Call for contributions: Futures and Insight Conference 2026

Where foresight, consumer research and forecasting converge

Rapid shifts in consumer behaviour and market dynamics require a more joined-up approach to futures-focused insight.

Insight professionals are under increasing pressure to move beyond explaining what is, to anticipating what could be next, with forecasting and prediction being incorporated into projects. At the same time, foresight professionals are seeking ways to make horizon scanning and long-term scenarios more actionable in the near term, bridging the gap between futures thinking and day-to-day decision-making. Both disciplines are aligned in their aims to increase their value to stakeholders by taking on a more strategic advisory role.

This new conference from MRS is designed for foresight leaders, heads of insight, strategy leads and market forecasting practitioners – in both client organisations and agencies. It will explore key principles, methodologies and tools for futures work, look at how to drive activation with stakeholders and explore how to combine elements of foresight and trend forecasting in market research to extend its value.

We’re keen to explore:

• Foresight methodologies and scenario generation in real-world settings
• Projects which combine foresight and market research to extend their value

• Learnings from outstanding foresight practice and projects

• Innovative technologies and tools in foresight (eg AI in horizon scanning)
• How foresight and market research align and what each discipline can learn from the other
• Strategies for increasing stakeholder influence and examples of successful activation strategies of futures research
• Approaches to evaluating and demonstrating foresight impact

• Cultural considerations across effective futures thinking and activation e.g. recognising and overcoming bias
• Discussions on building foresight capability - should agencies build or partner?

Submission guidelines

If you have a case study or discussion point to share at Futures and Insight, please submit via our online form by Monday 23 February.

Please let us know if you’d like to be considered for a case study, no-slides panel session, in conversation with (interview style) or round table discussion session. All conference slots are 30 mins.

Please submit via our online form by Monday 23 February.

A quick note on our selection criteria:

We give priority to:

• Real world case studies presented with end-clients
• Pioneering methodologies and applications
• New and diverse voices in the field
• MRS company partners

MRS is committed to equal gender representation on the conference platform. MRS also strives to achieve a minimum target of 15% of speakers from ethnically diverse backgrounds.