AI That Actually Works: Start With Data, Not Tools

AI is everywhere, but most teams are approaching it backwards.

In this hands-on workshop led by Dennis Still, founder of Bigfoot Analytics, we’ll break down how to make smarter decisions about AI by starting with what actually matters: your data and your definition of success.

You’ll use the same thinking framework that drives rigorous data analysis – the Business Scientific Method – to make smarter, more intentional decisions about where and how AI fits your work.

The Core Idea: Science Before The Software: Before any AI tool conversation, the most successful teams do something that looks a lot like science. They observe a problem, form a specific question, build a hypothesis, and only then ask: “What tool could help me test this?”

You need to follow the PATH:

• Process
• Analytical
• Thinking
• Hypothesizing

By learning and using this method, instead of chasing tools, you’ll learn how to evaluate where AI fits into your marketing, how your current data impacts performance, and how to identify the right opportunities for implementation.

This is a hands-on, analytics tool agnostic session designed to help you build a more intentional approach to adding AI to your marketing tech stack.

• My one business question is clearly defined
• I know the KPI that will tell me if AI is working
• I've identified at least one data quality gap to address first.
• I have a hypothesis in if/then format.
• I know one realistic AI starting point, not a wish list.

• Clarity on how your data quality impacts your AI outcomes
• A process to evaluate AI tools before adopting them
• A defined starting point for applying AI to a real use case & how to tie it back to business goals
• Video recording of the workshop
• Key takeaways that you can take action on immediately within your organization

When: Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 5-7 PM

Where:7505 Metro Blvd,

Conference Room 120,

Edina, MN 55439

Parking: Free Parking Available in the surrounding lots.

Ticket Cost:

25.00 for Non-Members (+fees)

FREE for MnSearch Members (Members will receive a promo code via email)

Schedule:

5:00 – 5:30 PM - Happy Hour + Networking

5:30 – 5:45 PM - Welcome + Audience Pulse

Quick live poll:

• “Do you trust your data?”
• “Have you successfully implemented AI?”

5:45 – 6:10 PM - Strategic POV: Why AI Is a Data Problem

• Dennis-led teaching - The AI Decision Loop + the 4 most common pitfalls

6:10 – 6:40 PM - Guided Group Discussion + Hands-On Working Session

• Participants build their goal, map their data reality, and identify one real AI opportunity.

6:40 – 6:55 PM - Case Examples + Live Feedback

• 2–3 volunteers share - Dennis advises in real time

6:55 – 7:00 PM - Wrap-Up + Final Takeaways

• Leave with a framework and a starting point.

Thank You to Our Sponsor!

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Host or Publisher MnSearch - Minnesota Search Engine Marketing Assoc