Conference Program

14th Annual Technology Conference
Millennium Broadway Hotel • New York City • May 28-29, 2009

 

Feeling the pressure to cut costs and improve quality, firms throughout the industry are seeking solutions via technology. This year’s conference addresses an industry-wide need to better understand technology and its application to research. Key topics include: The Current Economic Reality, Social Media, Technology and Marketplace Trends, Advanced Data Analysis, Quality and more.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

8:00 a.m. - Registration and Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors

8:45 a.m. - Welcoming Remarks
Diane K. Bowers, President, CASRO
Christian Super, Senior Vice President, Ipsos North America; Committee Co-Chair
Michael Webster, Vice President, Technology, Burke, Inc.; Committee Co-Chair

TRENDS IN MARKETING RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY

9:00 a.m. - Where We Are and Where We Might Be Going
The intersection of IT and market research is the heart of our conference.  The growth of web-based data collection is driving change and innovation in our industry.  But other technology challenges are critical to the health and growth of MR organizations as well. What are MR organizations trying to do with technology? This presentation will share results from the ConfirmIT 5th Annual MR Software Study, which polled a representative sample of more than 200 companies on their current and future software demands and their views on a wide range of general technology trends.
Tim Macer, Managing Director, meaning ltd.
Patrick Molloy, Chief Strategy Officer, Confirmit

10:00 a.m. - Invest in Technology Now – Reap the Benefits Later (and Now)
In today’s challenging economic climate, organizations are looking for ways to deliver improved results with shorter time horizons and fewer resources. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by re-evaluating your IT strategy and expenditures and better aligning them with the current business environment. This presentation will provide a better understanding of how companies can invest in technology and ultimately generate ROI from the development of a smart, technology-based strategy.
Hugh Davis, Executive Vice President, Greenfield Online, Inc.

10:40 a.m. - Break with Exhibitors

11:10 a.m. - Importance of SaaS to Market Researchers
As Software as a Service (SaaS) matures into an accepted business model, it is changing the way people buy and use software.  New software applications are emerging that are more efficient, easier to purchase, and often easier to use than traditional desktop tools.  The collaborative nature of MR work, the prevalence of distributed teams, and the need for specialized applications for collecting and analyzing data are just some of the factors that make market research particularly well suited for web-based software.  In this presentation, we’ll look at how SaaS is different from traditional software and why it’s an important development that market researchers must take into account as they make decisions about technology.
Michael J. DeNitto, Chief Executive Officer, MarketSight L.L.C.

11:45 a.m. - Shopper Marketing and the Use of Virtual Simulations
Shopper marketing is more than simply a promotional display.  The function encompasses a multitude of marketing levers that can be manipulated in the store -- from a product’s packaging, to price and promotions, signage, and even arrangement on the aisle.  As marketers invest more in shopper marketing strategies, they are also investing more in shopper insights to support the initiatives. Today, there is an alternative to expensive, lengthy and at times disruptive in-store tests: virtual shopping platforms.  Using a virtual environment, marketers can test in-store initiatives quickly and cost-efficiently.  Successful virtual shopping research requires more than the latest technology and this presentation will outline keys to success.
Cathy Allin, President & Chief Executive Officer, Decision Insight, Inc.

12:20 p.m. - Future Versions of Internet: Web 3.0, 4.0 and counting
While many are still trying to jump on the Web 2.0 train, the future incarnations of the web are already being thrashed out.  There is no uniform opinion about where we are headed. Upcoming changes should make peoples’ lives easier, more interesting, more connected and more convenient. But by which means? Could this be another opportunity for market research to help shape the future?
Alex Gofman, Vice President, Moskowitz Jacobs Inc.

1:00 p.m. Lunch (provided) – Sponsored by Opinion Outpost

SOCIAL MEDIA RESEARCH

2:15 p.m. - Leading Respondents from Social Networks to Surveys
Feeling left out of LinkedIn? Like a twit for not being on Twitter? There’s much to stay on top of in the realm of social networks. This presentation reveals how technology can be used to invite respondents, prescreen them and receive their virtual currency all within the trusted environment of the social network.  The speaker will discuss how embedded social media surveys differ from email-based ones and why this methodology leads to increased response rates. The session will also address the challenges posed in designing a new technology for online research in an entirely new space.
Simon Chadwick, Chief Executive Officer, Peanut Labs, Inc.

