Partnering with Hindustan Unilever Limited, MRSI initiated The Community Program (TCP) 2023, focusing on the theme “The Role of Market Research and Insights in supporting Charities/Non-Profits in overcoming relevant and meaningful social issues”. The program was incredibly impactful, and it was wonderful to see both young and senior members of the research fraternity coming together to address meaningful social issues.

This initiative brought a wealth of resources and expertise to the table, enhancing the program’s reach and effectiveness. Charities and NGOs gained valuable, actionable insights from this collaboration, highlighting the program’s success in facilitating practical solutions.

MRSI’s Community Program is a vital platform that connects emerging talent with established industry leaders, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at addressing societal challenges. By partnering with grassroot level NGOs and ‘not-for-profit’ organizations, this initiative effectively channels the skills and enthusiasm of young research professionals towards making a tangible difference in the community.

This fusion of youthful vigour, innovative ideas and the resources of member companies underscores a commendable effort to address pressing social questions. It is heartening to see a concerted effort to leverage research and industry resources for a greater good, contributing to the advancement of society.

The 31st Annual Market Research Seminar hosted by MRSI at The Leela, Mumbai on 9th and 10th of October 2023, was a vibrant gathering that celebrated the best of India’s MR and Insights industry. The theme, ‘Taming the Choppy Waters’, indicates a focus on navigating challenges and exploring unchartered territories within the field. The Seminar received a total of 99 original research papers from leading brands and agencies across 4 broad themes – Maiden Voyage, Adventure, Steering and Sailors, reflecting the depth and diversity of contributions. 19 papers were shortlisted by the committee and presented to the industry, ensuring that the industry was exposed to high-quality, cutting-edge insights.

The event saw an impressive footfall of 570 attendees over the two days, along with virtual participation. The presence of various stakeholders, including startups and established enterprises, demonstrates the event’s ability to attract a wide spectrum of professionals across India. The success of MRSI’s 31st Annual Market Research Seminar was supported by 26 sponsors, 8 exhibitors and 5 media partners.

MRSI organizes annual seminars with topical themes where original papers from Indian insights professionals are presented along with internationally awarded, published papers. The seminars also have several keynotes from industry captains and marketing leaders. These annual seminars are open to all to attend for a fee. The members of the MRSI can avail a discounted rate.

Overall, the 31st Annual Market Research Seminar appears to have been a dynamic amalgamation of research, industry expertise, and networking opportunities, contributing to the advancement of the MR and Insights sector in India.

Wednesday Webinars are monthly rendezvous exploring new thinking, methods, and trends in the marketing and insights realm. Constructed by industry experts, these webinars are the gateway to staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape. These webinars are organized on a Wednesday of every month in between 1 and 2 PM IST. The topics and speakers are curated and hosted by a committee appointed by the Managing Committee of the MRSI. The speakers are experts from the industry who share their thoughts on the topics selected for discussion.

The next webinar “Evolution of Indian Shopper” is scheduled on 20th March 2024 at 1 pm IST. Industry experts from Amazon, Ipsos, Kantar and KPMG will join to share valuable insights. The session will cover key aspects of the developing e-commerce scenario in India, the increasing shift to online shopping, the influence of mobile commerce and Apps, and the changing payment landscape with a focus on digital methods like UPI and wallets. It will also explore the future outlook, considering the impact of technologies like augmented reality and artificial intelligence on the shopping experience. To know more and register for the webinar, click here.

Donning the hat of the emcee for Golden Key Awards 2023 were Garima Agarwal, Research Manager at Purple Audacity Research and Innovation and Shaktik Shenoy, Research Executive at Ipsos India. The awards ceremony also witnessed an inspiring session titled “A Warrior’s Wisdom: Lessons from the trenches” by Lt. General DS Hooda, former Army Commander of Indian Army’s Northern Command. Shobha Prasad, Founder Director at Drshti Strategic Research Services also led an energizer session on the topic of “Finding Work-Laugh Balance”.

Among the many categories, MRSI each year also recognises the industry’s veterans for their significant contribution. MRSI’s Golden Key Awards 2023 honoured Partha Rakshit and Pranesh Mishra, two of India’s most notable personalities from across the research and insights industry for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The MRSI Golden Key Awards serve as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the pivotal role of research and researchers in driving business growth for their clients. Research and insights are the bedrock upon which successful branding, marketing strategies, and overall business decisions are built.

Initiated in 2019, these awards have a commendable objective: to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of research professionals. By bringing their work into the limelight, these awards not only acknowledge the efforts of these individuals but also elevate the significance of their contributions within the realm of Marketing Research and Insights.

Instilling a sense of prestige and honour associated with exceptional work in marketing research and insights is essential for acknowledging the behind-the-scenes efforts that are instrumental in driving business success. These awards serve as a platform to showcase and honour the dedication, innovation, and impact of research professionals on the business landscape.