Analytics isn’t the goal.
Decisions are.

Decision Analytics is at the forefront of transforming how organizations approach complex challenges and strategic planning. This track focuses on the advanced methodologies and frameworks that support effective decision-making, helping leaders optimize choices in uncertain environments. Gain insights into how analytics can refine decision processes, enhance strategic clarity, and drive impactful outcomes. Whether you’re looking to improve operational efficiency or navigate high-stakes scenarios, this track offers cutting-edge approaches to mastering the art of decision-making in business.

Analytics projects have many moving pieces beyond the models themselves. In this track, we discuss infrastructure, data delivery, data governance, and the rest of the analytics tools and technology stack which support data projects. By using the right kinds of tools and technologies, we can help analytics projects be more reliable and successful. Within this track, industry leaders will explain how engineering, architecture, and data delivery through visualization or other applications complement the models that drive decisions. This track provides a robust survey of the analytics ecosystem.

This track features real-world examples of analytics, O.R., and AI delivering measurable impact in operational settings. Sessions cover how to evaluate and communicate AI ROI, build data foundations and readiness to reduce failure in AI transformations, and connect governance and compliance goals to technical controls that work in practice. Attendees will also hear applied decision intelligence examples, including model orchestration in real-time power systems, and rigorous experimentation approaches for measuring true marketing effectiveness.

This track brings together visionary analytics leaders to share strategies for success. Leaders will discuss the best practices in guiding teams and organizations through the evolving analytics landscape. The focus will be on aligning analytics initiatives with business goals, fostering ethical practices, and cultivating an innovative analytics culture. Attendees will learn how to leverage new tools, grow their team, and oversee successful execution for long-term success in a data-rich world.

Successful analytics projects hinge on a combination of diverse technical and interpersonal skills aligned with organizational goals. When you factor in the significant uncertainty at the outset of these projects, it becomes crystal clear why following a structured process is crucial. In this track, speakers will discuss how the formulation of the problem statement and the selected approach can profoundly influence both the workflow and the ultimate outcomes.

Often referred to as “The Nobel Prize” of O.R. and advanced analytics, the Franz Edelman Award Competition attests to the contributions of operations research and analytics in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Since its inception, cumulative benefits from Edelman finalist projects have topped $419 billion. Edelman finalist teams have improved organizational efficiency, increased profits, brought better products to consumers, helped foster peace negotiations, and saved lives. The purpose of the Franz Edelman Competition is to recognize and reward outstanding examples of operations research, management science, and advanced analytics in practice in the world.

INFORMS grants several prestigious Institute-wide prizes and awards for meritorious achievement each year. This track will feature presentations for the Wagner Prize, INFORMS Prize, and UPS George D. Smith Prize winner. Innovative Applications in Analytics Award (IAAA) finalists will also present. Special sessions include presentations hosted by our Certified Analytics Professional (CAP®) Program and Women in OR/MS.

This track showcases how analytics, O.R., and AI can be applied to address critical societal challenges and create positive impact at scale. Sessions highlight decision‑support systems for public health, food safety, biodiversity, civic engagement, and social equity, along with community‑centered approaches to data collection and model development. Speakers emphasize trust, ethics, and human context, demonstrating how better decision‑making systems can improve lives, strengthen institutions, and support a more sustainable and inclusive world.

Technology Showcases from participating exhibitors are 45-minute, theater-style sessions that provide educational information and case studies on relevant analytics concepts using their products and services.