Wednesday, October 10 through Friday, October 12, 2007
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North - Scottsdale, Arizona

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

The “Premier Event” for leaders of survey research companies, CASRO’s 32nd Annual Conference is open to all CASRO members as well as individuals from prospective member companies. The conference will explore important issues that impact your survey research business with a theme of Innovation and features Erich Joachimsthaler, a well-known author. Attendees will also visit with a variety of vendor exhibitors throughout the three-day event.
In addition to the sessions and networking opportunities, attendees can participate in a variety of organized recreational activities including golf, tennis, shopping and a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Taliesin home.    Scottsdale’s location in the heart of the lush Sonoran Desert provides a wealth of opportunities for memorable activities and adventures.  The predictably sunny weather and low relative humidity allow you to enjoy this beautiful desert resort community. Enjoy all the amenities of the Four Seasons Resort, with its pool, tennis courts and spa.

Registration/Non-member Attendance:
Pre-registration is required for all attendees and is open through Wednesday, October 3.  Walk-in registrations are not permitted.  Non-CASRO members are permitted to attend only if they qualify as a prospective CASRO member and have not attended any past CASRO Annual Conference as a non-member. 

Exhibitor and Sponsor Information
The exhibit space is a six-foot table exhibit.  Full booths, including pop-ups, are NOT permitted.  A maximum of two retractable banner stands will be permitted but can only be placed behind your table.  The total width of both banner stands cannot exceed six feet.   The exhibit fee includes the exhibit space and conference registration for two people as well as wireless internet in the exhibit area and meeting space.  Exhibit space and sponsorships are available to all CASRO member companies as well as non-member companies. Click here for Exhibitor/Sponsorship Form.

Hotel Information
The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is located high in the Sonoran Desert and is known for its climate, fabulous recreation, superlative dining and shopping.  The famed desert resort community of Scottsdale offers visitors the beauty and adventure of the wide open desert, situated in the cooling foothills of Pinnacle Peak.   Address: 10600 East Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.A. 85262-8342  Telephone and Room Reservations:  480-515-5700
Tour the Four Seasons Online

Four Seasons Scottsdale Room Reservations/Deadlines
CASRO has reserved a block of sleeping rooms at the Four Seasons Scottsdale at a rate of $320 plus tax, per night for the nights of Monday, October 8, 2007 through Saturday, October 13, 2007.  Contact Room Reservations at the Four Seasons directly at 480-515-5700 and reference CASRO to receive this rate. The hotel room/rate reservation deadline is Saturday, September 15, 2007, however, this rate is only guaranteed as long as rooms are available in the CASRO room reservation block, so we suggest making your room reservation early.  If the room block is full, or it is after September 15, the hotel will take reservations on a rate and space availability basis only

Room Reservation Policy:
Our hotel room block at the Four Seasons is reserved for conference attendees only.  If you have not registered for the conference within 48 hours of booking your room, we reserve the right to release the room back into inventory.  Therefore, to avoid any confusion or disappointment, we recommend registering for the conference prior to reserving your hotel room. We are aware that CASRO’s negotiated room block at the Four Seasons may be sold-out on certain nights at our conference rate.  Please continue to contact the hotel periodically, as cancellations and openings do occur from time to time. 

CASRO has booked overflow rooms at the following hotels:

The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa
34631 N. Tom Darlington Dr.
Carefree, AZ 85377
480-488-9009
www.theboulders.com
Situated on 1,300 acres of untouched Sonoran Desert in the foothills near Scottsdale, Arizona, The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa is comparable to the Four Seasons in its amenities, service and atmosphere.  CASRO has reserved a block of rooms at this resort, located about 15 minutes from the Four Seasons, at a rate of $320 plus tax per night for the nights of Tuesday, October 9 through Friday, October 12.   Contact the hotel directly at 480-488-9009 and reference CASRO to receive this rate.  The hotel room/rate reservation deadline is Saturday, September 15, 2007, however, this rate is only guaranteed as long as rooms are available in the CASRO room reservation block, so we suggest making your room reservation early.  If the room block is full, or it is after September 15, the hotel will take reservations on a rate and space availability basis only.

Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains
16770 North Perimeter Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-502-3836
www.marriottscottsdale.com
Styled like a luxurious Mediterranean villa, this all-suite hotel offers spectacular views of the majestic McDowell Mountains.  CASRO has reserved a block of rooms at this hotel, located about 15 minutes from the Four Seasons, at a rate of $229 plus tax per night for the nights of Tuesday, October 9 through Friday, October 12.   Contact the hotel directly at 480-502-3836 and reference CASRO to receive this rate.  The hotel room/rate reservation deadline is Saturday, September 15, 2007, however, this rate is only guaranteed as long as rooms are available in the CASRO room reservation block, so we suggest making your room reservation early.  If the room block is full, or it is after September 15, the hotel will take reservations on a rate and space availability basis only.

About Scottsdale
Scottsdale is home to many luxurious resorts and day spas including some that are inspired by the Sonoran Desert and Native American healing techniques.  A golf mecca, Scottsdale has an abundance of superb courses with some of the most unique and challenging desert-target designs in the country.  The desert community is also a world-class shopping destination.  Climate: The southwestern desert offers more than 300 sun-filled days each year with very low humidity.  In mid October, the average daily high temperature is 85 degrees and the average daily low is 60 degrees.  To learn more about Scottsdale, click here.

Air Travel to Scottsdale – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
The Four Seasons Scottsdale is 30 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.  All major carriers fly into  Sky Harbor, approximately 45 minutes from the Hotel. All major car rental firms operate at this airport and taxi and limousine services are also available.

Innovation Applied: Creative Approaches to Meet Client and Market Demands
32nd Annual Conference Committee
Co-Chairs: John P. McDonald, President, MORPACE International, Inc., and David N. Richardson, Partner, Artemis Strategy Group.   
Committee: Robert L. Cohen, President & CEO, Scarborough Research, Morris R. Davis, President, M. Davis and Company, Inc., Andrew Morrison, Chairman & CEO, Market Strategies, Inc., Karyn Schoenbart, President & COO, The NPD Group, Inc., Diane K. Bowers, President, CASRO.

PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS Tuesday, October 9, 2007 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Innovation Leadership Seminar (separate fee applies) Special pre- and post-conference innovation leadership seminars will be offered this year for leaders who want to hone their skills in a three-hour session with peers.  The interactive sessions will be held at the Advanced Strategy Center at Pinnacle Peak, a unique off-site planning facility adjacent to the Four Seasons Resort, under the leadership of Doug Griffen, the Center’s Founder and Director.  The Advanced Strategy Center team will lead participants through a condensed but customized Leadership Institute that will focus on leadership trends in organizations, the leadership attributes that matter, and how leaders are leveraging innovation and collaboration in their organizations to create a more inclusive operating style and culture for their organizations. Note: We are able to offer a special rate of $350 per person for this session.  You must register separately for this session.  The fee includes the seminar and transportation.   Click here for more information. 6:00 p.m. – Welcome Cocktail Reception – Meet Our Keynote Speaker: Erich Joachimsthaler Erich, Founder and CEO, Vivaldi Partners and author of “Hidden in Plain Sight: How to Find and Execute Your Company’s Next Big Growth Strategy,” will be available to discuss his experiences with innovation and his book, a copy of which will be given to each registrant during this book signing and reception. 7:15 p.m. – Dinner on your own Contact the hotel concierge directly for more information. 32nd ANNUAL CONFERENCE Day I - Wednesday, October 10, 2007 7:30 a.m. - Registration opens; Continental breakfast with exhibitors 8:30 a.m. - Conference Welcome Eileen Campbell, 2007 CASRO Board Chair, CEO, Millward Brown, Inc. Diane K. Bowers, CASRO President Annual Conference Committee Co-Chairs: John P. McDonald, President, MORPACE International, Inc. David N. Richardson, Partner, Artemis Strategy Group 9:00 a.m. - Keynote Address – “Breakthrough Innovation and Your Research Business” Starting from the premise that successful innovation is key to leading edge companies, our keynote speaker uses insights from a career helping major companies with innovation to offer a new model for innovation that will certainly challenge and stimulate research business leaders to examine their role in the process. Erich Joachimsthaler, Founder and CEO, Vivaldi Partners 10:15 a.m. – Break with Exhibitors 10:45 a.m.  - Session I:  "Emerging Solutions: Partners or Competitors?" The changing face of market research presents both opportunities and risks to your existing business model. The trend toward “integrated value added deliverables” that require less time, less primary data, but have measurable ROI is escalating. And so alternatives to the research process and survey research, in particular, continue to evolve.  Client emphasis on more data with more analysis and insights has enticed our companies, as well as the new business development officers in (non-research) data services.  Understanding what clients are buying in addition to, and sometimes in place of, survey-driven information can impact your strategic thinking and investments. John P. McDonald, Panel Moderator          Phil Roos, President, Arbor Strategy Group Deborah Grassi, Retail & CPG Industry Consultant, Acxiom Corporation Alan Dean, VP, BD Brand Intel 12:15 p.m. - Buffet Lunch – sponsored by 1:30 p.m. - “Best of CASRO” CASRO University Programs: Roseanne Luth, CEO, Luth Research, Chair, CASRO University Committee & Chet Zalesky, President, CMI, CASRO Board Chair-Elect Government & Public Affairs & Self Regulation: Duane L. Berlin, Principal, Lev & Berlin, P.C., CASRO General Counsel Research Career Development: Joseph F. Baldi, Jr., Chair, CASRO Career Development Task Force 2:00 p.m. - Open Forum Day I 2:30 p.m. - Annual Business Meeting (CASRO Members Only) Board Chair’s Remarks: Eileen A. Campbell, 2007 CASRO Board Chair President’s Remarks: Diane K. Bowers, CASRO President Treasurer’s Report: Kevin Menk, CASRO Treasurer, Managing Partner, Strategic Resource Partners, L.L.C. Nominating Committee Report: Dale S, Lersch, President, PERT Survey Research Board Chair-Elect’s Remarks: Chet Zalesky, 2008 CASRO Board Chair 3:15 p.m. - Break with Exhibitors 3:45 p.m. - Session II: Innovation from the Client Perspective Innovation leaders from industry-leading corporations will talk about their approaches to innovation: core processes and techniques; success drivers; and the role that research does (should) play in the corporate innovations process. David N. Richardson, Panel Moderator                              Dave Williams, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Research and Analysis, Best Buy Dave Goulait, Associate Director for Innovation Capability, Procter & Gamble 5:15 p.m. – Adjournment Day I 6:30 p.m. - Cocktail Reception sponsored by   7:30 p.m. - Outdoor Dinner on Fountain Terrace 7:45 p.m. - Outdoor Cocktails sponsored by   Day II - Thursday, October 11, 2007 7:45 a.m. - Breakfast 8:30 a.m. - Session III: Innovation in People: “Finding employees and keeping them today and tomorrow” Finding employees and keeping them today and tomorrow.  