Wire hosts in-person events in 40+ cities globally, partners with the leading industry conference organizations for annual networking events and dinners, and collaborates with corporate teams to develop free educational webinar content throughout the year.
Our events are free to attend thanks to sponsorship from forward-thinking companies and leaders.
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Join Wire Nairobi for an intimate conversation with Nelly Wainaina, Group Director of Marketing Communications and Citizenship at NCBA Group, as we explore what it takes to lead marketing and brand strategy across some of Africa's most competitive markets.
With over 25 years of international marketing experience spanning Coca-Cola, Colgate-Palmolive, Reckitt Benckiser, Mondelez, and now NCBA, Nelly brings a rare vantage point on building brands and developing leaders across the continent. She'll share what's shaped her approach to marketing leadership and what it means to grow both business and people at scale.
A special thank you to our sponsors, NCBA, Safaricom, Eabl, BTC, Ipsos, Apex Research, and Casa Marketing, for making this event possible!
Dress code: ‘A touch of Gold’
Ms. Wainaina is the Group Director, Marketing, Communication and Citizenship with over 25 years of international marketing experience across multiple countries in Africa and beyond, where she has led numerous strategic marketing initiatives, including consumer innovations and developing marketing campaigns. She has led notable business projects in Africa and grown market share plus brand equity for global brands.
Nelly has served in diverse roles for multinational companies, namely The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive, Reckitt Benckiser, and Mondelez. Before joining NCBA, Nelly held senior roles at The Coca-Cola Company, where she served as Front-Line Marketing Senior Director for Africa, aligning marketing strategies across 54 markets and managing significant P&L budgets for five key brand categories
In her current role, she has delivered tremendous growth of the NCBA brand across the Group since her appointment in 2022 and is passionate in developing leaders for Africa. Her work and leadership have earned local and international recognition. In March 2025, she clinched the C-Level Leadership Excellence Award as the Overall Winner at the DIAR Awards, a milestone that underscored her influence and standing as one of Kenya's most respected corporate marketing and communications leaders. Additionally, Marketing Woman of the Year at the 13th Marketing World Awards: voted among the Top 25 Most Influential Women in Marketing Impacting Businesses in 2022 by Business Monthly East Africa and in 2026 made the list on the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) — recognizing the 100 most impactful marketing, brand and reputation leaders shaping Africa’s story, identity, and prosperity.
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In an industry that’s constantly evolving, the research, data & insights landscape has seen its fair share of disruption. From the rise of automation and AI, to shifting client expectations, economic uncertainty and workplace games. Navigating these changes has tested our resilience, attitude and wellbeing, but ‘she’ll be right’.
‘The Unpolished Path’ is dedicated to celebrating the resilience, reinvention and real-life lessons of women in insights and related industries. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, we’ll explore how missteps have led to key milestones – and how paths we didn’t plan often shaped us the most.
Join us as we bring together our industry of experienced rollercoaster riders, as we discuss:
We're bringing together an exceptional line up - Kat Francis, Jacqueline Freeman and Sophia Blair! 🔥
Thank you to our event sponsors, Dynata, Luma, and Xero for making this event possible!
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We’re hosting a Women in Research Night with Verso and Dynata at La Cristellerie: an evening bringing together leading voices in insights to explore how AI is reshaping consumer research. Expect a curated panel discussion followed by drinks and networking with the community. A chance to connect, exchange, and rethink what the future of insights looks like.
A BIG thanks to our sponsors, Verso & Dynata, for making this event possible!
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Get ready to level up — life and work hacks are coming to Wire NYC! Mark your calendars for June 10th, 6–8 pm, for an inspiring evening of game-changing tips, career-boosting tricks, and real talk at the woman-owned TALEA Beer Company in Williamsburg, New York.
Whether you're looking to sharpen your personal brand, navigate the next chapter of your career, or just steal a few brilliant life hacks from your industry peers — this is the evening for you. Come curious, leave empowered. This isn't just a networking event — it's your cheat code to growing yourself and your career, surrounded by a community that gets it.
Don't miss out on the summer's most energizing evening, and thanks to our incredible sponsor, KS&R!
See you there!
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Between the gender pay gap, retirement gap and the motherhood penalty, financial independence can feel out of reach for women in Australia - but it doesn’t have to be.
In this keynote, financial educator Lacey Filipich will share:
Lacey will include an inspirational case study for anyone who’s ever wondered ‘Am I too late to fix my finances?’
