and partnerships in data and digital analytics – and how these shifts intersect with and impact traditional market research work and businesses.
As the insights industry transforms, so too must the ways its agencies are owned, financed, and administered. This session examines what ownership means in 2026 and beyond – exploring models from public and private ownership to ESOPs, private equity, and venture capital. Drawing from original industry-specific research, this session will reveal key findings and “ownership personas” representing distinct models and mindsets. A moderated panel of current and former CEOs, investors, and financial experts will explore how each structure shapes growth, culture, and long-term value. Participants will then join interactive roundtables led by panelists and seasoned owners to dive deeper into the realities of each model – the benefits, challenges, and what’s next. The outcome: a clearer understanding of today’s ownership landscape, practical insights for navigating change, and sharper perspective on which model best aligns with your organization’s future.Presented By: Simon Chadwick & Kahren Kersten, Cambiar
Discover how “Octopus Organizations” are redefining market insights for the AI era. Drawing from Stephen Wunker’s groundbreaking framework, this session explores how distributed intelligence, empowered teams, and adaptive structures can transform research agencies from rigid hierarchies into agile, AI-augmented systems—enabling faster decisions, stronger client impact, and long-term resilience in a polycrisis world.
Set sail from Hollywood, Florida aboard the elegant South Beach Lady for an unforgettable evening cruise. Take in the stunning South Florida skyline and ocean breeze as you relax and mingle on the open water.
Begin the last day of the Summit with reflections on key themes and highlights from the week. IA's SVP of Advocacy Howard Fienberg and General Council Stuart Pardau will provide important updates on federal and state regulations that stand to impact market research and your business operations, including guidelines around the use of AI.
When your team’s energy stalls or creativity flatlines, it’s tempting to blame stress, tight deadlines, or lack of inspiration. But what if the real bottleneck is closer to home? In this engaging, laughter-filled session, Lisa Stryker explores how leaders’ communication styles and behaviors directly shape their team’s creativity, collaboration, and productivity. Through candid insights and humor, she helps participants look in the mirror — not to judge, but to uncover the hidden patterns that block flow and discover practical shifts to reignite it. Key Takeaways: A clear understanding of the power leaders have to influence creativity and throughput A deeper appreciation of communication as both catalyst and lever Simple, practical shifts to immediately open the flow and “unkill the vibe”.
Presented by: Lisa Stryker
Panel discussion.
Top Summit Take-ways | Thoughts on the year ahead
Non-members may attend this event only once; continued participation requires an active IA Company membership
Register Now