This session will feature speakers addressing four components of the human resources equation: Innovations in Recruiting (minimizing the risk of hiring the “wrong” person); Innovations in Onboarding (getting new employees engaged and up to speed quickly); Innovations in Training and Development; and Innovative Work Arrangements (the days of all employees being onsite 9-5 are long over). Morris R. Davis, President, M. Davis and Company, Inc., Session Moderator Lock Collins, HR Practice Leader, Cambiar, L.L.C. Karyn Schoenbart, President & Chief Operating Officer, The NPD Group, Inc.  Elaine Holland, Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources, Millward Brown, Inc. 10:00 a.m. - Break with Exhibitors 10:30 a.m. - Session IV:  Innovation in Technology Within the context of relevant developments on the client side (e.g., increasingly competitive/maturing markets and brand; information overload; organizational challenges in integrating and accessing data from disparate sources; and ongoing needs for actionable information for decision-making), what technological innovations are occurring to improve the effectiveness in (1) the data analysis and (2) the data reporting/dissemination stages of the research process? Robert L. Cohen, President & CEO, Scarborough Research, Session Moderator Sean Fitzpatrick, President, Talent Map: “Technology and Data Integration; Analysis; Reporting”.  Bruce Tedesco, Chief Research Officer, OTX Research: “Complexity Science”: The deployment of innovative software and systems for automated reporting. Colin Shearer, Vice President of Customer Analytics, SPSS, Inc.: “Data Mining and Predictive Analytics”. 12:00 p.m. – Adjournment Day II Time on your own; Recreation Scottsdale boasts great weather, world-class golf and some of the best shops and boutiques in the country.  Relax at the spa or in the pool or enjoy one of these organized activities: - 12:05 p.m. - Golf and Barbeque Lunch at Troon North Golf Club - 1:15 p.m. – Old Town Scottsdale Shopping Excursion - 1:15 p.m. - Tennis at the Four Seasons courts - 1:30 p.m. – Taliesin West: Frank Lloyd Wright Museum Tour - 12:05 p.m. – Shuttle departs for CASRO Golf Outing sponsored by   CASRO has organized a golf outing at the Troon North Golf Club (Monument Course), one of region’s crown jewels. This renowned club features premiere courses that wrap gracefully around the northern slopes of landmark Pinnacle Peak. Giant granite boulders lie strewn across the rugged landscape of the High Sonoran Desert making for a stunning backdrop. Troon North Golf Club combines the visual sensation of desert vistas with challenging golf play and a special ambiance to provide a standard that is unmatched in Scottsdale.  The shuttle to the course leaves the Four Seasons at 12:05 p.m.  Estimated travel time to the course is 10 minutes.  Lunch will begin at 12:30 p.m. and all golf foursomes will begin promptly at 1:00pm with a shotgun start.  The estimated time to play the course is approximately 5 hours.  The cost of $315 includes transportation to and from the resort, all fees, and a barbeque lunch upon arrival at the course.  Register through CASRO, not the resort.  Click here for general information on the course. 1:15 p.m. – Free Shuttle Departs for Old Town Scottsdale – Shopping Excursion Sit back and relax as a shuttle takes you to Old Town Scottsdale for an afternoon of shopping in charming Old Scottsdale. Old Town Scottsdale and Fifth Avenue is a renowned shopping, arts and entertainment district offering 585 unique shops, art galleries, salons, restaurants, and nightspots. Fifth Avenue is the place to shop for American Southwest art, jewelry, gifts, and Indian artifacts.  The shuttle to Old Town Scottsdale leaves the Four Seasons at 1:15 p.m.  Estimated travel time to Old Town Scottsdale is 45 minutes.  The return shuttle will depart from the drop-off point at 4:45 p.m.  Transportation to and from Old Town Scottsdale is free. 1:15 p.m. – Tennis at the Four Seasons Courts CASRO has reserved a few courts for those who wish to play.  Refreshments and lunch are not included.  There is no cost to play - send us an email if you wish to play so we can hold your space. 1:30 p.m. – Shuttle departs for Taliesin West Receive a guided behind-the-scenes tour of one of the country’s most renowned homes. Frank Lloyd Wright, recognized as the 20th century’s greatest architect, literally created Taliesin West out of the desert.

