2026 Maverick Insights Conference

The Maverick Insights Conference, hosted by the MS in Marketing Research Program in the College of Business at the University of Texas at Arlington, promises to be an engaging and transformative experience.

Sponsored through a dynamic collaboration between the MSMR Alumni Association and the Marketing Department, this annual event is a premier gathering for professionals, academics, and students passionate about the developing landscape of marketing research.

This year’s central theme, “Academic Excellence. Industry Impact." encapsulates the role of education in marketing research and how it translates into providing high-quality research and impact in the insights industry. The theme invites a rich exploration of:

When Research Meets the Boardroom: How research methodologies are being adopted more and more, and with new pressures inside leading companies, as the C-Suite recognizes the benefits of consumer and customer-led strategies and measurement.

The Skills That Actually Transfer: Practitioners who came from research programs (like ours) reflect on which academic competencies proved most valuable in their careers — and which gaps they had to fill once they stepped into industry.

Shaping Industry Through Insight: Case studies of research that didn't just inform a decision but changed the direction of a brand, a market, or a practice — showcasing how marketing research creates impact far beyond the report it started as.

Speakers will include thought leaders from academia, experts from the insights industry, and trailblazers in corporate marketing functions, each offering unique perspectives and actionable strategies.

Attendees will have opportunities to network with peers, alumni, and industry leaders.

Who Should Attend?

The Maverick Insights Conference offers something for anyone interested in understanding and harnessing the power of marketing research to build connections, solve problems, and create business impact.

The event is ideal for:

Professionals in the Insights Industry

• Insights specialists, analysts, and consultants seeking to stay ahead of emerging trends and tools.
• Leaders in market research firms looking to network and collaborate with academic and corporate partners.

Corporate Marketing Practitioners

• Professionals in brand management, product development, customer experience, and business strategy who use marketing research to inform decision-making.
• Executives aiming to leverage data-driven insights to enhance organizational performance and cross-functional collaboration.

Academics and Researchers

• Professors, researchers, and students focused on marketing, consumer behavior, data analytics, and related fields.
• Scholars interested in bridging theoretical frameworks with practical applications and collaborating with industry practitioners.

MSMR Alumni

• Graduates of the program eager to reconnect with peers, expand their professional networks, and contribute to the program's growth.

Students and Aspiring Insights Professionals

• Current students in marketing, business, or analytics programs looking to gain insights into the field, connect with industry professionals, and explore career opportunities.
• Aspiring researchers keen to understand how academic theory is applied to real-world business challenges.

Organizations Interested in Marketing Research

• Companies seeking innovative ways to integrate marketing research into their decision-making processes.
• Businesses looking to recruit top talent or form partnerships with academia and leading insights professionals.

Register Now!

Join us for this important event as we celebrate and advance the art and science of marketing research. We’ll build bridges connecting ideas, people, and opportunities.

Register now for updates as speakers and sponsors sign on. If you are interested in sponsoring, please get in touch with Erika Smith, MSMR, at [email protected] or 817-980-8649.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher UTA MSMR Alumni