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Laura M. NozickaChicago-based market researchmoderator with a groove for marketingstrategy and a love of libations and noshHospitality & Food Products Message

Let’s step into some of my categoryexperience...Getting into the(research) groove! Early in my career, a moderator sparked my journey into theworld of qualitative market research. Fast forward to 2014 and2016, I dove into moderator training at Burke Institute. By 2016,I spread my moderating wings and launched my very ownmoderating/facilitating venture and established Big Idea Tango. In 2024, I earned my facilitator stripes as a Certified LEGO®SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator and was trained under the CreativeProblem Solving Institute facilitator curriculum. When it's timeto brainstorm with colleagues, count me in! I'm always eager toget my creative juices flowing and explore every possibility,whether it's a grand idea or a small but effective solution. Armed with a Corporate Communications Bachelor's and anMBA in Marketing from Dominican University, I passed downmy knowledge of marketing strategy and branding as anadjunct professor at universities in the Chicago area.

Conversations are everywhere—on sidewalks, in waiting rooms, andrestrooms. At the heart of every great story, I don’t just listen—Iuncover the moments that matter.Turning Everyday Moments into Deeper InsightsThe best conversations don’t always happen in structured settings—sometimes, they unfold in unexpected moments. I take that naturalability and apply it to facilitating focus groups, storytelling sessions,and audience engagement experiences. Whether I’m moderatingresearch or leading a creative workshop, I help uncover the insightsand emotions that truly matter.Bridging the Gap Between Human Connection & Business StrategyBrands, organizations, and teams don’t just need data—they needunderstanding. My ability to turn casual conversations into deeprevelations makes my work as a moderator, facilitator, and experiencedesigner unique.Beyond the Script:Unlocking AuthenticInsights from EverydayConversations

From Deli Lines to DeepDives: A ModeratorWho SparksConversationsEverywhereA Natural Magnet for Stories & VoicesWhether standing in line at a deli, in a research session, aboardroom, or on my podcast, people naturally share theirstories. I create an environment where people feel heard,understood, and valued.The Art of Effortless EngagementI bring warmth and curiosity to every conversation, encouragingeven the most reserved participants open up. My superpower ismaking people feel safe, seen, and comfortable enough to sharetheir real thoughts—even the things they didn’t plan on saying.

A harmoniousdance of roles,with marketing asthe crowned jewel.Throughout my career, I've tried on more hats than afashionista on a shopping spree - from purchasing research as aclient to managing accounts on the agency side. I've struttedmy stuff in top-notch advertising and media agencies inChicago, overseeing accounts ranging from surgical gloves towrinkle-busters. But no matter where my career takes me, my trusty marketinghat is always on, eagerly searching for ways to tackle businessproblems with research, while brainstorming fresh ideas forclients to rake in profits and create brand fanatics... all with thepower of some sassy facilitator skils!

Journeying through thewonders of guest satisfaction.From front-of-house operations to marketing leadership, I haveimmersed myself in creating unforgettable dining and hospitalityexperiences.Spearheaded marketing and sales initiatives for hotels and restaurants,boosting revenue through strategic guest experience programs.Conducted customer sentiment research to inform menu development,branding, and positioning.Managed events, PR, and experiences to demonstrate differentiation,activate new customers and increase loyalty. Held roles at Hotel Sofitel, Ramada Hotels, and other top establishments,bringing on-the-ground experience in hospitality service, sales, andoperations including front of the house hosting, service and frontdesk/guest experience roles. I've had a taste of everything, from working in the posh Hotel Sofitel to theold-school Ramada Hotels, not to mention fun joints like Cracker Barrel,Houhilan's, and some fam-friendly sports bars and Southern Louisianacajun concepts. I was even a hotel telephone operator at the Hotel Sofitel. Who knows? Imay have scheduled your wake-up call from “zee pastry chef-a!"Laura M. Nozicka , Bio

Life is too short todrink bad wine (orcocktails)! Wine and unique cocktail ingredients are my jam! I've gone on wild wine-tasting adventures in Napaand Sonoma, and shaken up some tasty spirits atbartending classes. And my taste buds have beentickled by the likes of Schwa and Next in Chicago,and the legendary Gary Danko in San Francisco.I even scored tickets to the National RestaurantShow (multiple times!), and let's not forget myaddiction to "Bar Rescue" - the ultimate fix for anywine and spirits-appreciating soul!

