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International Field Directors and Technologies Conference

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IFD&TC 58th Annual Conference
April 19-21, 2026
Providence, Rhode Island

For more details about our upcoming conference, please see:
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Please visit the full conference program or the Interactive Program to learn more about our scheduled sessions.

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You've Got Mail!
Presentation & Discussion

6C - Field

Time/Date
9:00am-10:15am on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Facilitator
Morgan Kidd, East Tennessee State University

Join us to learn about new and upcoming USPS, UPS, & FedEx innovations in a world overflowing with digital surveys. There will be a short presentation, followed by an open floor for questions and discussion.

Presentations

Mail Isn't Dead — It's Just Different: Practical Strategies for Modern Survey Research
- Mechelle Timmons, Marketing Systems Group (presenter)

Interviewer Training 101
Presentation & Discussion

6B - Field

Time/Date
9:00am-10:15am on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Facilitator
TBA

This session will provide a ground level look at different approaches to build strong training programs and reduce trainee burden and costs.

Presentations

On the Front Line: Finding and Briefing the Field Research Interviewer
- Kai K. Fuentes, Ebony Marketing Systems (presenter)
Interviewer Training: Using Multimedia for E-learning
- Cynthia Guerrero, U.S. Census Bureau (presenter)
- Lillian Hoffmann, U.S. Census Bureau
- Grace Medley, NCHS (CDC)
Building a Comprehensive Training Program
- Tammy Cook, Westat (presenter)
- Victoria Vignare, Westat
- Rebecca Tanguay, Westat

tech
Presentation & Discussion

5D - Tech

Time/Date
2:45pm-4:00pm on Sunday, 5/24/2020

Facilitator
TBA

Presentations

field
Presentation & Discussion

5C - Field

Time/Date
2:45pm-4:00pm on Sunday, 5/24/2020

Facilitator
TBA

Presentations

field
Presentation & Discussion

5B - Field

Time/Date
2:45pm-4:00pm on Sunday, 5/24/2020

Facilitator
TBA

Presentations

Crowdsource My Problem!
Roundtable Discussion

12A - All

Time/Date
10:15am-11:15am on Wednesday, 6/28/2023

Location
Bixby 1, 2 & 3

Facilitator
TBA

Join us for this interactive session as we put our heads together to solve your survey problems. All conference attendees will be able to anonymously submit a problem they are facing in advance. Session attendees will be divided into groups and asked to deliberate on these problems and present their solutions. We'll also include some special surprises along the way!

Submit your problem: https://go.iu.edu/4OcY

Wednesday AM Break

Time/Date
9:45am-10:15am on Wednesday, 6/28/2023

Location
Outside Bixby 1, 2 & 3

Refreshments served

Small Shop Tech Roundtable
Roundtable Discussion

11D - Tech

Time/Date
8:30am-9:45am on Wednesday, 6/28/2023

Location
Nieto

Facilitator
TBA

During this roundtable discussion, small shops are invited to share the tools and tech that aide in their own operations, while also learning about new tools and tech used by other shops.

Optimal Use of Mail in Project Design
Presentation & Discussion

11C - Field

Time/Date
8:30am-9:45am on Wednesday, 6/28/2023

Location
Broadlind Ballroom

Facilitator
TBA

Presenters will share valuable insights regarding the use of mail for increasing response rates, creating strong first impressions, dealing with nonresponse, and facilitating quality assurance.

Presentations

Building a Statewide Probability Panel Round Table
Roundtable Discussion

11B - Field

Time/Date
8:30am-9:45am on Wednesday, 6/28/2023

Location
Wilmore

Facilitator
TBA

Attendees will discuss the challenges and successes of building a statewide probability panel

Response Rates and Nonresponse
Presentation & Discussion

11A - Field

Time/Date
8:30am-9:45am on Wednesday, 6/28/2023

Location
Pike 3

Facilitator
TBA

Presenters will discuss strategies to increase response rates and address nonresponse. Topics addressed will include contact strategies using email, using interactive tracing, GPS coordinate gathering, and CAWI instrument techniques to supplement CATI, and obstacles to respondent participation in web-based surveys.

