As we emerge from this unprecedented time, it is an exciting time for qualitative professionals and students to REconnect and REenergize! At the first-ever, hybrid QRCA conference, we will have engaging educational content, with more focus on connections, interactive discussions, and conversations. Attendees will gain skills and inspiration to take their research to the next level. We hope you can join us virtually, in-person or BOTH!
The 2022 REimage REsearch Virtual Summit on January 12-13 will be a unique experience with its own content, featured speakers, and opportunities to connect. For those who are able, we encourage attendance at both event experiences.
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 5 January, 2022. You can also change your registration to the online Summit experience and receive a refund for the difference in registration rates.
Scott Baker is a Senior Vice President, Client Solutions at Schlesinger Group, where he oversees the Brand Team as well as several of the company’s key accounts. Scott plays a strategic role in Business Development – specifically focusing on new and existing business in the Financial, B2B & B2C Technology, Retail/Hospitality and Media/Entertainment verticals.
Scott is highly involved in several professional organizations: Insights Association and Intellus Worldwide nationally. Over the years, he has served numerous local and national positions within these organizations and other non-profits. Currently, he serves on the Executive Committee for the Insights Association with a focus on National Events and DEI initiatives with the IDEA Council.
Scott is a graduate of University of South Florida, Tampa, FL with continued education from New York University, Loyola University, UCLA Extension, Burke Institute, and the Disney Institute. In addition, Scott is IPC certified which is an Insights Association designation. Scott lives at the beach in Marina del Rey, CA, and can be found doing outdoor activities on the weekends between Venice and Malibu.
Pollie Barden is a researcher with a focus on social issues. In particular, her research centers around working with digitally disenfranchised communities through participatory methods. To her research she brings a multidisciplinary background designing, developing, programming, and project managing digital experiences that range from web/mobile-based platforms, physical computing to pervasive games. Barden is interested in solving real problems that benefit real people in their everyday lives. From developing games as assessment tools to open up new employment opportunities for people with cognitive disabilities to a platform for guests across the globe to share a meal. Pollie has presented her research, game, and artwork at conferences, museums, and exhibitions across the globe.
Matt Bishop manages Jigsaw’s Whycatcher platform and is a digital qual specialist. From conducting brand research in the US to product testing in Mexico, Matt has overseen various projects through Jigsaw’s WhatsApp approach. Elsewhere, findings from his research have been featured in several notable publications, including the Telegraph and the Drum. Matt has a BA in Geography from Kings College London, where he specialised in globalization. He has since gone on to complete Master’s degree with distinction (and Dean’s List Award) in global marketing from the University of Southampton. |
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. |
Laura is a research and strategy consultant who loves qualitative. The discovery of the “how & why” is a key part of bringing research to life for her Clients. Laura is a bi-lingual moderator, based in Mexico City, and has worked throughout the Americas and other key global markets. She is also adept at moderating behind the mirror, delving into the Clients questions and perceptions, and getting to the crux of the issues at hand. Laura finds that qualitative tools can make a big difference in understanding the brand essence, the target or the marketplace environment. She likes to employ different techniques and never shies away from the difficult questions.
Diane Harris began her career with Procter & Gamble in their Market Research Department and managed all of the company’s qualitative research. After eleven years with P&G, Diane founded D. M. Harris Associates and has conducted over 4000 focus groups, along with many other forms of qualitative research for some of the world's top corporations. Served as a QRCA board director from 2001-2005 and as Vice President and President of the QRCA Board and Historian of the Association and served on numerous committees. She originated the First Timers/Ambassadors program after the first Montreal conference and conceived the Maryanne Pflug Spirit Award to keep Maryanne’s spirit alive after the tragic death of her lifelong friend from their days at P&G. J.R., Lloyd and Diane (the Harris Family) collaborated to create a historical review of QRCA that was a major conference presentation for the 20th Anniversary of QRCA in 2003 and at the 2006 Conference Night Flight they designed and hosted a rousing Competition between Chapters in a Game-Show format. After decades of working in Market Research Diane is utilizing all her quallie skills as a multi-million dollar producing Realtor in Pittsburgh, PA.
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.