Exhibitors & Sponsors Exhibit space and sponsorships are available

He and his apprentices gathered rocks from the desert floor and sand from the washes to build this desert masterpiece. Taliesin West showcases Wright’s brilliant ability to integrate indoor and outdoor spaces. Knowledgeable guides explain how the architecture relates to the natural desert and provide an overview of Wright’s basic theories of design. You’ll visit the dramatic Living Room and sit in Wright-designed furniture while experiencing first hand the drama of being a guest. Walk through the Cabaret Cinema, Music Pavilion, Seminar Theater and Wright’s private office - all linked by dramatic terraces, gardens and walkways overlooking the rugged Sonoran desert and Valley below. Finally, refreshments will be served in the colorful Taliesin Fellowship dining room with added in-depth commentary.  The shuttle to Taliesin West leaves the Four Seasons at 1:30 p.m.  Estimated travel time to Taliesin West is 20 minutes. The tour is 2 hours in duration and the return shuttle will depart at 4:00 p.m.  The cost of $95 includes transportation to and from Taliesen West, the guide fee and excludes lunch.  Click here for more information about Taliesin West.

7:00 p.m. - Cocktail Reception sponsored by  

8:15 p.m. – Dinner

9:00 p.m. – Awards Ceremony

9:30 p.m. – Cocktails & Cigars on the Terrace – sponsored by

Day III - Friday, October 12, 2007

8:15 a.m. - Breakfast (provided)

9:00 a.m. - Financial Highlights & Projections (CASRO Members Only)
Forecasting and a review of the financial and compensation surveys highlights from CASRO’s annual surveys.
Peter E. Booth, President, Booth Research Services, Inc., Co-Chair, CASRO Financial Surveys Committee
Kevin Menk, Managing Partner, Strategic Resource Partners, L.L.C.

9:30 a.m. - Financial/Compensation Survey Breakouts (CASRO Members Only)
Breakouts for in-depth review of financial and compensation surveys by company size and type.
Don Ambrose, Chairman, Consumer Contact
Robin Arnold, CEO, Gilmore Research Group
Kevin Menk, Managing Partner, Strategic Resource Partners, L.L.C
Steven W. Wilde, Chief Operating Officer, Directions Research, Inc.

10:30 a.m. - Break with Exhibitors

11:00 a.m. - Session V: Investment Innovation
How do “new” investors and investment strategies impact the ability of our members to grow and innovate?  The way businesses finance their strategies and dreams are changing.  Speakers, representing private equity and venture capital firms, will tell us how they value and evaluate information industry companies, particularly marketing research companies, and invest in innovation and growth.  Attendees will better understand how to work with and relate to these potential investment partners.
Andrew Morrison, Chairman & CEO Market Strategies, Inc., Session Moderator
Michael P. Connors, Information Services Group, Inc.
Michael B. Kessler, Managing Partner, Veronis Suhler Stevenson
Paul Kasper, American Securities

12:30 p.m. - Closing Remarks
Eileen Campbell, 2007 CASRO Board Chair, CEO, Millward Brown, Inc.
John P. McDonald, President, MORPACE International, Inc.
David N. Richardson, Partner, Artemis Strategy Group

12:45 p.m. – CONFERENCE ADJOURMENT

Registration Information/Fees
Pre-registration is required - walk-in registrations are not permitted.  Registration closes on Wednesday, October 3, 2007.  The registration fee includes lunch on Wednesday, breakfast on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, all breaks on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, cocktail receptions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and the dinner receptions on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.  Thursday afternoon has been set aside for recreation.  Wireless internet will be provided to each registrant in the meeting space and exhibit area at no cost.

Cancellations on or before September 26 will be charged a $175 cancellation fee.  Cancellations after September 26 and no-shows will forfeit the entire registration fee, but substitutions can be made at any time. Please contact CASRO at (631) 928-6954 if you need to make a substitution.

CASRO Member Fees (all fees in U.S. Dollars)

Regular registration (registered and/or paid after September 7, 2007)
First registrant from member company/organization - $1,100
Additional registrants from member company/organization - $1,025

ABEP (Brazil), AMAI (Mexico), ESOMAR, MRIA (Canada), and MRS Member Fees:
If you are a research company leader and a member of these organizations, you are invited to attend (CASRO Member fees extended):
First registrant from member company/organization - $1,100
Additional registrants from member company/organization - $1,025

Non-Members Fees:
Non-members are permitted to attend only if you qualify as a prospective CASRO member from a qualifying research company and have not attended any past Annual Conferences as a non-member.  If your company applies for membership by December 1, 2007, CASRO will refund the non-member surcharge for the conference.

All Non-Members
No multiple firm discounts  - $1,395

Guests/Spouses - Evening Cocktail Reception and Dinner:
This registration only includes the cocktail reception and dinner for one or both nights.  Spouses and guests may not attend any other conference session/meals unless they register separately as a conference registrant and pay the full registration fee.  Spouses and guests may not attend the breakfasts.

Wednesday and/or Thursday Evening - $145 each night

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