2:50 p.m. – Getting In Line with Online: Making Sense of Chat-based Focus Groups, Ethnogrophies, Blogs, and More
As the market research industry evolves the adoption of online methodologies is increasing.  The usage of online focus groups and bulletin boards is escalating as is the popularity of social networking sites and blogs.  With these new techniques comes a laundry list of new terms like shills, feeds, care circles, tags and user generated content.  What are these new methodologies and how do you make sense of the jargon associated with them?  And most importantly, when is it appropriate to suggest a blog, or forum, or online community to a client? In this session the speaker will explore the advancements in online qualitative research methodologies and discuss best practices.  Techniques examined will include real-time, chat-based focus groups, blogs, forums, bulletin boards, online research communities, online ethnographies and online diaries. 
Jim Longo, Vice President, Client Development, Itracks

3:30 p.m. Break with Exhibitors

4:00 p.m. - Integration of Behavioral, Attitudinal & Financial Metrics
In light of the recent economic downturn, there has been increasing attention paid to the need for a systematic, optimized process for assessing the products in a company’s portfolio. Learn from a recently developed product portfolio assessment tool that derives its baseline assessment from evaluation of 21 different financial, market, brand, customer and distribution factors. 
Brian Moriarty, Vice President / Chief Strategy Officer, Market Directions, Inc.

5:00 p.m. - Respondent Technology Preferences
While many companies are incorporating flashier surveys – some via use of Flash - the question arises of what this change will mean to the data.  Do all people want slicker surveys, or are they only for younger, hipper respondents? Do certain respondents prefer plain text surveys over a flashy experience?  Is offering surveys in both environments best for the data?
Chuck Miller, General Manager, DMS Research

5:35 p.m. - Adjournment Day I
5:35 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.   Cocktail Reception
– Sponsored by e-Rewards Market Research

7:00 p.m. - Dinner (on your own)

 

Friday, May 29, 2009

8:00 a.m. - Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors
– Sponsored by Ocucom

8:30 a.m. - Automation of Analytical Protocols
The production of presentation-quality plots and graphs from market research data can be a daunting task, sometimes requiring as much time as the analysis itself.  Managers in today’s business environment are typically under tight timeline constraints and want to see results soon after data collection has concluded.  These two factors squeeze many analysts. See how a recently implemented set of automation routines has eased the pressure by linking advanced quantitative analysis with production software to generate high quality, presentation-ready visualizations of studies.
Val Vandiver, Director of Market Analytics, Market Directions, Inc.

9:30 a.m. - Customized Operations for Customized Research
Technology is an enabler and not a solution unto itself. Therefore, to realize its true benefits, technology must be applied at the right place and time. In research, for large (repeatable and/or long-term) projects, the goal should be to adapt the technology around the project, instead of the other way around. This presentation outlines a strategic approach for implementing technology in long-term projects – whether tweaking existing technology or using new applications.
Sameer Inamdar, Assistant General Manager, Datamatics Global Services Limited
Eleanor Dilworth, Vice President TRS Project Services /Sampling, Synovate Inc.

10:30 a.m. - Break with Exhibitors

11:00 a.m. - The Impact of Technology on Research Quality
How can technology application and operational practices can help (and hinder) the realization of quality improvement in the industry? Find out in a comprehensive review of critical issues such as Digital Fingerprinting and related activities; various methods of identifying “fraudulent” respondents and related issues; a discussion of the concept of Total Survey Error (TSE) and how to control it; the role of quality audits and their technology impact and requirements; and the application of new Internet-based technologies.
Peter Milla, Senior Consultant, Survey Sampling International

MOBILE RESEARCH

12:00 p.m. – Leveraging the Mobile Platform to Understand Consumer Behavior
Over half of all US mobile phone subscribers use mobile data – text messages, photos, videos, internet surfing, looking for directions, downloading and playing games, getting music, checking email and more. In fact, the mobile platform may outpace and replace the usage of traditional computers for services currently provided on the web, including market research.  Consumers are expecting companies to adjust to these changing dynamics and get feedback where and when it is most convenient for them. And the natural immersive quality of mobile makes it an outstanding fit with the market research challenges of motivating participation and engaging respondents. 
Heidi Dickert, Co-Founder, Mobile Compass

12:30 p.m. - Avoiding the ‘Hang ups’ - Understanding Mobile Phone Self-completion Surveys
As mobile research becomes a more mainstream offering, it is essential that we design and implement surveys that best interact with participants. This presentation reviews the impact the mobile platform has on survey engagement including selecting the most appropriate technology among mobile internet, and downloading mobile applications, and measuring the impact recency has on survey engagement. Also featured is a discussion on usability and technology issues and tips to enhance mobile survey invitations.
A.J. Johnson, Director, Online Research, Ipsos, United Kingdom