Presentations

Breakfast

Time/Date
7:00am-8:30am on Wednesday, 6/28/2023

Location
Bixby 4 & 5

Buffet breakfast served

Closing Session
Roundtable Discussion

10A - All

Time/Date
4:45pm-6:00pm on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Facilitator
TBA

PENDING

AI Round Table
Roundtable Discussion

9D - Tech

Time/Date
3:15pm-4:30pm on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Facilitators
Kenneth Pick, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Anna Cororaton, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Jonathan Devilbiss, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Tristan Abbey, U.S. Energy Information Administration

This session is designed for researchers, statisticians, and survey methodologists interested in leveraging cutting-edge AI tools to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency. By showcasing real-world applications and discussing future possibilities, this session aims to inspire attendees to harness the full potential of AI in the survey research process.

Targeted Training Methods
Presentation & Discussion

9C - Field

Time/Date
3:15pm-4:30pm on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Facilitator
Heather Morrison, Decision Information Resources, Inc

Industry leaders will discuss how they develop specialized training methods for non-conventional data collection, assess training quality, and prepare interviewers for stressful conflict situations.

Presentations

Harassment in the Field: Training and Budgeting for Researcher Agency
- Kai K. Fuentes, Ebony Marketing Systems (presenter)
Designing Training and Tools for Field Interviewers to Administer Clinical Cognitive Measures
- Rachel Canas, NORC at the University of Chicago (presenter)
- Laura Stoff, NORC at the University of Chicago
- Erika Greenia, NORC at the University of Chicago
- Katie O’Doherty, NORC at the University of Chicago
- Justin Jones, NORC at the University of Chicago
- Jennifer Hasche, NORC at the University of Chicago
- Sara Scherer, Columbia University
- Adea Rich, Columbia University
- Binxin Wang, Columbia University
- Christopher Walker, Columbia University
Linguistic Training for Arabic-Language Interviewers: Practical Lessons on Language, Dialects, and Data Quality.
- Taghreid Lovell, Institute for Social Research, Survey Research Center - University of Michigan (presenter)
An Evaluation of 2020 Census Nonresponse Follow-up Training: Approaches, Challenges, and Opportunities
- Lin Wang, U.S. Census Bureau (presenter)
- Matthew Virgile, U.S. Census Bureau
- Ana I. Sánchez-Rivera, U.S. Census Bureau
- Maxwell Hope, U.S. Census Bureau
- Alda Rivas, U.S. Census Bureau
- Thomas Mathew, U.S. Census Bureau

Improving Survey Attrition and Participation
Presentation & Discussion

9B - Field

Time/Date
3:15pm-4:30pm on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Facilitator
Jennifer Draude , NORC at the University of Chicago

Presenters will discuss key methods for sample management and panel engagement, as well as how to encourage longitudinal participation among businesses and institutions.

Presentations

Building and Leveraging Trust to Increase Retention in a Business Survey Panel
- Nathan Sumner, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (presenter)
Understanding Business Survey Participation: Motivations Across Recruitment, Retention, and Attrition Phases in Voluntary Survey Panels
- Jason Kosakow, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (presenter)
"Thank You for Reconsidering": Working with Refusals on an Education Study
- Samantha (Sam) Lako, RTI International (presenter)
- Bethany Vanspronsen, RTI International
Where Are They Now? Inter-Round Outreach For Maintaining Engagement in Longitudinal Studies
- Natalia Ashley, NORC at the University of Chicago (presenter)
- Christopher Wong, NORC at the University of Chicago
- Eric Grodsky, University of Wisconsin
- Chandra Muller, The University of Texas at Austin
- John Robert Warren, University of Minnesota

Collaborating with External Partners
Panel Discussion

9A - Field

Time/Date
3:15pm-4:30pm on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Facilitator
TBA

Panel members will discuss strategies, challenges, and lessons learned developing relationships that are vital to effective recruitment and quality data collection.

