BIG Conference 2009
Surviving the Economic Impact and New Dimensions
BIG Conference, Marriott St. Pierre Chepstow – 13th to 15th May 2009
This year’s conference holding prices but even more value.
Accountants may quibble at the cost of conferences, but for B2B researchers who want to keep ahead of the game, to find out what’s going on and to network, the BIG Conference is a “must” on the calendar.
This annual conference is being held again this year at the Marriot St. Pierre which offers delegates the chance to remain in one location for both the serious and social elements of the conference.
It’s no surprise that the main themes are how to survive the economic downturn and how to look forward to help the industry move ahead in difficult times, (business to business research may be more affected in the early stages than fast moving consumer goods research).
There are two keynotes. On Day 1, a day devoted mainly to client issues, David Smith (DVL Smith), an acclaimed researcher and author of many award winning books on research, will discusses the notion that “Neuroscientists tell us that ‘in a straight choice between emotion and reason, emotion wins’: so exactly how do business decision-makers now want us to present our market research evidence?”
Mark Stuart will close the second day of the conference, which is devoted to agency issues. Mark is Head of Research at the Chartered Institute of Marketing and writer of the Institute’s acclaimed Shape the Agenda papers. Both the keynote speakers are original thinkers chosen for their very different approaches at this time when we all need both measured input and the creative spark.
Papers, Client Forums and Q & A sessions, Debates, Training Sessions will provide the intellectual challenge over much of the two days. Some of those taking part in one or other of the activities include those from Nokia, Vodafone, BT, Legal & General, Associated News and the Royal Mail. What will the future hold, the future of work, desk research today, the role of digital in providing insight, combining research and financial data, ROI, the role of social brainstorming in business decisions – all these are subjects that will be covered in the course of the conference.
Three training sessions will also add to the choices offered – with special sessions on the Stated Preference technique, “using the customer’s route map” and extracting insight. In all, how organisations make decisions is a major theme – a useful focus in these times when all suppliers want to hold on to their business and need to understand the mechanics behind clients’ choices.
The BIG Conference is known for its informal approach and excellent networking opportunities. Golf for both beginners as well as for seasoned players starts the conference off for those with a sporting bent; but whether it’s the Thursday tennis competition or Tiddlywinks at the bar, whether the formal Thursday night dinner or just coffee during blackberry breaks, there will be a lot going on. We want lots of people to come – “fig” we say to those who are watching the purse strings. This is a must for those in B2B who want to thrive in straightened times.
The conference consistently scores the highest marks for content, value for money, and ability to network
As one of last year’s delegates said “The conference itself was terrific – the papers, the presenters, the networking / socializing opportunities – really top-notch”
http://www.bigconference.org
For more information:
Ruth McNeil
Mailto:rmcneil@tiscali.co.uk
Mobile: 07721 564 994
Landline: 020 8868 5653