1:00 p.m. - Conference Adjournment

 

 

Hotel Information

The Millennium Broadway is located in the heart of Times Square, and the best of New York waits just outside its doors. To experience world-famous shows, walk to any of 22 landmark Broadway theaters and several off-Broadway theaters. To appreciate world-renowned art and history, take a short walk or cab ride to the American Museum of Natural History, MOMA, the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Guggenheim Museum. To enjoy world-class shopping, explore Fifth Avenue and the surrounding area for exclusive boutiques and expansive department stores.

Address:	145 West 44th Street New York, USA 10036-4012
Room Reservations:	(212) 768-4400
	RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM HERE

 

Room Reservations/Deadlines

CASRO has reserved a limited number of sleeping rooms at the Millennium Broadway Hotel at a rate of $289 plus tax, per night for the nights of Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, 2009. Click here to reserve your room or contact room reservations at the Hotel directly at (212) 768-4400 and reference CASRO to receive this rate. The hotel room/rate reservation deadline is Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 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 May 6, the hotel will take reservations on a rate and space availability basis only.

Special Hotel Credit: If you stay at the Millennium Broadway Hotel (on Wednesday, May 27 and/or Thursday, May 28, 2009) you will receive a $50 credit toward your conference registration fee (limit of $50 credit per registrant). This credit will be given after the conference.

CASRO reserves the right to release your sleeping room back into the hotel's inventory if you do not register to attend this Conference within 5 days of reserving your room. Should you fail to register for the conference, or if you cancel your conference registration, CASRO will not be responsible for cancelling your hotel room and therefore will not be responsible for any cancellation or no-show fees incurred. CASRO also will not be held responsible for any costs incurred due to attendees' inability to travel as a result of inclement weather.

 

Travel to New York

The Millennium Broadway Hotel is located in midtown Manhattan and is accessible from NY’s La Guardia and JFK Airports as well as Newark International Airport in New Jersey. All major carriers fly into these airports. Car rental and taxi and limousine services are available from all airports. New York is also easily accessible via train (Amtrak) from Philadelphia, Boston and Washington D.C.

 

 

 

 

Registration Information/Fees (all fees in US Dollars)

CASRO Member Fees (all fees in US Dollars)

First registrant from member company - $995*
Additional registrants from member company - $795*

Non-Member Fees

No multiple registration discounts - $1,195*

The registration fee includes continental breakfasts, lunch on Thursday, breaks, conference materials, and the cocktail reception on Thursday evening. Wireless internet access will be provided to each registrant in the exhibit area at no cost.

*Special Hotel Credit: If you stay at the Millennium Broadway Hotel (on Wednesday, May 27 and/or Thursday, May 28, 2009) you will receive a $50 credit toward your conference registration fee (limit of $50 credit per registrant). This credit will be given after the conference.

Cancellations on or before Friday, May 15 will be charged a $175 cancellation fee. Cancellations after May 15 and no-shows will forfeit the entire registration fee, but substitutions can be made at any time. Please contact CASRO to make a substitution.

Disclaimer:
CASRO reserves the right to cancel this Conference at any time. In the event of cancellation, you will receive a full refund of the registration fee, however CASRO is not responsible for any other expenses incurred (hotel, airline). You will not be eligible for a refund if you are unable to get to the event due to weather/travel issues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibitors and Sponsor Information

EXHIBIT FEE SCHEDULE:
CASRO MEMBER: $3,000
NON-MEMBER: $3,500
(Limit of 20 spaces)

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Premier Sponsor: $10,000 (Sold)
Thursday Cocktail: $3,500 (Sold)
Thursday Lunch: $3,000 (Sold)

Members with 1 registration: $1,650
Non-Members with 1 registration: $2,150
Members without attendance: $675
Non-Members without attendance: $875

The exhibit space is a table-top exhibit only - a full booth, including pop-ups are NOT permitted.  The table is 6-foot in length and includes chairs, standard electric and limited space behind the table.  One retractable banner stand will be permitted but can only be placed behind the table.  The total width of the banner stand cannot exceed 4 feet.  The exhibit fee includes the table and conference registration for 1 person as well as wireless internet in the exhibit area and meeting space.  Exhibit space is limited.