Panelists

Kerryann DiLoreto, University of Wisconsin Survey Center

Rick Garvey, RAND Survey Research Group
Mel Borstad, RAND Survey Research Group

Tuesday Afternoon Break

Time/Date
2:45pm-3:15pm on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Refreshments served

Multi-mode Data Collection
Presentation & Discussion

8D - Tech

Time/Date
1:30pm-2:45pm on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Facilitator
Eric White, University of Wisconsin - Madison

This session delves into the performance of multi-mode surveys, the development of Custom CATI solutions, advancements in CAVI, and key lessons learned throughout these initiatives.

Presentations

ROUGE Adventures: Evaluating Verbatim Compliance/Performance in CATI Surveys
- Lauren Hartsough, NORC at the University of Chicago (presenter)
- Jason Rajan, NORC at the University of Chicago
Leveraging In-House Applications Developers to Build a Custom CATI
- Mindi Weidow, The Survey Research Center at Penn State (presenter)
- Amanda M. Ferrara, Ph.D., The Survey Research Center at Penn State
- Valerie Keppenne, Ph.D., The Survey Research Center at Penn State
- Renee A. Kotch, M.A., The Survey Research Center at Penn State
- Joshua G. Rosenberger, Ph.D., The Survey Research Center at Penn State
Harnessing the Power of Multi-Mode Data Collection: Best Practices for Effective Computer Assisted Video Interviewing (CAVI) in a Large Longitudinal Survey
- Victor Barajas, Westat (presenter)
- Susan Genoversa, Westat
- Ryan Hubbard, Westat
Operationalizing Video Interviewing: Lessons Learned for Effective Implementation
- Elizabeth Ohryn, UM-Survey Research Center (presenter)
- Deb Seale, UM-Survey Research Center

Open Link Surveys
Presentation & Discussion

8C - Tech

Time/Date
1:30pm-2:45pm on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Facilitator
TBA

Presentations in this session provide perspectives on improving automated detection of distress in open-ended surveys and strategies for strengthening data quality in open-link web surveys.

Presentations

Enhancing Distress Detection in Open-Ended Survey Responses: A Simulation Using Topic and Sentiment Analysis
- Valerie Keppenne, Survey Research Center at Penn State (presenter)
- Amanda Ferrara, Survey Research Center at Penn State
- Renee Kotch, Survey Research Center at Penn State
- Joshua G. Rosenberger, Survey Research Center at Penn State
Streamlining Screener Review for Open-Link Web Surveys: A Practical Approach Using REDCap and Qualtrics to Enhance Data Quality and Participant Authenticity
- Renee Kotch, Survey Research Center at Penn State (presenter)
- Cory Jackson, Survey Research Center at Penn State
- Valerie Keppenne, Survey Research Center at Penn State
- Amanda M. Ferrara, Survey Research Center at Penn State
- Joshua G. Rosenberger, Survey Research Center at Penn State
Beyond the Click: Enhancing Open Survey Insights Using the Survey URL
- Margaret Collins, A.I.R. (presenter)
- Evan Neilsen (presenter)
- Kathryn Barr (presenter)
- Edward Costa, A.I.R.

Modalities and Modernization
Presentation & Discussion

8B - Field

Time/Date
1:30pm-2:45pm on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Facilitator
Kyle Fennell, NORC at the University of Chicago

This session will explore the effectiveness of multiple outreach modes, as well as first had experiences with the modernization of longstanding surveys.

Presentations

Refining the Approach: Survey Methodology Changes for Wyoming Game and Fish Department Harvest Surveys (2023-25)
- Brittany Cangialosi, Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center (presenter)
- Michael Dorssom, Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center
Mailbox or Inbox?: Evaluating Outreach Effectiveness in a Multi-Mode Survey of Lower SES Young Adults
- Jacquelyn George, Decision Information Resources, Inc. (DIR) (presenter)
- Heather Morrison (presenter)
- Brian McDonald (presenter)
- Heather Morrison, MA, Decision Information Resources, Inc. (DIR)
- Abigail Zhang, MS, Decision Information Resources, Inc. (DIR)
- Krishna Epps, MBA, Decision Information Resources, Inc. (DIR)
Modernizing SIPP and CPS ASEC for Multimode Data Collection: Fielding Challenges, Garnering Responses
- Lisa Cheok, U.S. Census Bureau (presenter)
- Neil Bennett, U.S. Census Bureau (presenter)

Survey Burden & Burnout
Presentation & Discussion

8A - Field

Time/Date
1:30pm-2:45pm on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Facilitator
Rachel Huang, U.S. Census Bureau

Survey burden and burnout is a growing problem for the digital community. Presentations in this session will provide insights on respondent survey participation and share strategies aimed to increase response rates in an overburdened population.

