Total Credits: 9 including 9 Advance Credits
As we emerge from this unprecedented time, we invite qualitative professionals and students to REconnect and REenergize at the QRCA Annual Conference! Attendees will gain skills and inspiration to take their research to the next level. We hope you can join us at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay in San Diego to mingle with qually friends old and new and absorb even more amazing content all centered around this year’s theme: REimagine REsearch.
Fully recognizing that every individual’s situation is in flux, QRCA’s goal is to make it easier for you to attend the QRCA Annual Conference in San Diego, California. As a result, we have implemented risk-free registration. If you are unable to attend the in-person Annual Conference, full refunds will be available as long as you cancel in writing by April 14, 2022.
Out of an abundance of caution for everyone’s health and safety, QRCA moved the in-person San Diego event from January 2022 to May 16 -18, 2022.
“I love going to the conference every year to see my Qually friends. Sessions are always interesting, but the best part is getting to hang with people who get me and understand my business. The QRCA conference has been the catalyst for so many great personal and professional RElationships in my life.”
- Jessica Broome, Founder, Southpaw Insights and QRCA member since 2012
Marta Villanueva is a bilingual / bicultural qualitative researcher and strategist with 20+ years of experience in moderating and facilitating sessions with various group sizes, across categories, different participant types, sensitive/complex challenges, and in various locations (U.S. and internationally). She has a proven track record advising top 100 clients, leveraging experience from 3500+ insights and strategy sessions.
Marta earned a M.Sc. in Creativity, Creative Problem Solving, and Change Leadership from the State University of New York. As one of the only market research veterans with a master’s in creative studies, Marta publishes and speaks in various industry organizations. Her article “Keeping the ‘Co’ in Virtual Co-Creation” made the cover of QRCA VIEWS magazine’s winter 2020 edition.
Marta has served QRCA in many roles, including co-chairing the first ever 2021 QRCA Virtual Annual Conference. Marta was the featured opening speaker for the QRCA 2022 conference in San Diego and was the 2015 QRCA Maryanne Pflug Spirit Award Winner. She lives in Texas.
Tom Rich is one of the most respected practitioners in the field of qualitative research. Since founding his business in 1996, he has conducted thousands of focus groups, one-on-one interviews and online interactions for clients in nearly every industry. Drawing on his many years in brand management, Tom takes an approach that is simultaneously creative, strategic and pragmatic.
A recognized expert on the application of analytical models to market research, Tom is a frequent and sought-after speaker at industry events and regularly teaches master classes for experienced qualitative researchers to help them hone their skills. Tom is a QRCA past president and has participated on many committees to further the mission of the association.
| Alexia leads the Consumer Insights/FanLab team which provides Warner Bros. with insights important to the development of content, product, talent, marketing and distribution strategies across broadcast, syndication, cable and digital platforms. Insights into the “hearts, minds, and motives” of fans and consumers through both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies is critical to help inform business decisions. In her role as VP, Alexia identifies key insights for brands such as DC Entertainment, Ellen, TMZ, The Real, and various other Warner Bros. IP. She spearheads global generational research that identifies potential business implications for content development, distribution and marketing strategies. Alexia is also an experienced Focus Group moderator and leads discussions and ideation sessions with all age levels of consumer segments, gauging their reactions to new and existing content, digital platforms, and exploring their overall media consumption habits. Alexia is a major proponent of empowering young professionals. During her time at WB, she has led the Internship program in her department that has received various accolades from the company. "Providing rich opportunities for young minds to learn, share and express ideas, and grow and develop is an essential part of my leadership philosophy.” |
Giselle is part of the WarnerMedia/Warner Bros. Global Research Insights & Analytics FANLab research team focusing on Cultural Insights. She has been at Warner Bros. for 5 years and along with Cultural Insights, has worked on WB Global Brands & Franchises supporting Consumer Products, the Harry Potter global brand, Themed Experiences and Studio Tours Marketing. Prior to coming to Warner Bros., she honed her 15+ year research career in consumer packaged goods, working on brand development and innovation research at Kellogg’s, Mattel, and 3M.
For over 35 years, Chris Hauck has honed his research skills across many categories, including telecom, IT, medical products, hospitality, and consulting. Chris opened HauckEye in 2020, dedicated to experiential research based on observing consumers in real environments.
Chris has been involved in QRCA conference planning and speaker selection for the last several years, including serving as co-chair of both the 2024 QRCA Conference in Denver and the 2025 QRCA Conference in Philadelphia.