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Between the gender pay gap, retirement gap and the motherhood penalty, financial independence can feel out of reach for women in Australia - but it doesn’t have to be.
In this keynote, financial educator Lacey Filipich will share:
Lacey will include an inspirational case study for anyone who’s ever wondered ‘Am I too late to fix my finances?"
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Join Wire for our annual luncheon at Esomar Congress, this year taking place in Valencia, Spain!
This is one of our largest and most well-attended global events, bringing together the insights community for a celebration of connection and community during Congress week.
Valencia sets the stage for something special this year. Beyond the historic charm and modern architecture that define the city, Valencia holds a special place as the true birthplace of paella, and we can't think of a better setting to gather, share a meal, and reconnect with friends and colleagues from across the industry.
A big thank you to our sponsors Forsta, FUEL + Focus Room, G3 Translate, and Harmon, and to our conference partners at Esomar, for making this event possible!
Still need your Esomar Congress ticket? Use code ESOMAR2026_WIRE_15 for a discount at checkout: events.esomar.org/congress-2026-registration
Note: this event is not open for registration yet. Check back in a few days for an RSVP link.
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Kickoff QRCA's Annual Conference with an inaugural Women in Research luncheon! We'll meet at the conference-adjacent Iron Hill Brewery for a fun networking luncheon, food provided, as well as updates from the Women in Research team. Space for this event is limited; register ASAP to secure your space at the event. A BIG thank you to QRCA for partnering with us for the event and to InnovateMR, Veridata Insights, and Broad Project Solutions for making this special event possible!
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Join Women in Research (Wire) for an empowering Women in Research luncheon where we’ll delve into the art and science of effective business networking. Making meaningful connections has become more challenging with remote work and the misutilization of social media, but it can be a game-changer for professional growth. This discussion will spotlight not just the basics of networking, but also the often-overlooked nuances of building authentic relationships. Learn how to leverage human connection, practice active listening, and employ strategic follow-up to create a lasting impact in your professional network.
To put these networking strategies into practice, we'll engage in a dynamic 20-minute "Networking Carousel." Attendees will rotate through short, timed conversations with several peers, each focusing on a specific networking tip discussed earlier. At the end of the activity, participants will reflect on their interactions and share insights or new strategies they plan to implement. This hands-on exercise will not only reinforce the session’s key points but also expand your network in a lively, supportive environment.
This event will sell out quickly; if tickets are sold out, please join the waitlist. A BIG thank you to FUEL, The Focus Room, Tangocard, and Little Bird Marketing for making this event possible and to ESOMAR Congress for their partnership.
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Kick off your conference experience with a Wire Happy Hour at Quirk's New York! Whether you're a New York local or in town for the event, this is an unmissable opportunity to meet global market research colleagues and to forge new connections. Meet, mingle, and reconnect just blocks from Javits Center as well as all conference block hotels. This event is SOLD OUT and we will not be allowing additional attendees in at the event.
A BIG thank you to our event sponsors Wordibly and Tango and to our conference partner Quirks Media for making this event possible!
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We're BACK in Austin for another fantastic kickoff to IIEX NA! Join us at the world famous San Jac Saloon for an evening of connection, community, and collaboration — Texas-style! This is one of our largest events of the year and is a unique opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow IIEX conference attendees before the event begins. Space for this event is limited and registration is required to attend. A BIG thank you to our sponsors Knowledge Hound, Tango Card, Veridata Insights, dtect, and Rep Data for making this event possible!
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Join us in Amsterdam this September for one of our capstone events of the year. Enjoy a buffet lunch, networking with the global Wire and extended MRX communities, and a panel discussion on the importance of branding. This is your opportunity to connect globally and meet and mingle with fellow researchers in an intimate setting. This event will sell out quickly, register now to ensure your spot!
Panel Topic: Global Branding Unveiled: Crafting Personal and Corporate Legends
In today's hyperconnected world, building a global brand is both an art and a science. It involves seamlessly blending the essence of personal and corporate identities to create an authentic, captivating narrative that resonates with audiences worldwide. Join us for a dynamic panel discussion where industry leaders will unravel the secrets to crafting enduring global brands, encompassing both personal and corporate dimensions.
A BIG thank you to our sponsors Keen as Mustard, FUEL + Focus Room, and MDI-Global as well as our partners at ESOMAR for making this event possible!
