In a few weeks not only will I be attending The Market Research Event in Orlando, FL, but I will be presenting as well… and if the rumors are true, more than 1,200 senior-level market research and consumer insights executives will be in the audience.
Typically when I attend conferences such as these, I do some research a few weeks before heading out to the main event. I make sure to understand the main focus of the conference, and review speaker lists to see which topics are of most interest to me. I may reach out to a few people prior to going and set up a few meetings. However, usually most of what I learn about the conference happens on site.
This year is very different.
As a presenter, I have taken the time to really look into what this conference has to offer, and what strikes me most is how different it seems compared to the past few years. In years past the theme of these conferences tend to focus on one particular topic, but this year, the word that pops into my head when preparing for the conference is “choices.” When I tell someone I am presenting, they automatically assume that I am presenting in the Social Media and Communities track – why not, it makes perfect sense, as these are integral parts of our IC2 platform. But this year, there are many other new and exciting options to take in. I will be co-presenting with Mark Gallops, Executive Director at Time Inc, in the Mobile and Technology Track on how the iPad and other tablets have changed media consumption, which represents another aspect of our IC2 philosophy. To me it is very exciting to see all the advances that are being made in the mobile and technology space and how market research plays a role in that development.
Of course, I will have much more to say after the conference, but in the meantime if you happen to be going to The Market Research Event, check out my presentation and stop by our booth to touch base. Look forward to seeing you there!