Chris has an MBA from Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, TX, and lives in Colorado.
| My name is Erin Sowell, and I am a marketing researcher and innovation consultant based in Atlanta, GA. I founded Thoughtful Research to help businesses better understand and meet the needs of their customers and employees. I believe that long-term business success is dependent on a business’s ability to form strong connections with their customers and employees. Strong connections with customers can lead to increased loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing, while strong connections with employees can lead to decreased turn-over and increased productivity and job satisfaction. A business’s connection with its customers and employees is only as strong as the business’s ability to understand, anticipate, and meet the functional and emotional needs of their customers and employees. That's where Thoughtful Research comes in! |
| Jamin Brazil is a seasoned chief executive with a background in leading high growth organizations from inception to exit. Over the last 20 years, he has developed a deep knowledge of market research which gives him a unique view when assessing which tools and techniques are trending. As the previous CEO of FocusVision, he was the first to bring to market a combination of qualitative and quantitative technologies that are used by 75% of the Fortune 100 and over 3,000 companies globally. Prior to FocusVision, he pioneered online surveys, conducting one of the first ones in 1996 and founded a top survey platform, Decipher, in 2000. Today, Brazil is the co-founder and CEO of HubUX, a modern project management platform for researchers, and the host of the Happy Market Research podcast. |
Priscilla McKinney, CEO of Little Bird Marketing, is a popular keynote speaker, prolific blogger, podcast host, industry innovator and diversity champion. Best known for making waves in the digital marketing industry, Priscilla has been featured on numerous podcasts, is the President of American Advertising Federation Heartland and has received numerous design, entrepreneurship and industry awards. Along with her expert team, she developed the SOAR System - a proprietary process designed to create sustainable lead generation for busy leaders so they can have confidence in the growth of their company without losing focus on their other responsibilities. Priscilla personifies creativity, entrepreneurship and authentic leadership – inspiring others to truly carve out their own path of success in her uniquely funny, no-nonsense and slightly irreverent way. Oh, and don't give her caffeine. She doesn't need it. |
Rebecca Brooks is an entrepreneur, columnist, and mother with 20 years' experience in the market research industry. As Founder and CEO of full-service market research consultancy Alter Agents, she feeds her inherent curiosity by uncovering the complicated paths today’s consumers take to help clients make better decisions every day. Rebecca’s passion for creating a rich, energized, and balanced work environment – while delivering exceptional quality and value - has created a true culture of collaboration at her company. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology from the College of William & Mary. |
Roben Allong is founder and CEO of Lightbeam Communications, a market research and strategy boutique firm, based in New York City. Lightbeam is known for its unique cultural approach and perspectives. With over a decade of marketing research, and strategy development, as well as consumer culture and trend analysis expertise, she is an expert conductor of B2B and B2C in-person and online research methodologies.
She is an expert in brand positioning and communications, as well as, new product development, category mapping, and market exploration across a wide range of industries. Roben employs cultural intelligence to decipher and decode organization stakeholder and consumer attitudes and behavior. She is often described by her colleagues as the Oprah of the focus room. Her empathetic curiosity and cultural savvy always make for sensitive, yet energetic in-depth interviews and insightful analysis.
She is a past President of QRCA (Qualitative Research Consultants Association), Co-Founder of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force. Roben has also been recognized as a 2024 Insights Association Laureate—a lifetime designation of distinction in the fields of market research, consumer insights, and data analytics. Roben has also moderated panels and presented on various emerging trend topics at Universities and Research conferences in the U.S. and internationally, as well as published articles on culture, consumer trends, and inclusive research methodologies.
Some of her published work include:
One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Post COVID Implications for Marketers and Market Research
Do You K.N.O.W Today’s BIPOC consumer?
Understanding Cultural Insights: The New Next Consumer Normal
The Rise of Cultural Empathy and its Implications for Marketing Research and Marketers
Missy Carvin is the Manager of Programs and Sales at the Creative Education Foundation. She is also the President of New Directions Consulting, a full-service market research and innovation solutions supplier. Missy is a seasoned Creative Problem Solving facilitator and trainer who has worked across sectors and industries, and who is a key strategic partner in developing the Creative Education Foundation’s youth programs and leadership development programs and activities. Missy represents the 2nd Generation of Creative Problem Solving Institute Leaders, who integrate CPS strategies in her family.
Missy is a frequent speaker at the Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI), Florida Creativity Conference (FCC), MindCamp (Canada’s Creativity Conference) and the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA) annual conference. She has worked in the past for two other not-for-profits: Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson and Historic Hudson Valley, and is an active Girl Scout participant in Orlando, FL. Missy applies her strengths of Activator, Woo, Communication, Strategy, and Positivity to her approach to business, parenting, and life in general.
