In the Name of National Security: Should AI Work with the Government
May 6, 2026
Welcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, Brian is joined by Mary Draper and Matthew Alexander to recap the highlights and key themes of several spring conferences, including Ignite Data Quality, Ignite B2B, and IIEX.
Kicking off the episode, Mary shares her perspective from Ignite Data Quality, noting a shift toward more advanced and actionable conversations. This included a greater focus on managing quality throughout the entire research lifecycle and recognizing the role of survey design and respondent experience in shaping outcomes.
Fraud prevention also remains a critical topic, though the conversation has expanded beyond bots to include more complex and coordinated threats. At the same time, it was noted that ongoing challenges around enforcement, as legal protections and accountability mechanisms remain limited.
The conversation then shifts to Ignite B2B, where the tone around AI was notably more constructive. Rather than focusing on theoretical applications, sessions emphasized how AI is being used in practice to support tasks such as segmentation, persona development, and AI-assisted survey design and moderation.
At IIEX, this trend continued, with AI positioned as a tool to enhance, not replace, human expertise. Brian, Mary, and Matthew note a growing emphasis on maintaining human involvement throughout the research process, particularly in areas requiring judgment and interpretation. Additionally, discussions around data quality reinforced the importance of understanding differences across data sources and ensuring transparency in methodology.
In the final segment, the group reflects on the broader state of the industry. As Mary notes, market research appears to be at a unique crossroads, balancing rapid technological advancement with a renewed focus on traditional methodologies. From AI-driven insights to in-person ethnographic research, the industry is navigating a wide range of approaches simultaneously, reinforcing the need for collaboration, transparency, and adaptability moving forward.
Thanks for tuning in!
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