Simon is Managing Partner of Cambiar Consulting, a change management consulting firm he founded in 2004. Prior to this, he was Global CEO of NOP World as well as of four research companies within Kantar in Europe and the U.S. Simon is deeply involved in the insights industry. He was the inaugural Chair of the Insights Association and is Editor-in-Chief of Research World. He and his colleagues are frequent contributors at conferences and seminars. He is a prolific writer, having published over 400 articles on the research profession, and is author of For the People: A Citizen’s Manifesto to Shaping Our Nation’s Future, an in-depth study of American politics and society. Simon is a Fellow of the Market Research Society and a Laureate of the Insights Association, and holds a Masters in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University. |
Shannon joined RALLY in 2021 and leads the agency's market research and strategy disciplines. In love with uncovering what makes people tick and how to use that insight to drive behavior since working on her first ad campaign, Shannon has parlayed her passion into a two-decade career as a brand planner and researcher. Prior to RALLY, Shannon ran her own consultancy and oversaw custom research and insights for the US division of the global media communications agency MediaCom. At QRCA, Shannon currently chairs the NY/Metropolitan NYC Chapter and the Inclusive Culture Committee which seeks to foster an inclusive QRCA where members from all backgrounds and experience levels feel like they belong and can become the best practitioners of qualitative research
Lucy Davison is a strategy and communication expert with over 30 years’ experience. She founded Keen as Mustard Marketing in 2006 to provide communications for clients in data, research and insight. Mustard helps client-side researchers from global companies such as Coca-Cola, Shell, JPMC, and Nestle get impact from their insights. The team also develops strategies and communications for agencies and suppliers such as Buzzback, Jigsaw, Nepa, Cint, Lucid and Zappi. Elected a Council Member of ESOMAR in 2018, Lucy started out in insights in 2000 as global marketing director of Research International, working in over 55 countries. Lucy is an award-winning writer and presenter and a sought-after keynote speaker.
Mr. Garcia is an accomplished professional in both qualitative and quantitative research. After ten years of experience in Hispanic research he founded and ran Garcia Research Associates, Inc. for over twenty years. In 2011 Carlos became an SVP for Multicultural Research with Knowledge Networks and then with GfK. After five years with GfK, Mr. Garcia re-launched an independent Garcia Research.
Mr. Garcia was a cum laude graduate in Foreign Languages from Pomona College in Claremont, California. He received a Ford Foundation Fellowship towards earning a Masters Degree in Comparative Literature awarded by the University of California at Berkeley. Mr. Garcia later received his MBA from National University in San Diego, California and also did graduate work at the Université de Paris III (La Sorbonne Nouvelle).
Mr. Garcia, the child of Mexican immigrant parents, is fluent in Spanish and French. He is Board Chair Emeritus of Valley Community Healthcare and is a past president of the Pomona College Alumni Association. In 2013 he was the recipient of the Meritorious Service award from the Marketing Research Association (MRA). He is also a recipient of awards from the Latin Business Association (Business of the Year under $5 Million) and the ARF Ogilvy Award (Multicultural project for Walmart). He now resides in Palm Desert, CA and serves on the board of the Artists Council and the Palm Desert City Finance Committee.
Being a Design Thinker, Nikhita focuses on identifying innovation possibilities through human-centred approach at Xeno. Her keen interest in identifying inter-connections between local culture, evolving societal mindsets and its effect on consumer and business strategies, drives her in building deeper conviction while crafting new innovation opportunities and gauging its social impact for current and future scenarios. Her background in Product Design (graduate diploma from MIT Institute of Design, Pune) comes handy while translating the insights into tangible and implementable solutions.
Nikhita is a design expert with experience in handling, managing and leading product & service innovation cases. Prior to co-founding Xeno, she was a lead strategist at an innovation consulting company; Turian Labs. She has wide experience in design research, innovation strategy and design implementation projects across industries including consumer durables, consumer electronics, automobile, digital services, interior spaces & lifestyle, UI/UX for both global and local clients. She is also proficient in undertaking future trends forecasting, driving & facilitating organisational capability building around Design Thinking & innovation.
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.
Barbara Hairston has over 30+ years and a broad base of experience and expertise conducting studies for public health education, K-12 education, higher education and social issues clients. Through her firm Resources International Inc., she conducts research using a variety of online and face-to-face methodologies to deliver the best possible research solutions among adults/seniors, general market and African American segments, physicians and allied health providers, and stakeholders.