A fiery love for helpingclients craft unforgettable,unexpected, and upliftingmoments.As a former hospitality professional and avid home entertainerand hostess, I am driven by creating enjoyable andremarkable experiences. Consumers continuously seek outexperiences that enhance their lives, create lasting memories,and serve as gateways for escapism. How can your clients drive their brands to this level? Withthe help of a skilled moderator with experience using researchto drive marketing strategy, of course! Get a peak at a brand positioning event I created (CLICKLINK) for almost 500 women for a major Chicago healthcaresystem including Dr. Christian Northrup as the keynote speakerwith six numbers from “Menopause the Musical” and a paneldiscussion with esteemed physicians.

HospitalityCasual and Family Dining ConceptsCorporate Events/Meetings MarketFront of the House OperationsMarketing, Events and Sales ManagementGuest Experience Wine and SpritsMenu DesignFood NoveltiesIce Cream Bars and BitesCandy Novelties Talent Management/Culture ChangeEmployee Retention/SatisfactionStaffing Gap ExplorationTalent Recruitment/AcquisitionMethodologies/Study TypesIn-Home ImmersionsFocus GroupsIDIs/TDIs TriadsProduct/Prototyping EvaluationCustomer Experience Message TestingCreative Concept AnalysisPositioningBrand Identity Testing*I also moderate in other consumer categories. Bios availableupon request. All the Flavors of My Category Expertise*

Dance Partner Reviews!! “Laura thinks deeply about what she’s hearing; shegenerously shares her perspective throughout the processand can shed light on trends and interesting nuances thatmight otherwise be missed. All her strengths paired with hergreat personality make her a valuable asset to any team.”Market Research Agency Project Manager “I couldn’t have had a better moderator for my project!Laura connected with every participant and made them feelcomfortable with sharing their story, which made forseamless and rewarding conversations. She was easy to workwith, adaptable, and brought additional knowledge to theproject which ultimately strengthened our work. I willdefinitely be using Laura on future projects!” Market Research Agency Associate Director of Research“A skilled moderator, Laura led the groups and did notlet the groups lead her. She handled delicate requestsand difficult participants respectfully and herpersonable demeanor put the group at ease, makingeasier for them to open up deeper on the emotionsand perceptions that were critical to our research.” Branding Agency VP“Laura’s warmth, active listening, and adaptabilitywere critical to gaining both a depth and breadth ofunderstanding in a challenging space. I was soimpressed with how she navigated the guide – herdeep understanding of our goals and the space wewere exploring allowed for flexible conversations thatstill hit on all our objectives.” Market Research Agency Strategic Planning Manager

laura@bigideatango.com312-215-3354Focus GroupsOne-on-One InterviewsIdeation Session Facilitation Strategic BrainstormingTeam DevelopmentSee Laura in Action!(Links below) Emcee at a 500 Attendee EventFocus Group ModerationPodcast Hosting Let’sDance! Welcome to Big Idea Tango - where mypassion for market research and dancingunite for a boogie-tastic adventure!To me, dancing is a conversation between twopeople, and research is no different. It's a two-step exchange between a brand and itsaudience. As we shimmy and shake, we get toknow each other better and understand whatreally connects with the consumers. This groovyinsight helps my clients create innovativeproducts that foster an unbreakable bond withtheir audience.So, let's put on our dancing shoes and cha-cha our way to the freshest ideas out there! Big Idea Tango, LLC ©2024What’s in a name?