How to maximize AI in 2026 

January 29, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET/8 p.m. U.K.Orange rectangular button with “Register Now” written in all caps and white text.

Rival Technologies and Reach3 logo. On the left, ‘Reach3’ is written in bold, black lettering with a blue speech bubble before the ‘R.’ On the right, ‘Rival’ is written in all capped, bolded and white lettering in a red square speech bubble. Under both, centered is black, capped text that reads “RIVAL GROUP COMPANIES.”Will 2026 be the year AI finally delivers real business impact for insight teams?  

2025 brought remarkable advances – from AI-assisted qualitative analysis to agentic systems that can run entire research workflows. Yet, for many insight pros, the promise of AI still feels just out of reach.  

According to Greenbook, only 17 to 29% of research buyers report positive AI sentiment and outcomes. The technology is powerful but impact depends on how you use it.  

In this panel, we'll cut through the hype and focus on what it actually takes to operationalize AI for insights. You'll hear from research leaders who are turning experimentation into execution – and seeing measurable value along the way. 

Key takeaways:  

  1. Build the right processes and governance models for AI readiness across the enterprise.
  2. Upskill your team to boost AI literacy, confidence and creativity.
  3. Measure and communicate the ROI of AI-driven insight initiatives.
  4. Evaluate vendors and partners to extend your team's AI capabilities strategically. 

Presenter:

Jason Jacobson’ circular headshot on a white background.
Jason Jacobson, senior director, consumer insights, Sekisui House

Jason is driven by the process of understanding why people behave the way they do so brands can create effective messages, products and solutions that captivate and inspire the hearts and minds of consumers and drive growth.
Andrew Reid’s circular headshot on a red background. Andrew Reid, CEO and founder, Rival Technologies 

 Andrew Reid is the founder and CEO of Rival Technologies, co-CEO of Rival Group and founder and former president of Vision Critical (now called Alida). In 2017, he launched Rival Technologies and its sister company Reach3 Insights to help modernize the research industry. Andrew has been selected as a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and was further honored as one of Canada's top 40 under 40 by Caldwell Partners International and The Globe and Mail. In 2011, he completed the Stanford University's Graduate School of Business Executive Program.