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AI is transforming how research gets done, and synthetic data is emerging as one of the field's most exciting - and debated - developments. Join Wire and Sago for a thought-provoking conversation with Melanie Courtright, Chief Strategy Officer, as we explore the opportunities, challenges, and practical realities of synthetic data in research. Through real-world experiences and honest discussion, we'll examine where synthetic data can create value, how organizations are approaching adoption, and what it means for the future role of researchers. Whether you're exploring synthetic data for the first time or looking to sharpen your perspective, this session will leave you better equipped to navigate what's next.
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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"Strength in numbers" takes on new meaning in today's AI-driven market research landscape. As tech reshapes the industry, organizations that understand the power of aggregated data, collaborative teams, and industry momentum will lead the way — especially women, who are both more hesitant to adopt AI and whose roles are three times more likely to be automated by it.
This year’s Wire Annual Webinar series, sponsored by FUEL + The Focus Room, attempts to communicate a cohesive message: success belongs to those who recognize that bigger thinking creates better results. For women in data, insights, and research, your strength isn't in standing alone; it's in being part of a growing community where your voice, expertise, and leadership are essential to reshaping the industry. Register for one session and we'll automatically register you for the whole series!
July Session: “Safety in Numbers: Building Stronger Teams & Workflows”— Discover how organizations are combining human expertise with AI capabilities to create more resilient, capable research teams. See how collaborative workflows and shared methodologies amplify individual strengths and reduce blind spots.
Heather Fawson is Sr. Director, Sales Enablement at PureSpectrum, where she leads enablement for the company's global sales team. With 15 years of experience across enablement, sales, account management, and client development, she brings a rare mix of relationship instinct and technical depth, partnering closely with sales to turn industry and technical knowledge into practical solutions for the researchers and insights professionals PureSpectrum serves. Heather is driven by helping her team show up with the confidence and clarity PureSpectrum brings to the market research industry.
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Todd Myers is a 20-year industry executive with experience leading business and operational teams from prominent firms in the industry like Nielsen, Kantar, Harris Interactive, and Confirmit. His deep understanding of market research and extensive experience at leveraging technology help drive the continued growth of PureSpectrum. Todd holds a Bachelor of Arts Political Sciences from Moravian College and an MBA in Management from the Temple University Executive Program.
Cecilia Engelking is Vice President of Client Development at PureSpectrum, where she leads a team focused on research automation and programmatic sampling for clients. Over her 10+ years in the industry, Cecilia has built her career on strong client relationships, exceptional service, and technical knowledge. She now channels that same energy into growing and mentoring her team. She's passionate about helping clients get the most value out of programmatic sample for their research needs/systems.
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AI is getting faster, cheaper, and more capable by the month. But better AI doesn't make human researchers redundant — it makes the distinctly human qualities they bring more valuable, not less. The researchers who will thrive are those who understand how to use AI as an accelerant while bringing something to the work that no model can replicate: judgment, interpretation, and the intelligence that comes from genuinely understanding people.
This webinar explores what that actually looks like in practice. We'll dig into why human-centered skills — the ability to read a room, ask the right question at the right moment, build trust with respondents and clients, and make sense of data in context — sit at the heart of research quality, and why they remain the hardest thing to automate.
Drawing on audience polling, we'll hear directly from researchers about how these skills shape their work, whether they're valued as highly as technical or analytical capabilities in their organizations, and what gets in the way of them being recognized as genuine strategic assets. From organizational culture and the absence of ROI metrics, to imposter syndrome and shifting client expectations, we'll map the real barriers, and start to dismantle them.
We'll close by exploring what it would take to change the conversation: the frameworks, the language, the role models, and the evidence researchers need to advocate confidently for the human layer in an AI-driven environment.
thank you to our sponsors
"Strength in numbers" takes on new meaning in today's AI-driven market research landscape. As tech reshapes the industry, organizations that understand the power of aggregated data, collaborative teams, and industry momentum will lead the way — especially women, who are both more hesitant to adopt AI and whose roles are three times more likely to be automated by it.
This year’s Wire Annual Webinar series, sponsored by FUEL + The Focus Room, attempts to communicate a cohesive message: success belongs to those who recognize that bigger thinking creates better results. For women in data, insights, and research, your strength isn't in standing alone; it's in being part of a growing community where your voice, expertise, and leadership are essential to reshaping the industry. Register for one session and we'll automatically register you for the whole series!