Jay Zaltzman believes that qualitative researchers can offer true value to clients by combining empathy with creative methodology and analytical rigor. Jay has been president of Bureau West Market Research for the past twenty years. He is an active member and past president of the QRCA.
| Allison Rak is a researcher & entrepreneur. With 15+ years experience in consumer insight, she has a diverse background that includes government, technology, media and CPG. She’s the principal of Vatoca, which provides qualitative research & innovation services to a variety of Fortune 500 companies, start-ups and non-profits.She began her career on Capitol Hill, where she helped achieve historic passage of campaign finance reform and was awarded the Common Cause Public Service Achievement Award for her efforts. She earned a BA from Santa Clara University & an MA from The American University. |
| Ted Kendall started his research career on the client side in the technology world--working for Hewlett-Packard, Compaq, and then permutations of US West. In 1997, he conducted a bulletin board research discussion--arguable the first (though that honor may go to Jeff Walkowski by just days or hours). He co-founded QualTalk which became Qualboards (now with Schlesinger). Realizing I missed doing research, he left to form my own gig--TripleScoop Premium Market Research. In the last few months he joined Cricut's Consumer Insights team. Cricut makes electronic cutting machines and other tools and accessories used to make arts and crafts. For fun, he reads voraciously, love a good streaming series, runs, and is a big baseball fan--both games and history. |
Marc began his research career 30+ years ago in quant, shifting to qual 20 years ago—with a very non-linear path in between. A moderator, creative facilitator and strategic consultant, he was a partner at B/R/S Group before venturing out on his own in 2010. Marc’s eclectic background—stand-up, improv and sketch comedy, creative writing, P.R. and copywriting, and law—is an asset in his research and innovation work. He uses applied improvisation in an ideation technique he developed in 2010, called, “Out of Focus Groups®,” which grew out of his experience in two improv and sketch comedy troupes with Kristen Wiig, and his migration from quant to qual.
2021 Maryanne Pflug Spirit Award winner.
Together with Pascal Patenaude, they have developed ‘Blocks + Clay’, applying improvisational thinking and the power of play to uncover innovative insights and translating into action. In this workshop, they will lead you through play with purpose, allowing you to experience ways to get in touch with all your senses, even sharpen your 6th one.
Rick Weitzer is Principal of the Prell Organization, a marketing research consulting firm that uses qualitative and quantitative research methods to help its clients see their brands more clearly. Rick received his M.S. in Urban Studies from Cleveland State University and a B.A. in Psychology from Case Western Reserve University. He currently is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Webster University, teaching marketing research to graduate and undergraduate students, and is co-chair of QRCA’s Academic Special Interest Group.
Founder and President of Insights360, Alicia applies her doctoral training in sociology to creatively design and execute qualitative research. As a born educator and mentor, Alicia relishes her role as a research partner and cultural guide to her longtime clients. An ethnographer at heart, discerning the nuances of language or a lifted eyebrow brings her great satisfaction, especially in multicultural research.
For almost 20 years, Alicia has led the Insights360 team – a certified Minority-Owned and Women-Owned enterprise. Raised as a Chilean Latina in Minnesota, Alicia has a passion for languages and has studied seven. She enjoys participating in theater, cycling and adventure travel around the globe (where her languages come in handy!)
| Bob Taylor received his BBA in Marketing & Management from The University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from the University of North Texas. He is the now the principal at Headline Research after spending most of his career conducting research for P&G and Nestlé. He is also a Marketing Research Adjunct Professor at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas and a RIVA Instructor. |
| Bill Fanning has a BA in Marketing from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and an MBA in Marketing and Finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. While running his own qualitative market research firm, BF Communications, he has also been a faculty member with continuing appointment at the University of California/Berkeley (Haas School of Business) for the past 15 years. |
A passionate qualitative researcher focused on uncovering and illuminating insights, Susan aims to make the research process fun for both clients and participants. For the past 25 years she has incorporated both innovative and tested research methods, continually working to keep research as real-world as possible while using a mix of in-person and tech-based tools. Susan is a leader in both the QRCA and AQR, working toward global collaboration in the marketing research industry. She has presented at local, national and international conferences, guest lectures at universities, and serves as a mentor through WIRe (Women in Research). Susan loves hiking with her dog, traveling with her husband and sons, and volunteering near her home in Boulder, Colorado.
Pam Goldfarb Liss (she/her), a 30-year veteran researcher, loves the always-changing-never-knowing-what’s-coming-next elements of moderating and facilitating creative consumer discussions, especially with kids and teens! With over three decades of experience working with Fortune 100 brands and non-profits, Pam has seen a lot shift in families especially around gender and family structure. Watching now three generations (Millennial, Gen Z and now Gen Alpha) of consumer kids grow up; she knows that the only constant is change. Pam also realizes that curiosity and comfort are about staying open and bravely asking. Pam spent more than a decade living on the east coast in New York City and Washington DC, and she returned ‘home’ to be with her family in colder, but kinder Minneapolis to live with her east-coast bred husband and Gen Z/Alpha cusper daughter.
