REGISTER FOR OUR WEBINAR
Ask Me Anything: Market Research
in 2026
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 11 a.m. ET
Market research is entering a new era of transformation. AI is reshaping workflows, expectations for speed and impact are rising, and insights teams are being asked to do more than deliver data, they’re being asked to drive decisions.
So, what will matter in 2026? Which trends are hype, and which will define the next era of insights?
Get answers to these questions and more in our Ask Me Anything webinar with Steve Schlesinger, CEO, and Melanie Courtright, Chief Strategy Officer. Together, they’ll share perspectives on where the industry is headed and what it means for brands, agencies, and researchers alike.
Register now to join the conversation and help shape the discussion. In this 30-minute live dialogue, Steve and Melanie will be prepared to explore topics including:
- What current data and signals reveal about where market research is headed.
- The trends, technologies, and mindset changes reshaping how insights are generated and used.
- Where companies should invest, which skills will be critical, and how researchers can future-proof their work in 2026 and beyond.
Steve Schlesinger
CEO at Sago
Steve has been in the marketing research industry for over 35 years, starting his career as a project manager and then working his way up to lead Schlesinger Group as CEO for 25 years, where he created the strategy and vision for Schlesinger Group, now Sago as the world’s leading data solutions and research technology company. In November 2022, he assumed the additional role of Executive Chairman to continue to help drive the company’s growth and digital transformation.
He served for eight years on the board of the then-Marketing Research Association, finishing his tenure as the Secretary of the Board. He is a founding member of the Insights Association CEO Summit and continues his involvement, co-chairing the events. Steve is also a founding member of the Marketing Research Education Foundation, serving as its chairman. Steve is an active member of Insights Association, AMA, ESOMAR, EphMRA & Intellus. He was presented the MRA (Insights Association) Honorary Lifetime Member award in 2015, recognizing a commitment to outstanding individual service to the Association and the marketing research profession. Steve also serves on the board of directors of SampleCon.
Melanie Courtright
Chief Strategy Officer at Sago
Melanie Courtright is an accomplished leader and strategist with 30 years of experience shaping the future of the insights and analytics industry. As Chief Strategy Officer at Sago, she leads enterprise-wide strategic initiatives focused on growth, innovation, and the advancement of research excellence.
Before joining Sago, Melanie served as Chief Executive Officer of the Insights Association, where she guided the U.S. insights and analytics community through a period of significant transformation—strengthening quality standards, championing data ethics, and advocating for the responsible use of emerging technologies.
Throughout her career, Melanie has been a trusted voice on topics including data integrity, methodological rigor, and the evolving relationship between technology and human understanding. She remains dedicated to ensuring that insights continue to empower organizations to make smarter, more ethical, and impactful decisions.
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