The Human Insight Summit isn’t just another conference—it’s a game-changer for UX professionals, product managers, marketers, and innovators who want to take their skills to the next level.

In the latest episode of the Insights Unlocked podcast, Paige Musto, VP of Corporate Marketing at UserTesting, dives into the highlights of this must-attend event and shares invaluable advice on how to maximize your experience. Whether you’re a senior executive or just starting out in your career, Paige’s insights are designed to help you make the most of this year’s Summit.

What is The Human Insight Summit (THiS)?

The Human Insight Summit is an annual event hosted by UserTesting, bringing together the best minds in UX research, design, and product management. This year’s conference, held in Austin, Texas, will feature keynotes, breakout sessions, and workshops centered around collaboration, innovation, and customer insights.

“This year’s program emphasizes team collaboration, continuous customer learning, and co-creation with customers to drive innovation,” Paige said. With attendees ranging from UX designers to marketing leaders, the summit is a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and leading global brands like Amazon, Best Buy, and Salesforce.

Workshops and breakout sessions: hands-on learning

THiS is packed with practical, hands-on learning experiences. According to Paige, 15 breakout sessions will be spread across three content tracks:

• Elevating experience research
• Designing insights-driven products
• Driving innovation and growth

In addition to these sessions, all-day workshops on topics like gaining executive buy-in and evolving as a UX leader will offer more in-depth learning opportunities.

“This year’s workshops are a chance to get your hands dirty, build your playbook, and gain essential leadership skills,” — Paige Musto, VP of Corporate Marketing at UserTesting

Keynote speaker: behavioral science meets UX

One of the key highlights this year is the keynote speech by Adam Alter, a professor at NYU and a New York Times bestselling author. Alter’s talk will focus on the psychological forces that influence decision-making and how they apply to product design and UX.

As a behavioral scientist, his insights promise to be both eye-opening and highly relevant to anyone in the field of customer experience.

“Adam will help attendees uncover the hidden forces shaping decisions and behaviors, which is crucial knowledge for anyone working in UX or product,” Paige explains.

Focus on ROI: what’s in it for your company?

Still need help making the case to attend THiS? Paige shares some advice for helping convince your boss.

When pitching the value of a conference like the Human Insight Summit, Paige emphasizes the importance of framing it as a direct benefit to the company. “Focus on ROI for the organization,” she advises. Whether it’s learning new strategies to solve current challenges or gaining fresh insights that can enhance team performance, attendees should demonstrate how their participation will pay dividends back at the office.

To make the process easier, UserTesting has created a justification email template that outlines the benefits of attending the Summit.

“We’ve made it easy for you to pitch the value of the conference with our justification template,” — Paige Musto

Align conference sessions with company objectives

One key way to show value is by connecting the content of the conference with your company’s specific goals. Review the event agenda ahead of time and identify sessions or workshops that directly address your team’s priorities.

Professional development: build your case on growth

Another powerful point to include in your pitch is how the conference will enhance your own skills and expertise. Professional development is a key driver of organizational success, and attending an event like the Human Insight Summit can accelerate your growth as a leader or specialist.

“Highlight how attending the conference will enhance your expertise,” Paige said. “This, in turn, creates efficiencies for your organization and drives innovation within your team.”

Networking: leverage connections for long-term success

Beyond the workshops and sessions, the Human Insight Summit offers a valuable chance to network with peers, thought leaders, and potential partners. Paige stresses the importance of using this opportunity to connect strategically, whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out in your career.

She suggests using conference badges as a simple yet powerful networking tool. “Pay attention to the details on people’s badges—company names and titles can help you strike up meaningful conversations,” she advises.

“Your network makes up your net worth, so take advantage of face-to-face connections at the event,” — Paige Musto

For senior professionals, the focus should be on building relationships that can spark future collaborations. “Seek out other leaders to exchange ideas and discuss industry trends,” Paige suggested. Junior attendees should view the event as a learning experience, soaking up as much knowledge as possible. “Don’t be shy about asking questions, even in big sessions,” she added.

Final thoughts: a chance to elevate your expertise

As Paige points out, the Human Insight Summit offers an opportunity not only to grow professionally but also to bring new ideas and strategies back to your organization. Whether you’re focused on improving customer experience, driving innovation, or expanding your network, this event provides a wealth of opportunities.

“This conference is a chance to elevate your expertise and drive real value back to your organization,” Paige concluded.

With keynotes from thought leaders, hands-on workshops, and valuable networking opportunities, this event has something for every UX professional, product manager, and marketer. Make sure to tailor your conference pitch with a focus on ROI, align sessions with your company’s objectives, and highlight the potential for professional development.

And don’t forget—you can use the discount code "unlocked" to get $100 off your registration at usertesting.com/this!