Cynthia D. Harris, MBA is the founder and ceo of 8:28 Consulting, LLC., a qualitative research and marketing strategy agency. After nearly 15 years in corporate marketing research and marketing roles, Cynthia was inspired to synthesize her professional experiences to solely focus on advocating for the Consumers’ voice at tables where brand decisions are made. She has extensive experience in the qualitative research space as a moderator, experiential research designer and facilitator to many Fortune 100 brands. While her practice is wide-ranging, her specializations include multicultural research, advertising and communication optimization and ethnographic approaches. Cynthia is also actively involved in QRCA and currently serving as the 2022 QRCA Annual Conference Speaker Co-Chair. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdharris/
Jen is pioneer in online market research, with extensive experience on both the buyer and service provider (recruiting) sides. She received her BA in Communications and Advertising from Penn State University and her MBA in Business & Marketing from Rider University. Jen developed one of the first web-based online platforms for conducting surveys and focus groups and is the co-author of Qual-Online, The Essential Guide, a popular how-to book for research practitioners.
| • Michele Ronsen is the Founder & CEO of Curiosity Tank, a user research consultancy based in San Francisco. • Michele is a user research executive, coach and educator. She teaches design and user research to people around the world. Her corporate training and workshops are inspired by her work with Fortune 500 firms and start-ups for more than 20 years. • In 2010, Michele founded Ronsen Consulting, a design and strategy firm specializing in human-centered research, design development and hands-on learning programs. Ten years later, she established Curiosity Tank to help more people ask better questions in order to make confident decisions. • Since 2020, Michele has taught over 5000 students how to ask better questions and make more informed business decisions. LinkedIn also honored her with a TopVoices award in the Technology category. |
| Katja Cahoon, LCSW, MBA is a psychotherapist with a previous career in qualitative market research. Her passion in life is to empower others to grow, change, and find meaning and joy. After a successful career in market research focused on understanding why people do what they do, including corporate, consulting, and entrepreneurship, she decided to utilize this learning and understanding to help people feel and perform better. She trained as a psychotherapist and works mainly with executives and other highly accomplished professionals in Silicon Valley, CA. She helps clients with stress, burn-out, anxiety, depression, and how the past impacts how they feel and act today. Katja is also a certified yoga teacher (RYT-200), meditation teacher, and sports nutrition coach. Katja has taught at Williams James College, Stephen's College, spoken at conferences like IIEX, ESOMAR, Insights Association, and has trained companies all over the world. She has been featured on podcasts and panels. |
Emelia Rallapalli is the founder of Pebble Strategy, a research consultancy based in San Francisco. She helps marketing, advertising, and design executives build strong brands through custom-designed market research programs and brand strategy consulting services.
| | Twitter @ERallapalli | Medium @emelia |
Wendell spent the first 30 years of his career in Research and Scheduling for the network, cable and syndication arms of The Walt Disney Company, serving every audience in every daypart on every platform. As Founder of Wendell Foster Insights, he is now moderating focus groups, putting his corporate experience to use in new and (to him) exciting ways. Wendell has a B.A. from Northwestern University. He moved to the Los Angeles area to earn his M.A. from USC, and he’s lived there ever since.
Jenny began her research career at boutique research supplier Axen Research from 2010 – 2014, most recently serving as Strategic Director. She then struck out on her own, joining a variety of research teams and end clients across retail, tech, CPG, B2B and not for profit. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Pomona College and a Masters in Education from Claremont University.
Dexter Chew is a photographer and amateur cook. He started Q One Tech, a ResTech software development agency in 2016 focused on helping researchers understand their customers better through surveys and building custom panel. Previously, Dexter worked as a business development director for a healthcare market research agency. He currently lives in Toronto, Canada.
Grace wears many hats in her career- literally. She is currently a Senior User Researcher at Crunchbase, a Professor of UX Research at New York Institute of Technology, and a founder/designer of her own costume business, Fab Hatters. She has a BA from Dartmouth College, a MS from Bentley University, and currently lives in sunny Los Angeles.
All times are listed in PT. Schedule is subject to change.
1:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Setup
1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Cultural Immersion
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Early Arrivals + First Timers Dinner
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
Healthy Morning Connections – Walk to Mission Bay
8:15 – 8:45 a.m.
Coffee Chat
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Marketplace Grand Opening and Breakfast
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Welcome and Featured Speaker Marta Villanueva
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
Break
10:30 – 11:30 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
First Timers/Exhibit Hall open
12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Dessert Break
1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion: Meet Your Future: Gen Z ARE the Future of Research, both as Participants and Researchers
3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Break
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Partner Spotlights/Case Studies:
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Opening Reception
7:00 p.m.
Dine Arounds/SIG Meetings
9:00 p.m.
"Schmoozing & S'Mores" – Firepit Conversations: Scary (or Funny) Moderating Stories
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
Healthy Morning Connections
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast
8:15 – 9:00 a.m.
Coffee Chat
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Featured Panel: Through the Research Looking-Glass: Who in the World are We? And Where are We Going?
10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Break
11:00 a.m. – Noon
Breakout Sessions
Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Dessert break in the marketplace
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Topics Connections
(more info)
2:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Break
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
4:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Final Exhibitor Break
4:30 – 5:15 p.m.
Annual Meeting and Town Hall for Members
4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Mentoring/Networking Happy Hour
7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday Evening Event: San Diego Wine and Culinary Center
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast & Chapter Meetings
9:00 – 9:15 a.m.
