MRIA 2016 National Conference Call for Speakers
Honoring the Past and Embracing the Future
The evolution of market research in Canada
June 1-3, 2016, Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Montreal, Quebec
We’ve all heard it before, Market Research is at a crossroads. New methodologies clash with
traditional as researchers try to meet the needs of the marketplace for cheaper and faster
insights, while at the same time ensuring that the research is reliable and actionable. With
declining survey respondents, traditional methods for data collection, such as phone and panel
surveys are no longer the primary focus for many researchers. So what is? Mobile, tablets, social
media? The 2016 MRIA conference is looking for speakers who are tackling this issue head on,
with new technologies geared toward evolving the traditional market research industry, while
still ensuring the highest quality results for clients. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase
how your organization is embracing the market research evolution! The format for the
presentations will be Ted Talk style, with each approved submission given 20 minutes to dazzle
their audience. For 2016 we will be offering English and French presentation tracks. Be sure to
submit your proposal by the December 4th, 2015 deadline – we can’t wait to see you there!
At our 2016 National Conference, we are looking for thought-provoking submissions with:
1. Client presentations – MRIA strongly encourages clients to come out and share their
experiences with the delegates. It is from this type of communication that all delegates
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gain a deeper understanding of the changing needs of your organization and learn from
what you have been able to accomplish internally.
Joint vendor-client presentations - Paper submissions where there is a practical
application shown from the client’s perspective are highly encouraged.
Case studies showing the practical application of new technologies and their results are
always welcome.
Increased interactivity of panel discussions through tough questions. With the topic at
hand this should not be a problem given our broad range of membership!
Controversial topics that lead to dynamic, healthy debates are welcome if they are
professionally presented.
Please note that sales focused submissions will not be accepted. We encourage
submissions that tell a story with actual results – another great reason to get a client
involved in the process!
Benefit for presenters:
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Presentation taping provided free of charge for personal use.
At the end of the presentation, we encourage clients to let the audience know what type
of research reporting they are interested in learning more about at the conference.
Complimentary one-day registration to the MRIA 2016 National Conference on the day of
your presentation. Speakers will have the opportunity to upgrade to a full pass at a
considerable discount.
Promotion in conference materials, including MRIA’s bulletins, Pulse e-newsletter,
LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, the official Conference program and app, billboards and
PowerPoint slides.
Increased industry profile through significant contribution to the MRIA community and
networking opportunities.
Continued exposure post-event through recording and photo archives on MRIA’s website.
Networking with other industry leaders in this once-a-year nationwide event.
Speaker Obligations
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Provide own transportation and accommodation related to the MRIA 2016 National
Conference.
Submit all requested information and within identified deadlines.
Permit MRIA to post recordings, photos and presentations online subsequent to the
conference.
Deadlines and Key Dates
IMMEDIATE: Start drafting your response to the 2016 MRIA National Conference!
Submission date: Submit your proposal to Fiona Somerville fsomerville@mria-arim.ca by
December 4, 2015
Submission Guidelines
To submit a proposal for the 2016 National Conference, please fill out the Proposal Submission
forms provided below, and return to Fiona Somerville at fsomerville@mria-arim.ca.
In an effort to select the very best proposals without prior knowledge of parties submitting,
please provide 2 copies of your submission – one WITH your name and company/organization
references throughout and one WITHOUT your name(s) and company/organization references.
Submission forms for both named and unnamed proposals have been provided below.
We understand this can be challenging in some circumstances, depending on the nature and role
of the organization submitting, such as government, agencies or crown corporations; however,
we still encourage you to strip these references out of one copy of your submission.
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Submission deadline is December 4, 2015
One presentation will need to tackle one topic – and only one
Learning outcomes must be well articulated (i.e., what are the key takeaways and what
will the audience get out of the session)
Articulate what the implications are for both clients and for suppliers
Submissions must include contact information for two references that can vouch for the
public-speaking ability of the presenter(s). Submissions may include reference to recent
presentations made to audience members known to the selection committee.
All submissions will be subject to review by the MRIA. To be considered, all speakers must
include a bio, headshot, and short summary of the presentation. If you do not include
these pieces in your submission, you will automatically be disqualified from the selection
process.
Send your final submissions no later than December 4, 2015 to Fiona Somerville at
fsomerville@mria-arim.ca
Proposal Submission Form- WITH NAMES
Please fill in the boxes below. Information from submissions will be reprinted in conference
materials, so please keep within specified word limits, using clear language, and ensure that your
details are accurate. By submitting a proposal, you are agreeing to have your presentation
recorded for later use by MRIA. PLEASE NOTE* If you do not include a Speaker Bio, picture, and
contact information with your submission, your proposal will not be considered.
Submit proposal to Fiona Somerville at the MRIA at fsomerville@mria-arim.ca by December 4th,
2015.
1. Proposed Session Title
a. Maximum 5 words
2. Session Description
a. 100 -200 words. This paragraph will appear in conference publicity including Pulse
Newsletter, on the speaker section of the conference website, and in the
conference program, so it should clearly and succinctly describe your session in a
way that will pique interest and attract attendees.
3. Interest Statement
a. 400 words. An explicit statement of why the audience should attend the session.
4. Learning Outcomes
a. 400 words. Identification of 3 or 4 expected learning outcomes that session
attendees are likely to achieve (i.e., “As a result of this session, participants will…”)
5. Speaker Credentials
a. 100- 200 words. Brief identification of credentials and qualifications, including
references.
6. Speaker bio and headshot.
a. 100 words. Name, position and organization. Headshot and bio must be included.
This will be used in all conference material, including the website and program.
PLEASE NOTE* Speakers who do not include a bio and picture will automatically
be disqualified from the selection process.
7. Speaker Bio of Co-Presenters
a. 100 words per speaker. Name, position and organization of co-presenters, if
applicable (to a maximum of 2 others, unless it is a panel). Name, position and
organization. Headshot and bio must be included.
8. Primary Contact
a. All Conference communication will be through the primary contact, who will be
responsible for ensuring that all co-presenters are informed of any details. This
person will be responsible for relaying all information between speaker(s) and
MRIA.
Primary Contact Information
Name _____________________________________________________________________
Title ______________________________________________________________________
Company __________________________________________________________________
Email ________________________________Phone _______________________________
Proposal Submission Form- WITHOUT NAMES
Please fill in the boxes below. Information from proposals will be reprinted in
conference materials, so please keep within specified word limits, using clear
language, and ensure that your details are accurate. By submitting a proposal, you
are agreeing to have your presentation recorded for later use by MRIA. Do not include
any names in this proposal which could identify the speaker or company.
Submit proposal to Fiona Somerville at the MRIA at fsomerville@mria-arim.ca by
December 4th, 2015.
1. Proposed Session Title
a. Maximum 5 words
2. Session Description
a. 100 -200 words. This paragraph will appear in conference publicity including Pulse
Newsletter, on the speaker section of the conference website, and in the
conference program, so it should clearly and succinctly describe your session in a
way that will pique interest and attract attendees.
3. Interest Statement
a. 400 words. An explicit statement of why the audience should attend the session.
4. Learning Outcomes
a. 400 words. Identification of 3 or 4 expected learning outcomes that session
attendees are likely to achieve (i.e., “As a result of this session, participants will…”)