Exploring qualitative and mixed methods methods globally
MAXDAYS 2024 has firmly established itself as a cornerstone event in the qualitative research community. Every year, it brings together researchers from around the world to share their knowledge, best practices, and innovative approaches. This year, the fourth edition did not disappoint, drawing over 3,800 registered attendees from more than 140 countries—making MAXDAYS 2024 the largest gathering of the MAXQDA community to date. This blog post takes you through the conference’s highlights, including keynote speeches, workshops, and community engagement.
MAXDAYS 2024: Exploring MAXQDA functions and applications
The two-day program featured over 50 sessions, catering to beginner and advanced MAXQDA users. Live on September 10 and 11, participants could tailor their conference experience to their needs, choosing from a range of sessions. The conference offered a broad range of different formats, including:
- Spotlight sessions: 30-minute deep dives into specific workflows or software features. Whether you are a beginner learning the basics of coding with MAXQDA, or an advanced user exploring MAXQDA for statistical analysis or literature review, there is something for everyone.
- Research sessions: Researchers present their real-life projects. For example, Marlise Schneider explored innovation policy in the microchip industry, while Lia Antunes investigated the role of women after Portugal’s 1974 revolution and their impact on housing projects.
- Industry sessions: Our industry sessions showcase MAXQDA’s real-world applications. This year, Garmin demonstrated how MAXQDA facilitates their avionics testing and how IQVIA used MAXQDA to analyze patient-centered data.
- Keynote address: Dr. Stefan Rädiker discussed methodological and practical questions regarding the integration of artificial intelligence into qualitative data analysis using MAXQDA.
VERBI’s CEO Isabel Kuckartz kicked off the first day by sharing the rich history of MAXQDA and the MAXDAYS conference, setting the stage for two exciting days of learning with the #1 qualitative data analysis software.
The first day was designed to cater to new users, offering a variety of introductory scenarios. The second day, however, delved into more advanced topics, featuring sessions on advanced word-based analysis, statistics, and AI tools.
Bridging borders with MAXDAYS 2024
Since MAXDAYS 2024 was held online, it allowed participants to join from anywhere in the world. We recorded all sessions. This way, if you missed a live session, you can still access it on demand. Additionally, our online format increased the diversity of perspectives. As a result, MAXDAYS brought together researchers and professionals from all around the world. This created a unique opportunity for knowledge sharing and collaboration across borders.
Notable moments from MAXDAYS 2024
We’re excited to share some of our favorite moments from our two-day event below:
An engaging introduction by Graham Hughes
Our journey into the world of MAXQDA began with the expert guidance of Graham Hughes, a professional MAXQDA trainer. His live introduction to MAXQDA analysis, which attracted over 500 participants, instilled confidence in the audience as he shared valuable insights on how to navigate the software effectively.
Spotlight on Mixed Methods analysis with Dr. Sinem Toraman Turk
Dr. Sinem Toraman Turk from Yale University brought her expertise to the forefront in a spotlight session on using MAXQDA for Mixed Methods analysis. Her practical examples and insights not only resonated with the audience but also inspired them to apply similar approaches in their own work.
A thought-provoking keynote by Dr. Stefan Rädiker
Dr. Stefan Rädiker’s keynote on AI and Qualitative Data Analysis was a thought-provoking highlight of the conference. His challenge to integrate AI into research sparked a transparent and methodological discussion, and the subsequent Q&A session was a testament to the audience’s active involvement, with lively discussions and insightful questions.
Panel discussion on The Practice of Qualitative Data Analysis
The first day concluded with a panel discussion featuring Prof. Dr. Mike Gizzi and Dr. Stefan Rädiker. They discussed their latest book, The Practice of Qualitative Data Analysis: Research Examples Using MAXQDA, Volume 2. This session provided participants with practical knowledge on how to apply MAXQDA in real-world research. The book can be downloaded for free below.
Diverse analysis techniques with MAXQDA
The second day focused on showcasing the wide range of analysis techniques possible with MAXQDA. A particularly popular presentation was about the statistical module Stats and Literature Analysis, which generated significant interest among participants.
Business applications of MAXQDA
Another highlight of the second day was the Research and Industry Sessions. Major companies like IQVIA (pharmaceuticals) and Garmin (avionics) demonstrated how they use MAXQDA in their processes, highlighting its benefits in generating insights and streamlining research.
Fascinating academic research
The conference also featured compelling academic research. One notable presentation was by Prof. Michael Gizzi of Illinois State University, who shared his project on the ‘Women of January 6.’ This study uncovered patterns in the profiles of female perpetrators of the 2020 U.S. Capitol Insurrection.
Explore more highlights
If you are interested in learning more about this year’s conference, visit our highlights playlist on YouTube. You will find a wealth of content from the event, including all the sessions mentioned here and many more.
Community cornerstones
One of the cornerstones of our community is the robust network of professional MAXQDA trainers. Currently, there are more than 300 active trainers spanning the globe, and we are always excited to welcome new additions to this dynamic group. By joining our trainer network, you can share your expertise, gain recognition in the MAXQDA community, and contribute to the growth of qualitative data analysis. You can learn more about the trainer network and how to join it on our website. These dedicated professionals train our users year-round, ensuring everyone has access to the knowledge and skills they need to excel with MAXQDA.
At MAXDAYS this year, our trainers offered sessions in seven languages, a testament to our diverse international audience. Whether you’re new to MAXQDA or looking to enhance your existing skills, our trainer network is here to provide continuous support, ensuring you’re never alone in your journey with MAXQDA.
AI Assist: MAXQDA’s AI tools
MAXQDA’s AI features were a recurring theme throughout the conference. MAXQDA’s AI Assist add-on, which offers researchers various AI functions, from summarizing data to assigning codes, was a special highlight. Andreas Müller’s presentation on “Support Your Coding with AI Assist” stood out, sparking an engaging discussion about the practical applications of AI in research.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can find a webinar by Andreas Müller on this topic here. It provides a deeper dive into how AI Assist can enhance your research processes and offer valuable insights.
Keep the MAXDAYS 2024 momentum going
After two days of lively discussions and engaging presentations, conference organizers Paul Wehrle and Leopold Meinert from VERBI’s Community Relations team closed the conference by emphasizing the importance of the event for learning MAXQDA and growing the global MAXQDA community.
The event was also a remarkable success behind the scenes, with a dedicated team of over 20 people involved in the months-long organization. In alignment with VERBI’s corporate values, we always strive for an exceptional result while ensuring everyone has fun along the way.
Keep in touch
We invite you to stay connected with us through our social media channels, where we will continue to share resources, tips, and updates on upcoming events. Throughout the year, we offer regular webinars as part of the MAXQDA Academy, featuring live sessions led by professional trainers who cover various MAXQDA functions. Join our Research Network on LinkedIn to discuss MAXQDA and its applications with other researchers who use the software.
MAXDAYS 2024 brought together researchers from 140 countries—making it the world’s largest gathering of the MAXQDA community to date! The conference will be back next year. Until then, keep exploring, learning, and improving your data analysis with MAXQDA.
And remember, research is a journey—travel it well.