YPG Announcement
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
Featured Speaker Marc Engel
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
Break
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Breakout Sessions
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Awards & Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Break
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Topics Connections
(more info)
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Farewell/Closing Social
7:00 p.m.
Dine Arounds
| San Diego Conference Only Rates | By April 14 | After April 14 |
| Members | $945 | $1,095 |
| Non-Members | $1,395 | $1,545 |
| NewQ Members | $475 | $550 |
| Emeritus Members | $475 | $550 |
| Grad Student Members | $195 | $225 |
TEAM DISCOUNT:Company teams bringing three or more people are eligible for a discount of 20% off each registrant. This applies whether the team member is a QRCA member or non-member. To receive the Company Team discount code, please email exdir@qrca.org.
GDP DISCOUNT: Get a discounted rate if you’re a qualitative researcher in a country with a per capita GDP of less than $30,000. (Email exdir@qrca.org to receive your discount promo code before registering online.)
Potential Discounts for FIRST TIMERS: First-time conference attendees can receive a 25% discount off the registration fee! The discount is available to first-time QRCA conference attendees who joined QRCA for the first time in the past two years. This discount is not available to conference exhibitors. If you are eligible for the discount, you will receive a discount code in an email from QRCA. Contact exdir@qrca.org if you have not received your discount code.
FINANCIAL NEED: QRCA members who do not currently have the financial resources available, and want to attend the conference, contact exdir@qrca.org.
Need help convincing your management to fund this critical aspect of your professional development? Use our "Justification Letter" template to secure funding and join hundreds of others on your journey to the next level as a qualitative professional.
Fully recognizing that every individual’s situation is in flux, QRCA’s goal is to make it easier for you to attend the QRCA Annual Conference in San Diego, California. As a result, we have implemented risk-free registration. If you are unable to attend the in-person Annual Conference, full refunds will be available as long as you cancel in writing by April 14, 2022.
Refund Policy: Cancellations must be received by the stated cancelation deadline and will be accepted in writing only. No-shows for the event will not receive a refund.Please read the QRCA Conference registration policies listed on this page.
QRCA is excited to return to in-person events once again where our unique and collegial culture can shine! The health and safety of QRCA members and staff is our top priority. We will continue to monitor and assess the evolving impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on travel and in-person events and are working closely with the Hyatt Regency on measures to help mitigate and prevent the spread of Covid-19.
For the 2022 QRCA Annual Conference, we will require all in-person attendees to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination. Attendees will be required to show vaccine proof onsite to check-in for the Annual Conference. This requirement will be strictly enforced.
We recognize that increased safety measures are necessary to ensure a safe and engaging convention.
Here are a few of the ways we are coordinating with the Hyatt Regency and conference attendees to help attendees stay healthy and to reduce exposure and risk:
San Diego County COVID-19 Homepage
City of San Diego COVID-19 Homepage
Fully recognizing that every individual’s situation is in flux, QRCA’s goal is to make it easier for you to attend the QRCA Annual Conference in San Diego, California. As a result, we have implemented risk-free registration. If you are unable to attend the in-person Annual Conference, full refunds will be available as long as you cancel in writing by April 14, 2022.
Refund Policy: Cancellations must be received by the stated cancellation deadline and will be accepted in writing only. No-shows for the event will not receive a refund.Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
1441 Quivira Road
San Diego, CA 92109
Room Rate: $199 per night plus tax
Hotel cut-off date: Friday, April 15, 2022
MAKE YOUR ONLINE RESERVATION HERE
Relax and renew on the San Diego coast. Enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Mission Bay, and downtown San Diego from your getaway at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay. The hotel is close to top San Diego attractions such as Belmont Park and SeaWorld San Diego.
Parking is available at a discounted rate of $30 per overnight self-park for conference attendees. Valet is $42 per overnight.
SAN – San Diego International Airport
*Please note that all networking activities are included with your conference registration fee except food and beverage costs for the Early Arrivals Dinner, Dine-Arounds and Farewell Social.
To kick off this year’s conference where we are all finally back together in-person, we hope to see you at our Early Arrivals Dinner or First Timers’ Dinner + Design Outpost at the hotel’s Pelican Restaurant! The setting is fun and casual as we unwind from our travels and prepare for the days ahead. Our conference veterans recommend these events as a wonderful way to step into your QRCA conference experience. Just show up for this event! Food and beverages are paid for by attendees.
Would you like to dip your toes into the Pacific? Then get a head start on the day and join Cher Chislett, International QRCA Chapter member from Frankfurt, Germany for an invigorating walk to the famous Mission Beach. A brisk walk is a great way to get in tune with your body and soul before an amazing day of learning on the first day of the QRCA Annual Conference. Lace up your walking shoes and bring a bottle of water! The walk will take a full 60 minutes (return trip
Join us for drinks and appetizers as we visit with our partners and meet quallies from across the globe.