June Session: "The Intelligence Advantage: AI, Data, and the Brand Imperative"
AI is rewriting the rules of brand-building — from how decisions get made to how creative comes to life. But what does that actually look like inside one of the world's most recognized brands?
Join us for a candid conversation with Lydia Armstrong of PepsiCo's Consumer AI Acceleration team, where we'll move past the hype and into the real work: the tools teams are betting on, the cross-functional ways of working that make speed possible, and the organizational shifts behind smarter, faster decisions. Lydia partners with marketing leaders around the globe to advance how brands are built and creative is developed — and she'll share what it takes to turn AI from a buzzword into a genuine competitive edge.
Whether you're leading a team, shaping strategy, or just trying to separate signal from noise, you'll leave with a clearer picture of where data and AI are taking the brands of tomorrow.
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Market research has never been more accessible or more intelligent. Join us for an exclusive webinar where we'll unveil the latest AI-powered innovations inside Pollfish, our DIY survey platform designed to put the power of professional-grade research in everyone's hands.
Whether you're a seasoned insights professional or someone just getting started with market research, the pressure to gather faster and more actionable data continues to grow. In this session, we'll walk you through four new AI features that are changing the way research gets done, from survey creation all the way through to final reporting.
We'll demonstrate how the Pollfish AI Survey Designer can take your research objectives and instantly draft and program a complete, ready-to-launch survey, eliminating hours of manual setup. You'll also see how our Conversational AI question type goes beyond traditional open-ends by using intelligent probing to follow up with respondents in real time, surfacing the kind of rich, nuanced insights that standard surveys often miss.
From there, we'll show how AI-generated executive reports automatically distill your data into clear, compelling narratives with key findings already highlighted, so you spend less time in the weeds and more time making decisions. And finally, we'll introduce the AI Chat with Your Data feature inside Insights Builder, our data visualization platform, where you can ask a question in plain language and get the answers you need without needing any technical expertise or data background.
This webinar is for marketers, brand managers, product teams, and business leaders who want to make smarter decisions without the complexity that has traditionally come with market research. Come see what Pollfish can do.
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Women research professionals face a real gap: they're adopting AI slower while their roles face 3x higher replacement risk. But here's the plot twist — that gap is actually an opportunity.
Join the Cint team as they flip the script on AI anxiety. They’ll dive into real data from their AI Workplace Evolution research to show you exactly what's holding talented professionals back from AI adoption — and more importantly, how to move past it. Expect honest insights into the ethical questions keeping researchers up at night, plus concrete tactics to shift from "Will AI replace me?" to "How do I lead with it?"
They’ll also shine a spotlight on entry-level roles: what's actually changing, where new opportunities are emerging, and how to position yourself (or your team) ahead of the curve. Because AI isn't just a threat to manage — it's a competitive advantage waiting to be claimed.
Walk away with a proactive playbook for both your career and your organization. The future of work isn't about adapting to AI. It's about you leading it.
- From Skeptic to Ally
Real sentiment data on how US and UK professionals are moving from "Will it replace me?" to Ai-driven career empowerment — and what actually builds that trust.
- An Evolving Industry
How researchers and insights professionals are actually using AI today: what's working, what isn’t, and how AI-empowered teams are already pulling ahead.
- The Entry-Level Reset: Same Title, Different Skill Set
Is AI replacing early-stage career research professionals? We’ll explore what the “new” entry-level looks like, the AI literacy that's now table stakes, and the human skills that suddenly matter even more.
- How Top-Down AI Confidence Becomes Bottom-Up Competitive Edge
When leaders model AI adoption over replacement, anxiety transforms into momentum — and your organization gains the edge.
Session Speakers:
Bee Meuwissen | Group Chief Human Resources Director, Cint
Bregje has over 20 years of experience working in senior HR positions and brings a wealth of knowledge from global travel-tech, health-tech and networking & security companies in the Netherlands, Spain and the United Arab Emirates. Bregje also has significant experience with US organizations and in US-related HR matters. She has played pivotal roles in HR transformation and has championed strategic initiatives in business direction, organizational redesign, and digital transformation. Most recently, Bregje was the Vice-Chief People Officer at DocPlanner, the world’s biggest healthcare platform that creates digital apps and software solutions that maps patient journeys through the healthcare ecosystem for medical professionals and institutions. Bregje has a Bachelor of Human Resources Management from Fontys University of Applied Sciences, in the Netherlands.
