UGA MMR INSIGHTS NIGHT 2026

Join us for an evening of networking and learning on February 25th.



ABOUT THE EVENT:

UGA MMR Insights Night brings together insights professionals, students, and industry leaders for an evening of networking and learning. This year’s main event will be held at Delta in Atlanta and includes a social hour with hors d'oeuvres and a bar, followed by a seminar featuring a panel of industry experts.

For those unable to attend in Atlanta, online tickets and regional watch parties are also available. 

This year's seminar will feature a panel discussion focused on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the insights industry. As AI changes how organizations generate, interpret, and use information, the role of insights professionals is evolving. From the changing landscape of data interpretation to the evolving skillset required for future professionals, our panelists will provide a comprehensive look at how to navigate and thrive with the use of AI.

The seminar will consist of 45 minutes of structured panel discussion, followed by 30 minutes of Q&A. 

Last year’s event sold out—register early to secure your spot and invite your colleagues to join this insightful evening!


TESTIMONIALS:

"The networking portion was nice, and it was nice to see so many different levels of people from students to more senior people in the industry. Great to have a mix!"

- Past Attendee

"The presentation was very relevant and provided many compelling points that can help our business."

- Past Attendee

"Great networking, and an insightful speaker on a topic/angle of our industry I have not been exposed to previously. Also, very good Q&A session!"

- Past Attendee



PANELISTS:

BEN CORTESE Vice President of Decision Sciences & Innovation, KS&R

Ben Cortese is Vice President of Decision Sciences & Innovation at KS&R, where he leads the firm’s AI strategy, development, and applications. He holds a Ph.D. in statistics from Syracuse University and has over a decade of experience applying advanced quantitative methods to complex business challenges. His passion goes beyond numbers; he thrives on uncovering hidden insights and solving complex problems to deliver full-service consultation and analytics for KS&R’s clients.


TERRIN LAWRENCE Head of Market Research, Udemy

Terrin Lawrence is a market research and insights leader with experience across tech, EdTech, CPG, and logistics. Currently serving as Head of Market Research at Udemy, she leads global research across brand health, audience sentiment, competitive intelligence, and market foresight—translating complex data into clear, actionable strategy for senior stakeholders.

She is an active leader in the insights community and serves as Director of Communications for the South Atlantic Chapter of the Insights Association, where she shapes chapter messaging, elevates thought leadership, and supports the visibility and growth of research professionals. Known for building scalable research frameworks, Terrin blends rigorous methodology with cultural awareness, creativity, and a belief in research as a tool for both business impact and human understanding.


ANDREW LOUDER Founder & CEO, LouderAI

Andrew Louder is the founder and CEO of LouderAI, a boutique consultancy based in Dallas, TX, that helps businesses increase profits through productive operations and Artificial Intelligence solutions. Andrew has 17+ years of experience in Management Consulting, previously working for firms like KPMG and EY within their Strategy and Operations practices where he helped big clients like AT&T and Bank of America.


MIKE COURTNEY Founder, Aperio Insights

Mike is the founder of Aperio Insights, an agency focused on marketing research, ethnography and long-range strategic foresight for industries including transportation, automation, and health and wellness solutions.

He holds an MMR degree from the University of Georgia and has more than 25 years of research and strategic consulting experience. His areas of expertise include new product innovation, applied strategic foresight and anticipatory governance.

As a researcher, he is naturally curious about how consumers think and what motivates them as they interact with their environment. Mike is passionate about exploring what causes behavior and what it takes to change it – now and in the future.


MODERATOR:

LIZZY MARTINEZ General Manager, Customer Research, Delta Air Lines

Lizzy’s professional mission is to motivate organizations to make positive change rooted in evolving human needs – this is harnessed though an education in both consumer and organizational psychology and 15+ years experience supporting global, consumer brands in various strategic insights and foresight functions. Over the last 7 years, Lizzy’s been doing this at Delta Air Lines where her team uncovers insight that shapes the future of experience in and outside the day-of-travel. Outside of work, Lizzy’s interests include design, travel (obviously!), and getting a daily dose of fresh air.


ATTENDANCE OPTIONS:

Attend the main event in Atlanta, join a watch party in a nearby city, or join us online!

Online: Virtual attendance via live stream (link provided to registered attendees 24 hours before the event)

To attend this event, you must pre-register. We are unable to admit walk-ins.