Presentations

Understanding Survey Request Frequency and Response Behavior in a Survey Diary Study
- Jason Kosakow, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (presenter)
- Dr. Katie Dentzman, Iowa State University
- Dr. Kenneth Wallen, University of Idaho
Innovations in Multi-Mode Contacting to Aid Increase in Response Rates
- Samantha Lako, RTI International (presenter)
- Miranda Guardiola, RTI International
- Jane Griffin, RTI International
Enhancing Survey Results and Cost Efficiency through Adaptive Follow-up Collection Strategies at Statistics Canada
- Wade Kuseler, Statistics Canada (presenter)
- Cindy Ubartus, Statistics Canada
Reaching Organic Farmers in a Survey-Fatigued World: Lessons from the Field
- Konrad Powell, Iowa State University - Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology (presenter)

Random Digit Dining - Tuesday Lunch

Time/Date
12:00pm-1:00pm on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Attendees are seated at randomly-assigned tables, as listed on your name tag. RDD lunch is a fun way to meet and get to know other attendees!

Field Operations and Quality Monitoring
Presentation & Discussion

7D - Tech

Time/Date
10:45am-12:00pm on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Facilitator
Chris Schlapper, University of Wisconsin - Madison

This session is dedicated to discussions about optimizing field operations, enhancing reporting, and monitoring data quality.

Presentations

Office for National Statistics - Recovering our Field Operations
- Tina Thomas, Office for National Statistics (presenter)
Comprehensive Field Quality Monitoring at the Census Bureau
- Rachel Huang, U.S. Census Bureau (presenter)
- Elizabeth Mahoney, U.S. Census Bureau
- Anthony Chiado, U.S. Census Bureau
- Natalie Belford, U.S. Census Bureau
Developing an Inter-Organizational Reporting and Field Monitoring System: Lessons Learned from NLS-72
- Christopher Wong, NORC at the University of Chicago (presenter)
- Libbie Gibson, University of Minnesota
- Chandra Muller, The University of Texas at Austin
- Eric Grodsky, University of Wisconsin
- John Robert Warren, University of Minnesota
Back to the Basics? No Thanks! Evolution of an Advanced Field Operating System
- Susan Genoversa, Westat (presenter)
- Mangal Subramanian, Westat (presenter)
- Drew Kistler, Westat
- Jennifer Schocklin, Westat

Longitudinal Study Challenges
Presentation & Discussion

7B - Field

Time/Date
10:45am-12:00pm on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Facilitator
Rick Garvey, RAND Survey Research Group

This session will explore various challenges of longitudinal studies and how the presenters developed strategies to address these challenges in their studies. Projects include The National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, The National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972, and The Milwaukee Area Finances Study.

Presentations

Locating the Unlocatable: Strategies for Re-engaging a Longitudinal Cohort After Four Decades
- Amy Silver, NORC at the University of Chicago (presenter)
- Shana Brown, NORC at the University of Chicago
- Meagan de Nicolo, NORC at the University of Chicago
- Natalia Ashley, NORC at the University of Chicago
Expanding Informant Interviews in Longitudinal Research: Balancing Data Richness and Field Efficiency
- Shivani Dixit, NORC at the University of Chicago (presenter)
- Lauren Sedlak, NORC at the University of Chicago
- Liliana Villar, NORC at the University of Chicago
- Katie O’Doherty, NORC at the University of Chicago
You Can't Stop the Waves, But You Can Learn to Surf: The Development, Implementation, and Challenges of a Multi-Wave, Multi-Batch Text-to-Web Survey with a Longitudinal Study Population.
- Carol Wintheiser, University of Wisconsin Survey Center (presenter)
Abstract title: Transforming UK Travel and Tourism Statistics: From Survey Methods to Admin Data
- Claudia Jenkins, Office for National Statistics (UK) (presenter)
- Tracy Davies (presenter)

