Younger Focus to The Market Research Society's Annual Conference

Date: 21 February 2003

The Market Research Society (MRS) has revealed that this year, its annual conference and exhibition, RESEARCH2003 - The Thought Leadership: Revolution, will have a younger focus as part of its new-look image. In an attempt to encourage the participation of younger members of the research industry to actively participate in this flagship event, which is taking place at the ICC Birmingham between 19-21 March 2003, the Conference will incorporate a number of sessions specifically designed to meet their needs.

In the run up to Conference, RBA Research has distributed an online questionnaire to 900 members of The MRS aged under 30 with the intention of finding out how they feel about their careers, the image of market researchers, the training they have received and the research industry in general.

The results of this survey, which over 200 people have already responded to, will form the basis of the Thursday session, 'Who wants to be a Market Researcher?'. Here, delegates of all ages will have the opportunity to guess the outcome of the survey using interactive voting technology courtesy of Hypermaster. RBA Research anticipates that the real results will make interesting reading for all involved in the industry.

Commented Sophie Withnall, who will be hosting the session on behalf of RBA Research, "This is an opportunity for the younger members of the market research industry to reveal what they really think about the issues which are important to them in their careers. We want to encourage delegates to take a break from sitting and listening and come and have some fun. This session will be their chance to guess what young researchers think of their jobs and the research industry in general, in a 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire?'-style gameshow".

In addition, these4walls, the networking group established exclusively for young people, will be running a new fringe session for young researchers and marketers. The Young Researchers' Forum aims to provide young researchers with actionable insights into their careers and equip them with the knowledge they require to fully understand how to meet marketers' expectations and fulfil briefs exactly. Specifically, this session will allow young delegates to meet with senior marketers and pick up essential tips for their future career development.

Other elements aimed at enticing a younger audience include the hiring of a nightclub on the middle evening of RESEARCH2003 for delegate entertainment, and a 50 per cent reduction in the delegate fee for all first-time visitors aged under 30.

Andy Dexter, Citigate DVL Smith and Chair of the Conference Programme Team, commented, "Market research is an increasingly popular career choice for graduates and we're keen to attract junior delegates to RESEARCH2003 alongside senior players. Their input should help to provide a fresh perspective to the proceedings.

"This year's event will have much to offer. Through a mix of formal papers, break-out sessions, seminars and debates, RESEARCH2003 will provide the ideal forum for young people to hear and learn from leaders in the industry, whilst a range of informal social activities will provide the opportunity for networking and discussion too," Andy concluded.

RESEARCH2003 will take place between 19-21 March 2003 and will be held at The International Convention Centre in Birmingham. All queries should be directed to Sophie Russell-Ross on 020 7566 1876 or email conference@mrs.org.uk.

Notes for Editors

The Market Research Society (MRS) is the world's largest international membership organisation for professional researchers and others involved or interested in market, social or opinion research.

'RESEARCH2003 - the thought leadership: revolution' is taking place at The ICC, Birmingham, between 19 - 21 March, 2003.

An accompanying trade exhibition will run alongside Conference on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 March. For more details or to book a stand, please contact the MRS Exhibition Sales staff on 020 7566 1841.

For a full Conference programme, please visit www.mrs.org.uk.

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