We hope you enjoy the dining options that we’ve selected for our Dine-Arounds this year. These informal dinners are a signature at QRCA conferences and give attendees the chance to meet new people who share a love of food! There are plenty of authentic, local restaurants for you to experience, with cuisine ranging from seafood to Mexican to Asian and beyond. You’ll surely find plenty of options that suit your taste buds — and your budget — in this town. Read all about your dining options and sign up for your favorite here.
After dinner come to the firepits in the Cabana area to share Firepit Conversations: 'Qualmares' Scary (or funny) Moderating Stories from the field. This is a fun and informal way to meet new colleagues, and is sponsored by Canada Market Research!
Back by popular demand on day two of the conference! Get your heart pumping in this fiery Zumba® fitness dance class. It will get you energized for the exciting day ahead. This class is for all levels of fitness, so no prior experience is required. Taught by Cher Chislett, International QRCA Chapter member from Frankfurt, Germany with special guest Kristin Ameruoso from New York. Cher is a certified Zumba® Fitness instructor (fitness or running shoes required).
Ready to get back to building those professional connections in-person? Join QRCA’s first in-person networking event in over two years for a casual and fun mix-and-mingle Happy Hour! Maybe you’ve met someone in passing the first two days of the conference, and want to get to know them more. Or perhaps you’re eager to connect with new, like-minded colleagues who share professional or personal interests. This Networking Happy Hour is the perfect event to make and deepen those connections.
The QRCA community prides itself on being open, collaborative, friendly and welcoming. In fact, many long-term Members of the QRCA cite a sense of camaraderie as one of the organization’s most pivotal strengths. Experience what makes QRCA great at this event specifically tailored to building your professional and personal network. This event also offers as an opportunity to connect with potential Mentors and Mentees. It will serve as the unofficial kick-off of QRCA’s new Mentoring program, open to all paid QRCA Members. The Networking Happy Hour at the Conference is a wonderful opportunity to jump-start these partnerships. This event is sponsored by L&E Research.
Connect with old friends, make new ones and soak in the San Diego vibe during the Tuesday night event. What better way to digest the inspiring and practical sessions and thought-provoking discussions than with some great food and drinks, dueling pianos and casino games? This fun evening sponsored by HARK Connect will get everyone into the historic gaslight district for an unforgettable night of conversations, music, and games. Buses will bring attendees from the hotel to the event venue beginning at 6:45pm.
Join us for an informal after party where we can share some of our key learnings, relax and toast a wonderful 2022 Annual Conference!
We hope you enjoy the dining options that we’ve selected for our Dine-Arounds this year. These informal dinners are a signature at QRCA conferences and give attendees the chance to meet new people who share a love of food! There are plenty of authentic, local restaurants for you to experience, with cuisine ranging from seafood to Mexican to Asian and beyond. You’ll surely find plenty of options that suit your taste buds — and your budget — in this town. Read all about your dining options and sign up for your favorite online here (coming soon).
¡Hola colegas! Kick off your conference by immersing yourself in an historic San Diego ‘barrio!' Join our small group for an afternoon enjoying the sights (and tastes) of the Barrio Logan, an artistic and culinary hub with a thriving Chicano community and identity, organized by our own QRCA sociologist, Dr. Alicia Menanteau.
Our destination is Chicano Park, a National Historic Landmark, home to the most extensive collection of Chicano murals in the world, with more than 80 paintings on seven acres dotted with sculpture, gardens and picnic tables. It’s also the hub of an emerging arts district, with galleries, boutiques, brewpubs and craft coffee shops nearby. Many businesses are Latinx women-owned, featuring handcrafted jewelry, upcycled clothing, teas, candles and art of all kinds. Keep your eyes open for the famous low-rider cars too!
We’ll have a guided tour by Prof. Alberto Pulido, Department Chair and Professor, Ethnic Studies at The University of San Diego, and a quick overview of the Chicano movement and the historical and contemporary socio-cultural-political high points. Following the tour, we’ll have an opportunity for a snack (“un antojito”) and refreshment (“un refresco”) at a local establishment. ¡Nos vemos pronto!
Stay and explore the diverse shops, street food, and art in the diverse Barrio Logan community or head back to the hotel for the Early Arrivals/First Timers Dinner.
Transportation, food, and beverage not included in registration. Registration fee will go towards a donation to the Barrio Logan Steering Committee.
Co-Chairs |
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Fiona Ray |
Lisa Horwich |
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Speakers |
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Kayte Hamilton |
Cynthia Harris |
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Marketing |
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Michelle Finzel |
Jessica Broome |
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Session Hosts |
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Natalia Infante Caylor |
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Topic Connections |
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Joe Grossmann |
Kristine Remer |
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First Timers |
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Ashley Paulson |
Shaili Bhatt |
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Jessica Dogali |
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Networking |
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Pam Goldfarb Liss |
Theresa Schreiber |
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Coffee Chats |
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Colleen Kollman |
Martha Gordon |
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San Diego Team |
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Natalia Tarfur |
Cherri Christiansen |
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Featured Speakers |
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Janet Standen |
Chris Hauk |
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Cultural Immersion |
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Alicia Menanteau |
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Healthy Connections |
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Anya Zadrozny |
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Quallies making a positive impact locally! This year QRCA is partnering with a local non-profit — the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, not only for our Qually Award, but also as an opportunity for our attendees to help support a local organization.
