Tapping in to Online

Date: 22 May 2006

The worldwide web opens up new possibilities of faster, higher-volume and more efficient research – but at what price? Do the benefits of online research come at the expense of quality? And are researchers employing online methodologies to their best advantage?

‘Advances and Opportunities in Market Research Online’ is a one-day MRS conference designed to address the very essence of online research – from the pros and cons of this exciting medium to tips for selecting the best online panels and concerns about declining response rates. Held on 27 June at London’s Crowne Plaza, the conference brings together agency and client-side experts to deliver crucial insights and advice on today’s and tomorrow’s online research practices at home and abroad.

Chaired by Pete Comley, chairman, Virtual Surveys, the programme kicks off with a keynote address from George Terhanian, president, Harris Interactive in Europe, on the key factors influencing the adoption of online approaches in the US and Europe and his vision of how the European online market will develop.

The ‘Quality’ session features renowned speakers Darren Noyce, managing director, SKOPOS Market Insight, who will look at the key issues involved in ensuring quality online research and Martin Oxley, managing director, TNS EAP who will present results of a US study and assess the actual impact of declining response rates.

‘Panel Experiences’ offers three very different perspectives - client-side from Miranda McGuire, research manager, GMTV; B2B from John Caldwell, director, client service, Research Now, and international from Richard Thornton, client development director, Ciao UK – highlighting the contrasting views of online panels and the issues to consider when applying online research to different briefs.

The third ‘Developments in Qualitative Research’ session brings together Graeme Trayner, planning and research director, Brunswick Group LLP, Nick Watkins, managing director, GfK NOP Financial, and Ray Poynter, managing director, The Future Place, who will share their views on emerging research technologies and the future of online.

Sophie Russell-Ross, MRS conference manager, comments: “Online research is maturing – offering huge opportunities for researchers and their clients. The online world is evolving rapidly, providing ever-more scope and techniques to enable faster, more efficient research of bigger, broader markets. To make full use of this fast changing medium, researchers need to stay ahead of the game – to understand the benefits and potential hazards of online research, and how to best exploit this technology. This session is a must-attend for anyone wanting to hear about the latest developments in qualitative and quantitative research online, and what it can offer them.”

‘Advances and Opportunities in Market Research Online runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Tuesday 27 June. For more information or to book a place please contact Elaine Merrins on 020 7566 1878 or email Elaine.Merrins@mrs.org.uk.

Notes to editors

With members in more than 70 countries, MRS is the world’s largest association representing providers and users of market, social, and opinion research, and business intelligence.

MRS serves both individuals and organisations who identify with its core values of professionalism, excellence, and effectiveness.

It has a diverse membership of individual researchers within agencies, independent consultancies, client-side organisations, the public sector and the academic community – at all levels of seniority and in all job functions.

Research Conferences, organised by the MRS, take place throughout the year and offer a series of leading-edge one-day conferences, seminars and workshops.

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