Non-Monetary Incentives
Presentation & Discussion

7A - Field

Time/Date
10:45am-12:00pm on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Facilitator
Steve Coombs, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Our first two presenters will share their experiences, successes, and failures using various non-monetary incentives. Examples include notepads, CDs, branded items, and food boxes. Then we transition to a panel discussion, with our presenters and additional panelists from Wisconsin and Michigan. Session attendees will have an opportunity for questions and discussion.

Presentations

Utilizing Food-Based Incentives: Logistics, Challenges, and Lessons
- Morgan Kidd, East Tennessee State University (presenter)
- Jordan de Jong, East Tennessee State University
- Kelly N. Foster, East Tennessee State University
- Kate Beatty, East Tennessee State University
More Than Money: The Use of Non-Monetary Incentives in Survey Research
- Paige Bartelt, University of Wisconsin Survey Center (presenter)
- Steve Coombs, University of Wisconsin Survey Center (presenter)
- Nicole Kirgis, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan (presenter)

Tuesday Morning Break

Time/Date
10:15am-10:45am on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Refreshments served

Breakfast

Time/Date
7:30am-9:00am on Tuesday, 4/21/2026

Buffet breakfast served

Business Meeting
Roundtable Discussion

5A - All

Time/Date
4:45pm-5:45pm on Monday, 4/20/2026

Facilitator
Kevin Tharp, Indiana University Center for Survey Research

The Business Meeting is where we discuss the future of the IFD&TC, elect new organizers, and learn about the location of future conferences. Everyone is encouraged to attend; we welcome participation from first year-attendees too! Hear from your 2026 conference organizers:

Field Technologies Program Coordinators
- Sangeetha Immani, RTI International
Field Directors Program Coordinators
- Morgan Kidd, East Tennessee State University
- Tim Olson, U.S. Census Bureau
Site Coordinator
- Joyce Sweeney, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Emeritus
Registrars
- Marie Nitschke, University of Wisconsin Survey Center
- Kevin Tharp, Indiana University Center for Survey Research
Treasurers
- Lindsey Witt-Swanson, NORC at the University of Chicago
- Michele Pennington, RTI International

Tech Talk
Roundtable Discussion

4D - Tech

Time/Date
3:15pm-4:30pm on Monday, 4/20/2026

Facilitator
TBA

Join attendees with an interest in the technical aspects of survey research for a special roundtable discussion. The open format allows for a range of soft tech management topics and current events impacting survey center technical operations. Everyone is welcome, both techies and "fieldies"! ABSTRACT # PENDING

Study Challenges: IRB, Biologics, & HIPAA
Presentation & Discussion

4B - Field

Time/Date
3:15pm-4:30pm on Monday, 4/20/2026

Facilitator
Kelly Elver, University of Wisconsin Survey Center

Gaining respondent trust, cooperation, and consent when collecting biologic-specimens in vulnerable populations. In addition, presenters will discuss their experience engaging with IRBs on these types of protocols.

Presentations

Navigating IRB Requirements: To Provide or not to Provide Test Results to Participants?
- Izzie Arrizza, Johns Hopkins University (presenter)
- Jaana Myllyluoma, Johns Hopkins University (presenter)
Implementation and Outcomes of Consent for HIPAA Data Linkage in a Mixed-Mode Longitudinal Study of Army Servicemembers and Veterans
- Ryan Yoder, UM – Survey Research Operations, Survey Research Center (presenter)
- Jeffrey Albrecht, UM – Survey Research Operations, Survey Research Center
- Meredith House, UM – Survey Research Operations, Survey Research Center
Last-Chance Strategies for Collecting Biospecimens from Older Adult Populations
- Chelsea Burns, NORC at the University of Chicago (presenter)
- Kriston Koepp, NORC at the University of Chicago (presenter)
Findings from the NSHAP Blood Draw Pilot
- Arohi Deshpande, NORC at the University of Chicago (presenter)
- Journie Raulston, NORC at the University of Chicago (presenter)
- Hanvit Park, NORC at the University of Chicago
- Sara Walsh, NORC at the University of Chicago

