Listen to this article

It’s been a week since I returned to the office from the Corporate Researchers Conference (CRC) in Dallas and there are just a few more observations I wanted to share with the Quirk’s audience.

  1. Since the economy tanked, everyone’s been talking about shrinking staff and budgets. Through the various questions that were asked during sessions, I saw that this is not being overhyped. What surprised me, however, is that fewer resources don’t limit researchers’ drive and enthusiasm for delivering fresh, quality work. It seems that everyone is truly trying to do more with less. Not the same amount with less or a better job on fewer projects – more. Their ambition inspired me!
  2. In that same vein, researchers are very concerned with cost. Leaving several sessions I heard attendees lamenting to another, “I wonder how much that cost.” Researchers are looking for new applications for the tools and resources already in their arsenal.
  3. Researchers take continuing education seriously. I moderated a few of the sessions and was surprised by how many attendees approached me asking questions about how to get started on the PRC process. (Quirk’s is planning more articles on research education in 2013 so stay tuned.)
  4. The exhibit hall was buzzing. Even with almost double the exhibitors as the first CRC, it felt like every booth had at least one researcher visiting and asking questions at all times, including our own. One exhibitor told me that by the first the first night they had garnered more qualified leads than they had from several other industry shows combined. From CPG to financial services, the corporate researchers showed up in droves.
  5. Exhibitors and corporate researchers alike showed concern that word is going to get out about the CRC and spoil the fun. A few corporate researchers commented on how many research suppliers were there and exhibitors suggested that non-exhibiting suppliers not be allowed to attend, keeping the corporate-to-supplier ratio as high as possible. It’s not shocking that exhibitors would make this request but the ratio is something the CRC planning committee will keep a close eye on in 2013!

Overall, I enjoyed my time at the show immensely and was happy to connect with our client-side audience to get a better idea of what their jobs are like.

Now it’s time to close the book on the CRC and look forward to TMRE in November. Hope to see you there!