The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is a non-profit located just north of San Diego that supports the 400-acre lagoon. Their mission is to inspire people through education and outreach to preserve the Agua Hedionda Lagoon as an accessible and healthy watershed.
The 400-acre lagoon is home to a wide array of flora and fauna and invites visitors to appreciate the water resources through such uses as a YMCA day camp, recreational boating, a mussel and oyster aquaculture facility, a white- sea bass hatchery, a desalination plant, and a power generating plant. It helps to remind and connect us all to the importance of protecting and appreciating our marine health.
To learn more, plan a visit, or make a contribution, please visit www.aguahedionda.org.
They are a 501C(3) non-profit formed in 1990 by passionate Carlsbad citizens who strive to promote the Agua Hedionda Lagoon in its global context. They are not affiliated with or obligated to any government, religious, or for-profit organization. Their initiatives, including our educational programs and events, are supported by ordinary citizens, grants, supporters and members; donations are tax deductible.
If this is your first time attending the QRCA Annual Conference, you may be thinking something along the lines of, “I won’t know anyone there, who am I going to talk to?”
Well, you may be pleasantly surprised. At our annual conference, attendees actually go out of their way to talk to first-time attendees, fondly known as “First Timers,” to make them feel welcome! We have two special events, including a special activity, dedicated to QRCA First Timers:
Sunday, 6:00-8:00pm
Early Arrivals Dinner | First Timers Dinner + Design Outpost
To kick off this year’s conference where we are all finally back together in-person, we hope to see you at our Early Arrivals Dinner or First Timers’ Dinner + Design Outpost! The setting is fun and casual as we unwind from our travels and prepare for the days ahead. Our conference veterans recommend these events as a wonderful way to step into your QRCA conference experience.
In addition, we have a special hands-on activity planned especially for our First Timers, so be ready to get your right-brain going! All First Timers will visit our “Design Outpost” for supplies to personally customize items that they can share with other attendees during the conference! First Timers, we recommend that you join us as early as you can, you don’t want to be pressed for time.
Monday, 11:30am-12:15pm
“First Timers/Ambassadors: REinvigorate Your Qual Network!”
First Timers and Ambassadors, please join us for this ever-popular socializing celebration that will have you building lasting professional connections. Have you ever experienced speed networking? You will have a chance to meet even more of your global qualitative peers than you thought possible. Join us as we get to know one another via thought-provoking icebreakers.
For First Timers who missed our dinner activity the previous night, there will be a limited number of seats to complete your craft that you will share with others during the conference.
Questions? If you have any questions about being a first-timer (or if you are interested in being an ambassador), please contact either Ashley Paulson or Shaili Bhatt who are organizing the First Timer program this year.
QRCA conferences provide immersive opportunities for qualitative professionals to enhance their value through workshops and easy access to support and service providers essential for success. QRCA’s 2022 Annual Conference is the ideal venue to reach leading qualitative practitioners who are seeking resources to maximize the full power of their qualitative.
Exhibit space is located in the Marketplace, the hub for all conference activities, where attendees discover and discuss partnering opportunities with support services. Elite sponsorships add exceptional value in driving interest, increasing top-of-mind awareness and engagement.
| Casey Bernard: Expanding Your Toolset for Analysis |
| Jamin Brazil: Leveraging What's Unique About Zoomers for Better Research |
| Janet Standen: Tech Talk - What Makes our Lives Easier and Us Better at What We Do? |
| Maria Virobik: Share your secret weapon! How do you make analysis and reporting smoother and less painful? |
| Tracy Rosen: Reimaging Being Back on the Road – How to Maximize Your Experiences Going Forward |
| William Leach: Best practices for integrating behavioral economics/behavioral science into your research methods and consulting toolkit |
| Matt St Pierre: Balancing Act: The Intersection of Qualitative and Quantitative Research |
| Jeff Walters: Innovative Product Concept Development & Refinement: Sharing Best Practices & Comparing Experiences |
| Christine Holt: Mentoring the Next Generation of Research Professionals |
| Jeff Walkowski: Online Moderation Tips & Tricks |
| Jennifer Hinton: Beyond the Collage - Keeping Online Research Fresh |
| Jessica Kurth: Writing Screeners for Inclusivity |
| Jonathan Schneider: Exploring Clarity and Transparency in Your Client Relationships |
| Lauren Isaacson: Presentation Tips, Tools & Resources |
| Maria Rosa Puras: Attracting Your Ideal Client [by Applying Mindset Tools] |
| Natalia Tafur: Being a Solopreneur Doesn't Have to be a Lonely Road |
We hope you enjoy the dining options that we’ve selected for our Dine Arounds on Monday and Wednesday evenings this year. There are plenty of authentic, local restaurants for you to experience. You’ll surely find plenty of options that suit your taste buds – and your budget – in this town.