Small Shop Round Table
Roundtable Discussion

4A - Field

Time/Date
3:15pm-4:30pm on Monday, 4/20/2026

Facilitator
Rod Muilenburg, University of Northern Iowa Center for Social and Behavioral Research

Do you work in a small shop? Come discuss problems you face and solutions you've implemented given constraints in terms of size, budget, and organizational context. This roundtable will facilitate networking, sharing of ideas, and adapting to ensure that your small shop prospers.

Poster Session

Time/Date
2:45pm-3:15pm on Monday, 4/20/2026

Join us for the first ever IFDTC Poster Session! Refreshments will also be available.

Facilitator: Marie Nitschke, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Not Everyone Quits! Factors Impacting Interviewer Retention the Post-COVID Years
- Kyle Fennell, NORC at the University of Chicago
Division of Responsibilities in Study Management: Models and Consequences
- Roman Auriga, Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories
Including Fully Virtual Schools in School-Based Research
- Samantha Lako, RTI International
Question-Order and Cognitive Influences on Stated Preferences: Insights from Shoreline Management Discrete Choice Experiments
- Thom Allen, SESRC-WSU (Social and Economic Sciences Research Center at Washington State University)
Leading, Not Just Managing: Evaluating Leadership-Centered Supervision in U.S. Census Bureau Field Operations
- Mohamed-Amine, Ben Ayara, US. Census Bureau, Los Angeles Regional Office
ACS Group Quarters Internet Data Collection (GQ IDC): 2-Years in the Field
- Bruce King, Terri Norris, U.S. Census Bureau
Methods Used to Maximize Response Rate for Online Survey of Home Healthcare Agencies
- Tamara A. Sequeira, Brown University School of Public Health
One Platform, Full Control: Automating Respondent Registration and Sample Management
- Margaret Collins, Evan Neilsen, Kathryn Barr, A.I.R.
Innovative Tools for Qualitative Data Collection
- Jennifer Sinibaldi, U.S. Census Bureau

Case Management and Voxco
Presentation & Discussion

3D - Tech

Time/Date
1:30pm-2:45pm on Monday, 4/20/2026

Facilitator
Matt Virgile, U.S. Census Bureau

This session is dedicated to enhancing case management systems, prioritizing field cases effectively, and addressing challenges and limitations associated with Voxco.

Presentations

Consistently Inconsistent: Calculating a contact attempt variability score for interviewers at the U.S. Census Bureau
- Laura B. Hergert, U.S. Census Bureau (presenter)
- Michael D Eng, U.S. Census Bureau
Programming Complex and Multimodal Surveys within the Constraints of Voxco
- Neil Thomas, Decision Information Resources, Inc. (DIR) (presenter)
- Heather Morrison (presenter)
Dynamic Priorities: Harmonizing Field Management and Statistical Design in Survey Research
- Amanda Hall, Westat (presenter)
Challenges in Programming Multimode Projects with Voxco
- Patricia Long, Institut de la statistique du Québec (presenter)

Hiring & Retaining Staff with Evolving Job Expectations
Presentation & Discussion

3B - Field

Time/Date
1:30pm-2:45pm on Monday, 4/20/2026

Facilitator
LeeAnn Sell, Indiana University Center for Survey Research

Learn how leaders like CDC, University of Michigan and Westat recruit, retain, and support their interviewers in a changing environment of work expectations post-COVID.