MAIN EVENT: ATLANTA Hosted by Delta

Experience the energy of Insights Night firsthand at our flagship event hosted by Delta in Atlanta. This option offers the complete evening program, starting with a social hour to connect with industry leaders, alumni, and current MMR students over hors d'oeuvres and drinks, followed by the live panel discussion.

Location: 980 Virginia Ave. Atlanta, GA 30354

Schedule:

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (ET): Networking Social

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (ET): Panel Discussion & Q&A


WATCH PARTY: CHICAGO Hosted by Numerator

Connect with your local insights community at our Chicago Watch Party. Hosted by Numerator, the Watch Party offers both a social hour to connect with industry leaders in the area, as well a live broadcast of the seminar.

Location: 24 E Washington St. Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602

Schedule:

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM(CT): Streamed Panel Discussion & Q&A

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM(CT): Networking Social


WATCH PARTY: CINCINNATI Hosted by The Directions Group

Connect with your local insights community at our Cincinnati Watch Party. Hosted by The Directions Group, the Watch Party offers both a social hour to connect with industry leaders in the area, as well a live broadcast of the seminar.

Location: 401 E. Court St. Cincinnati, OH 45202

Schedule:

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (ET): Networking Social

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (ET): Streamed Panel Discussion & Q&A


WATCH PARTY: CHARLOTTE Hosted by Accelerant Research

Connect with your local insights community at our Charlotte Watch Party. Hosted by Accelerant Research, the Watch Party offers both a social hour to connect with industry leaders in the area, as well a live broadcast of the seminar.

Location: 1242 Mann Drive, Suite 100, Matthews, NC 28105

Schedule:

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (ET): Networking Social

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (ET): Streamed Panel Discussion & Q&A



REGISTRATION IS CLOSED:

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A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

KS&R

Presenting Sponsor


LYNX RESEARCH

Networking Sponsor


MMR RESEARCH ASSOCIATES

Networking Sponsor


ACCELERANT RESEARCH

Charlotte Watch Party Sponsor


THOUGHTFUL RESEARCH

Student Sponsor


MMR RESEARCH ASSOCIATES

Student Sponsor


MARKET XCEL

Student Sponsor


SIGNIFICANT INSIGHTS

Student Sponsor



ORGANIZING TEAM:

ERIN SOWELL Strategic Insights Consultant & Principal of Thoughtful Research

Lead Organizer

Chair of Communications & Relations, UGA MMR Advisory Board


COLLIER SCOTT Project Leader, Employee Insights at Delta Air Lines

Host & Organizing Partner at Delta Air Lines

UGA MMR Alumnus


ROB WHALEY Sr. Client Services Analyst, Numerator

Host & Organizing Partner at Numerator

UGA MMR City Representative | Chicago


SAVANNAH SHULER UGA MMR Candidate

Assistant Organizer & Student Volunteer Coordinator

Board Relations Graduate Assistant


BILL MCDOWELL President & CEO, Accelerant Research

Host & Organizing Partner at Accelerant Research


WILL ANDERS Senior Analyst at Numerator

Charlotte Watch Party Organizer

UGA MMR City Representative | Charlotte


STACEY WETTERER SVP of Talent, The Directions Group

Host & Organizing Partner at The Directions Group

UGA MMR Advisory Board Member


MARY FANNING Director, Client Services at MMR Research Associates

Cincinnati Watch Party Organizer

UGA MMR City Representative | Cincinnati




REGISTRATION IS CLOSED:

WAYS TO ATTEND:

  • Join us in person at Delta's Atlanta Campus for a social hour and seminar.
    Date: Wednesday, February 25
    Time: 6:00 – 8:30 PM ET
    Location: 980 Virginia Ave. Atlanta, GA 30354

  • Join us in person at Numerator in Chicago for a streamed seminar and social hour.
    Date: Wednesday, February 25
    Time: 6:00 - 8:30 PM CT
    Location: 24 E Washington St. Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602

  • Join us in person at The Directions Group in Cincinnati for a social hour and streamed seminar.
    Date: Wednesday, February 25
    Time: 6:00 - 8:30 PM ET
    Location: 401 E. Court St. Cincinnati, OH 45202

  • Join us in person at Accelerant Research in Charlotte for a social hour and streamed seminar.
    Date: Wednesday, February 25
    Time: 6:00 - 8:30 PM ET
    Location: 1242 Mann Drive, Suite 100, Matthews, NC 28105





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