Michelle Darcy Clarke | Chief Experience Officer, Cint
Michelle is a seasoned leader with 20+ years-experience in market research, res-tech and customer success for software-related industries. She is focused on overseeing and integrating Cint’s customer-facing delivery functions, including Customer Success, Services, Support and API integrations. Prior to Cint’s acquisition of Lucid, she was Lucid’s Vice President for Customer Success and Product Specialists. She is passionate about retaining and cultivating customers and developing high-performance teams. Michelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
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Webinar sponsors select content relevant to the Wire community, collaborating with the team to hone in on the topics Women in Research want to hear about today.
You’ll have your brand—and your innovative webinar topic—shared across Wire platforms, hitting over 23,000 inboxes globally. You’ll also have your session marketed on our social channels and archived on the site for a lasting lead-generator for years to come.
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Reach out to the Wire team to discuss webinar opportunities in the coming months.
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Don’t miss the final in-person Quirk’s Event of 2026
The Quirk’s Event has one more in-person event left this year, Quirk’s Event – New York! Enjoy ample networking opportunities and a fun, collegial atmosphere with fellow researchers July 29- 30. Attendees can also enjoy a selection of informative sessions in one of the six different session rooms. Don’t miss out! Register before it's too late at TheQuirksEvent.com/NewYork2026.
Discount Code: Wire15
Ai4 2026 is America’s largest AI conference, showcasing actionable AI insights and strategic business applications. The conference connects over 12,000 executives & innovators with more than 1,000 speakers and 400 exhibitors shaping the future of AI. Attendees will take a deep dive into AI Agents, Generative AI, World Models, and industry-specific AI solutions that drive measurable growth and competitive advantage across sectors.
Ai4 is designed for leaders who want proven use cases, not just buzzwords.
You’ll also see:
Email tiana@womeninresearch.com for more information on discounts
Returning for its ninth year, CDAO Chicago 2026 is the premier event for America’s top data and analytics leaders across industries.
Join us for a transformative experience where experts share strategies for leveraging data to drive decision-making, foster innovation, and unlock business growth. This year’s event also highlights emerging technologies, governance best practices, and the intersection of AI and data ethics shaping the future of organizations everywhere.
Discount Code: WIR30
Discount code: ESOMAR2026_WIRE_15
CDAO Defense & Security 2026 is the premier event for senior data and analytics leaders across the U.S defense, intelligence, and national security agencies.
Join us for a transformative experience where industry experts will explore the latest strategies in data-driven decision-making, AI implementation, and data governance. This year’s event will focus on overcoming the unique challenges of the defense and security sectors, including enhancing mission readiness, strengthening cybersecurity, and ensuring the ethical and secure use of AI in national security operations.
Discount Code: WIR30
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CDAO New York 2026 is the premier launch event for America’s top data, analytics, and AI leaders across industries.
Join us for a transformative experience where industry experts explore the latest strategies for leveraging data-driven decision-making, AI implementation, governance, and ethical frameworks to drive business growth and innovation. This year’s launch event also examines the convergence of technology, strategy, and data ethics to shape the future of enterprise intelligence.
Discount Code: WIR30
The Leaders Forum full-day program empowers industry leaders with practical strategies and fresh perspectives to navigate today’s fast-changing environment.
As we head into 2026, leaders continue to be challenged by a world that is increasingly tech-focused, artificially intelligent and data-driven.
As leaders, how do we keep up with change and remain flexible, while maintaining our values and corporate identity?
Human-led, AI-enabled - At its core, leadership remains an inherently human pursuit. While AI may revolutionise the way we work, it is human leaders who define our purpose and goals. Successful leaders will blend human depth with digital fluency, using AI as a tool—not a replacement—and focusing on uniquely human strengths. An organisation’s advantage in the AI era depends not just on technology to drive productivity, but on authentic, adaptable, responsible and resilient leaders.
This year’s Leaders Forum focuses on human-centric leadership and AI, all designed to capitalise on the value of people in our highly connected ecosystem.
Don’t miss out! Early bird rates close on April 10, 2026.
Discount Code: Wire15
Whether you’re starting out or stepping up, get the knowledge, connections and confidence you need to move forward. Join the Wire community.
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