Presentations

Perceived Flexibility and Autonomy Among Centralized and Decentralized Interviewers
- Mark Nathin, University of Michigan Institute for Social Research - Survey Research Operations (presenter)
Motivating and Supporting Field Staff: Interviewer Preferences
- Adena Galinsky, NCHS(CDC) (presenter)
- Beth Taylor, NCHS(CDC)
- Grace Medley, NCHS(CDC)
- Maria Villarroel, NCHS(CDC)
- Antonia Warren, NCHS(CDC)
- Jonaki Bose, NCHS(CDC)
- Lillian Hoffman, U.S. Census Bureau
- Lindsay Howden, U.S. Census Bureau
- Jessica Jones, NCHS(CDC)
Reimagining In-Person Data Collection: Adapting to Workforce Trends, Dynamics, and Strategic Challenges for the Future
- Victoria Vignare, Westat (presenter)
- Tammy Cook, Westat

Navigating Methodological Challenges in Online Health Research
Panel Discussion

3A - Field

Time/Date
1:30pm-2:45pm on Monday, 4/20/2026

Facilitator
Michelle Rogers, Brown University School of Public Health

Panelists will discuss lessons learned in participant recruitment, verification, and engagement and how study design can impact data quality. Topics include postpartum mental health, cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and alcohol use.

Panelists

Anna Alikhani, Georgetown University School of Medicine
Alison Weber, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island
Siobhan N. Perks, Brown University School of Public Health

Random Digit Dining - Monday Lunch

Time/Date
12:00pm-1:00pm on Monday, 4/20/2026

Attendees are seated at randomly-assigned tables, as listed on your name tag. RDD lunch is a fun way to meet and get to know other attendees!

AI
Presentation & Discussion

2D - Tech

Time/Date
10:45am-12:00pm on Monday, 4/20/2026

Facilitator
Michele Pennington, RTI International

These presentations delve into utilizing artificial intelligence for tasks such as case review, collecting industry classification data, and conducting phone-based interview assessments.

Presentations

Promise and Limitations of Using AI for Case Review
- Kyle Fennell, NORC at the University of Chicago (presenter)
- Mamta Malhotra, NORC at the University of Chicago
Developing Solutions for Standard Industry Classification collection (That's SIC)
- Alexandra Buckley, Office for National Statistics (presenter)
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Interviewer Phone Evaluations: Lessons from Automated Quality Monitoring
- Debbie Seale (presenter)
- Nathan Lewis, University of Michigan (presenter)
AI and the Art of Case Review
- Erika Greenia, NORC at the University of Chicago (presenter)
- Rachel Canas, NORC at the University of Chicago

Automation Systems
Presentation & Discussion

2C - Tech

Time/Date
10:45am-12:00pm on Monday, 4/20/2026

Facilitator
Susan Genoversa, Westat

This series of presentations explores the automation of status monitoring, reporting processes, data ingestion, and the migration to cloud-based infrastructure.

Presentations

Implementing the Generic Statistical Information Model at the Census Bureau in Support of Automated Data Ingestion?
- Benjamin Schultz, U.S. Census Bureau (presenter)
- Chris Carrino, U.S. Census Bureau (presenter)
- Amaia Mayes, U.S. Census Bureau
- Taylor Wilson, Reveal Global Consulting
- Michael Padgett, U.S. Census Bureau
- Anthony Rosati, U.S. Census Bureau
Survey Intelligence on Demand: Automating Status Tracking and Reporting
- Margaret Collins, A.I.R. (presenter)
- Edward Costa (presenter)
- Kathryn Barr (presenter)
Unified Tracking System (UTS) Transition to Cloud Infrastructure
- John Wilen, U.S. Census Bureau (presenter)

Strategies to Increase Early Response and Data Accuracy
Presentation & Discussion

2B - Field

Time/Date
10:45am-12:00pm on Monday, 4/20/2026

Facilitator
Bianca DiJulio, Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute

Presenters will discuss the impact of incentives and web modalities on early survey completions and how to modify subsequent contacts with respondents. This includes case studies from the Current Population Survey (CPS) and other important surveys. Presenters will also discuss how statewide educational data can mask barriers and outcomes for minority populations.

