IIAR> Discussion Group: Working Smarter with AI: How LLMs Are Reshaping Analyst Relations (05/26)

The IIAR> is hosting a members-only discussion on the impact of LLM on Analyst Relations. Artificial intelligence and large language models are quietly transforming how AR professionals do their jobs — from how they prep for analyst briefings to how they synthesize research, track coverage, and craft messaging. But the profession is still figuring out what “good” looks like. In this IIAR> Discussion Group, we’ll explore how AR teams are putting AI tools to work in practice, where analysts themselves are leaning into AI-generated research and interaction, and what it all means for the quality and authenticity of the AR relationship. Whether you’re a power user or just getting started, this session will help you see what’s changing, what’s not, and where the profession is headed.

Some of the questions we’ll explore together:

1. Is AI Making Analyst Relations More Strategic — or Just More Efficient?

AR professionals are rapidly adopting LLMs to accelerate briefing prep, synthesize coverage, draft narratives, and monitor analyst sentiment. But efficiency and strategy aren’t the same thing. As AI handles more of the tactical workload, are AR teams actually elevating their strategic contribution — or are they just doing the same work faster? And on the analyst side, as firms like Gartner, Forrester, and IDC integrate AI into their research workflows, how is the nature of briefings, inquiries, and vendor relationships themselves beginning to shift?

2. What Does AI Do to the Analyst Relationship — and Can You Tell the Difference?

The analyst relationship has always been built on trust, credibility, and authentic human engagement. Now AR teams are using AI to craft messaging, personalize outreach, and prepare executives for analyst interactions. Analysts, meanwhile, are handling higher volumes with AI-assisted triage. So here’s the real question: are we approaching a point where both sides of the relationship are increasingly mediated by AI — and does that erode the very thing that makes AR valuable? Where do practitioners draw the line between augmentation and automation?

3. Are You Positioned to Be Found — or Just Indexed?

For decades, the AR strategy has been built around influencing analyst research that drives client decisions. But a new dynamic is reshaping the game: AI-powered answer engines — ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude — are now the first stop for technology buyers doing research. These tools don’t return a list of links. They synthesize an answer and draw heavily on analyst content, review platforms, and third-party coverage. This is the shift from SEO to AEO — Answer Engine Optimization — and most vendors aren’t ready for it.

The IIAR> launched regular conversations focused on AI in analyst relations. It will help identify members’ most pressing AI issues and shape the topics, formats, and resources we develop next. 

This IIAR> Discussion Group is hosted by the IIAR> Editorial Committee:

• Chris Germann / Independent AR professional, IIAR> Member (LinkedIn)
• Dr. Jochen Wolf / Global Communications and Analyst Relations Professional, IIAR> Member (LinkedIn)
• Ludovic Leforestier / IIAR> Board Member and Founder Starsight Communications (LinkedIn)
• Noelle Shipley / Independent AR professional (LinkedIn)
• Robin Schaffer / Principal AR Consultant, Schaffer AR (LinkedIn)
• Sarita Kincaid / Senior Director, Analyst Relations, SugarCRM (LinkedIn)

Date> Thursday 21th May 2026
Time> 0800 PDT / 1100 EDT / 1500 GMT / 2030 IST (other time zones)

Slides and recording will be available on the IIAR> Members Area

• The full recording of this webinar will be available to Members on the IIAR> Members video library.
• Become an IIAR> member today to receive access to the LIVE streaming or to the stored content.

Other IIAR> Viewpoints

• IIAR> Analyst Relations Forum London 2024: a day packed with learnings for analyst relations professionals
• IIAR> Discussion Group + Viewpoints: maximise returns from your Gartner relationship
• IIAR> Monthly Meet-up March 2022 + IIAR> VIewpoints: leverage AR for marketing