Download the Dine Arounds Booklet HERE.
Please sign up online for the restaurants of your choice using the links below.
A contemporary restaurant overlooks the scenic Mission Bay with savory, creative fare featuring the area's best seasonal ingredients.
Texas-style barbecue just steps from the ocean and the iconic Belmont Park roller coaster in the heart of Mission Beach.
Enjoy 69+ tap beers, fresh burgers and maxi TV screens along the Mission Beach boardwalk.
Inventive sushi and California cuisine on an oceanside Mission Beach rooftop.
Set in what was a private Mission Bay beach house from the 60s, this outdoor restaurant offers local seafood and craft beverages that shift seasonally.
A fresh, cool, clean and upbeat space where the atmosphere transforms from California casual to West Coast hip as the day advances.
Renowned chef Junya Watanabe collaborates with chef Hajime Matsuoka to offer a menu of vegan ramen, vegan sushi rolls, and other Japanese inspired plant-based dishes.
Craft beer, tapas, and sushi in a space featuring a an interior entirely furnished with prime finds from Craigslist.
Features expansive restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining and bars, a bocce ball court, outdoor cinema space and garden and menu showcasing world-inspired cuisine.
Local chain serving gourmet hamburgers and 100+ craft beers in a contemporary space with TVs.
A cheery spot serving many standard Mexican dishes & authentic hand-pressed tortillas.
Striking property featuring modern Mexican plates and creative cocktails, plus panoramic bay views.
Island Prime's breezy, upscale-casual lounge on the waterfront serves chophouse fare & cocktails.
A line of family restaurants offering pizza & red-sauce Italian staples in generous portions.
Intimate trattoria pairs generous plates of Italian fare with bottles from the neighboring wine bar.
Bi-level eatery with floor-to-ceiling windows serving an innovative, locally sourced Mexican menu.
A waterfront landmark that is a premier destination for seafood and bay views that offers an oyster bar, cocktail bar, first-rate sushi bar and retail outpost.
Nautical decor & leather banquettes set a hip tone at this LA-originated seafood eatery.
Modern rooftop destination featuring local, seasonal cuisine & craft cocktails in stylish surrounds.
Airy two-story destination for Hawaiian-inspired fare with outdoor seating & ocean views.
A fresh pasta concept started by a married team and two other Italian partners that is one of the hottest tickets in town.
Expert researchers understand human behavior, the need for different perspectives, cultural nuances, and how to bring it all to life with storytelling. The most valuable understanding leverages empathy for deep connection and leads to actionable insight. We feel empathy when we understand and resonate with what someone else is experiencing. With concrete tools to offer empathy, attendees will be empowered to choose empathy, even within the most difficult situations. Marta will invite attendees to share her journey from El Salvador to being an “alien” in 3 countries, including being in prison. You will participate in an empathy experiment which presents humanity at its worst while experiencing the 3 levels of empathy. This session will go beyond understanding empathy to experiencing it in an impactful way. Attendees will be inspired to act on empathy for connection with consumers, stakeholders, colleagues, and even perfect strangers, because it is crucial to keep empathy at the heart of qualitative.
Laugh, Learn, & Make one friend. Gen Z ARE the future of research, both as participants and researchers. Develop key questions about researching GenZ and ask GenZ representatives about it. Learn the tools and techniques that work with GenZ and learn to apply these lessons to your work.
If you are insatiably curious about your surroundings, and you imagine and re-envision how research impacts us in this new normal-- then you might be Alice. Join a powerhouse of research industry experts and published writers: Pricilla McKinney, Rebecca Brooks and Roben Allong as they peer through the Looking-Glass at the Research World, post Covid. What is this new post-pandemic age that we are entering? Will there be an identity crisis? Will fundamental beliefs be challenged? Will the old research world, with its rules and traditions, as we know it still serve as the unapologetic Zoomers march into focus and the self-assured Boomers fade into the background? Like the Cheshire Cat, these experts will lead the way into this new wonderland with fresh insights and case-study takeaways designed to help today’s researchers navigate emerging trends, such as collaboration as the new competitive edge, inclusivity in a world of individuality, and achieving Protopia in the 21st century. Join this energetic, open 3-way conversation that examines who we are today, where we’re going and how we’ll get there.
This once-in-a-lifetime talk from the world’s leading expert on everything promises to change your life from the inside out, top to bottom, soup to nuts, nuts to soup, thoroughly revolutionizing the way you look at the world and the way the world looks at you, upending everything you thought you knew about anything, giving you a whole new perspective on life and your role in it—at work, at play, in sex and love, your financial future and your sense of self-worth, your raison d’etre, joie de vivre, foie gras and je ne sais quois—making you the most incredible human being ever to walk the face of the Earth. Or it won’t. It’s up to you.
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