Presentations

Optimizing Short Field Periods: A Test of an Early Bird Digital Incentive in a Sequential Mixed-Mode Design
- Jessica Holzberg, U.S. Census Bureau (presenter)
- Renee Stepler, U.S. Census Bureau
Digital Incentives as Early Response Indicators: Streamlining Follow-Up in Mail-Out, Mail-Back Protocols.
- Nahid Sultana, Survey Research Operations, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan (presenter)
- Camila Kendall, Survey Research Operations, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan
- Piotr Dworak, Survey Research Operations, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan
Measuring Opportunity Gaps Beyond Statewide Averages: Community Evidence for Hispanic/Latinx Students in Washington State
- Ruben Angel Arias Rueda, SESRC-WSU (Social and Economic Sciences Research Center at Washington State University) (presenter)
- Lena Le, SESRC-WSU (Social and Economic Sciences Research Center at Washington State University)
- Ruby Hui-Chun Chen, SESRC-WSU (Social and Economic Sciences Research Center at Washington State University)
- Jair Johnson, SESRC-WSU (Social and Economic Sciences Research Center at Washington State University)
- Ana Isabel Alcocer Arreguin, UI (University of Idaho)
Increasing Response in Under-Represented Groups: Results from a Targeted £10 Incentive Pilot on the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey
- Charlotte Wood, Office for National Statistics (presenter)
- Vaughan Buttrill, Office for National Statistics

Virtual Training for Field Data Collection
Panel Discussion

2A - Field

Time/Date
10:45am-12:00pm on Monday, 4/20/2026

Facilitator
Ella Kemp, NORC at the University of Chicago

Researchers at NORC will share best practices, lessons learned, and training approaches for in-person data collection. The purpose of this panel will be to discuss the innovations, benefits, and tradeoffs that four NORC projects experienced as they incorporated remote trainings for in-person data collection efforts.

Panelists

Meggie Garry, NORC at the University of Chicago
Erika Greenia, NORC at the University of Chicago
Grace Maurer, NORC at the University of Chicago
Journie Raulston, NORC at the University of Chicago

Monday Morning Break

Time/Date
10:15am-10:45am on Monday, 4/20/2026

Refreshments served

Facilitator Breakfast
Roundtable Discussion

Time/Date
8:00am-8:30am on Monday, 4/20/2026

Facilitator
TBA

All attendees facilitating a session at the conference are asked to attend a half hour breakfast meeting to go over guidelines and answer questions. If you've been a facilitator before, please come share your experiences with newer facilitators. If this is your first time, join us to meet others, and learn more about how facilitating works at IFD&TC.

Registration Continues

Time/Date
8:00am-9:00am on Monday, 4/20/2026

If you arrived late to the conference, you can check in at the IFD&TC registration table.

Breakfast

Time/Date
7:30am-9:00am on Monday, 4/20/2026

Buffet breakfast served

Welcome Reception

Time/Date
4:30pm-6:00pm on Sunday, 4/19/2026

IFD&TC organizers welcome you to the conference.

Please join us for a happy hour reception featuring light snacks, a cash bar, and an informal time to visit with old and new friends. Dinner on your own after the reception.

Check-In

Time/Date
12:00pm-7:00pm on Sunday, 4/19/2026

Stop by the IFD&TC registration table to pick up your conference materials. Late check-in is also available Monday morning before the Keynote.

Keynote - Dr. Ron S. Jarmin, Deputy Director and the Chief Operating Officer of the United States Census Bureau
Invited Address

1A - All

Time/Date
9:00am-10:15am on Monday, 4/20/2026

Facilitator
Tim Olson, U.S. Census Bureau

Ron S. Jarmin is an accomplished economist and statistician who has served as the Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Census Bureau. He has held various positions within Census Bureau, including Chief of the Census for Economic Studies, Chief Economist, and Associate Director for Economic Programs. Jarmin has been instrumental in modernizing the Census Bureau's operations, including the introduction of internet response for the 2020 Census and the transition to 100 percent internet data collection for the Economic Census. He has also led research programs aimed at improving economic and social measurements within the federal statistical system. Jarmin holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Oregon and has published extensively in the fields of industrial organization, business dynamics, entrepreneurship, technology and firm performance, urban economics, data access, and statistical disclosure avoidance.