Next Stop: IIEX NA – EyeSee’s Top Picks from D.C.

The 2025 MR event season is in full swing, and IIEX North America is already making waves—for the first time ever, it’s taking place in Washington, D.C., featuring an impressive lineup of 141 sessions. This year’s edition promises a dynamic blend of bold ideas, future-forward case studies, and thought-provoking conversations with the leaders shaping the next era of research, technology, and consumer understanding.

With so many standout talks on the agenda, narrowing it down wasn’t easy—but for us, these three sessions are essential. They strike the perfect balance between innovation, practical takeaways, and strategic thinking that reflect where our industry is headed.

Game changers: Lessons from brands that thrive on disruption

Speakers:

• Kimberly Bolt, Chief Marketing Officer, Washington Nationals

• Margaret Mariani, IIEX Speaker Scout, Greenbook

What do global giants like Disney, Google, and Lyft have in common? According to Kimberly Bolt, it’s not just scale—it’s the mindset to drive change rather than react to it. Drawing from her experience in sports, tech, and entertainment, Bolt offers a fresh look at how future-facing brands turn disruption into opportunity, and how marketers can build relevance in constantly evolving landscapes.

Why we’re excited:
It’s rare to get such a rich, cross-industry perspective on brand agility and innovation. At EyeSee, we’re particularly passionate about how research can fuel mindful innovation—not just to manage risk, but to spark bold, insights-driven decisions that keep the consumer at the heart.

Reimagining protein: StarKist’s strategy for a health-driven world

Speaker:

• Raina Rusnak, Head of Market Research & Business Intelligence, StarKist Co.

As consumers continue to redefine what “healthy” means, StarKist is adapting with intention. Raina Rusnak will share how her team is reshaping protein offerings to meet the growing demand for wellness-centric, convenient nutrition—powered by behavioral insights and strategic foresight.

Why we’re excited:
Raina brings a unique blend of consumer psychology and CPG experience that makes this session highly relevant. Plus, we hosted her on our Deep Dive podcast, where we unpacked pricing strategies—a topic more relevant than ever in today’s landscape. Take a listen here!  

From research to real impact: Making insights stick

Speaker:

• Caryn Akons, Head of Research, Amazon

It’s one thing to generate valuable insights—it’s another to make sure they land where it matters. Caryn Akons will share practical strategies to elevate the visibility of research and ensure it drives real business decisions. From securing early leadership buy-in to strategically socializing insights, this session is all about turning knowledge into action.

Why we’re excited:
This session perfectly aligns with our own mission. We’re deeply committed to making research impactful—by continually enhancing our collaboration platform and focusing on long-term partnerships with a client-centric approach at our core.

Instead of a conclusion: Where to find us

Looking for a behavioral insights partner trusted by leading CPG brands, healthcare innovators, and media frontrunners? Swing by booth #15 and connect with Cliff Kane, Lisa Koster Fastuca, and Jason Bradbury—a powerhouse team ready to chat strategy, solve your research challenges, and offer tailored, actionable solutions.

And that’s not all—we’re thrilled to be joined by our partners from Veylinx. Their innovative research model pairs seamlessly with our behavioral framework, creating a synergy that’s unique in the industry. Together, we offer a next-level approach to understanding consumer behavior.

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