J. Robert “J.R.” Harris, is President of JRH Marketing Services. Established in 1975, it is the oldest and most experienced marketing and research consulting firm in the United States. J.R. has over 50 years of diverse marketing and research experience, including media, packaged goods, international, and ethnic marketing and research assignments from major corporations, agencies, organizations, and government ministries. He holds a degree in Psychology from the City University of New York, has studied Spanish and French at New York University and the Berlitz School of Languages, and has taught a course in Market Research at NYU.
Harris is an experienced qualitative research consultant and has moderated more than 4,500 focus groups. He has worked extensively in social marketing, having implemented numerous consulting assignments both domestically and internationally in the areas of nutrition, anti-smoking, the environment, substance abuse, public health, family planning, and others.
A proud Founding Member and past President of the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA), he also chaired the organization’s Professionalism Committee for 20 years and has been awarded the organization’s Presidents Award for distinguished service.
Mr. Harris has written a number of articles for marketing and research industry publications and has been a popular speaker at industry conventions worldwide. He is an elected member of the Market Research Council, a past Chairman of the Research Industry Coalition, and in 2016 he was elected to the Market Research Hall of Fame.
When not providing insights for his clients, you might be able to find him alone in some of the most remote wilderness areas on the planet. He describes these exploits in his best-selling memoir, “Way Out There: Adventures of a Wilderness Trekker.” J.R. is also on the board of directors for the prestigious Explorers Club, and is chair of the organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee.
Jill leads user research projects for an award-winning digital product agency, WillowTree, where she works with leading national brands to create outstanding digital experiences. Prior to joining WillowTree, she was Director of User Experience (UX) for the University of Virginia Library. Jill brings a background in UX, library science, competitive intelligence, and marketing with more than 15 years experience doing and supporting research in higher education and in the private sector. Jill is a frequent speaker in the technology and library/publishing communities, having addressed domestic and international audiences on myriad topics like service design, Progressive Web Apps, doing UX research across the user journey, and how to integrate UX research with Agile. |
April Jeffries is Global President of Ethnography and Immersive research at IUU, the qualitative service line of Ipsos. She provides vision and strategy in our mission to better understand people, markets and societies and has been labeled an “Empathy Activist”. Her global team of experiential researchers, qualitative consultants, ethnographers, anthropologists and filmmakers focus on changing the game through heightened understanding of the human behind the data.
April is a co-leader of Ipsos’ Anti-Racism Employee Resource Group which was launched last summer in response to the racial unrest in the US and she along with Manuel Garcia-Garcia, Debi Lee and a team of over 300 Ipsos employees have been pushing a passionate DEI agenda throughout the organization focused on 4 key pillars:
April also sits on the IDEA Council of the Insights Association, a special council designed to address Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access within the Insights industry. She has successfully designed and implemented growth strategies for key industries and her prior roles have included President Ipsos Understanding Unlimited US, Vice President Innovation Pinnacle Foods, Vice President Marketing Pepperidge Farm and Marketing Director Campbell Soup Company. She “grew up” in the classical marketing tradition at Kraft Foods.
Ms. Jeffries holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, an MBA from The Wharton School of Business and a Certificate in Multimedia Technology from New York University. April is also the author of “Idea Birthing - A Woman’s Guide to the Successful Delivery of Her Brilliant Idea” and is an award-winning writer and producer of original works in various mediums.
Hana Kloucková: After 8 years in marketing of Procter & Gamble (covering regions such as Central Europe, South East Asia, Australia, and India), Hana decided to set up her own qualitative research agency CONFESS Research, which she has led for 16 years, actively moderating and leading innovation workshops, mostly focused on new product and communication development. Afterward, Hana has moved to the Innovation Scout position and started an active search for research innovation around the globe, and helps to implement them into the research practice of her agency. Hana is currently Co-chairman of the QRCA International Chapter. She is often invited to speak at key local marketing conferences as well as important international marketing events such as e.g. Effie ad effectiveness contest where she is part of a jury for the past 2 years. |
Julie Knox has over 20 years of research experience, spending most of her career agency side but with stints client side, both as an in-house researcher and as an external consultant. She has divided her time between the UK and US and in 2012, after 6 years with Jigsaw in the UK, she moved back to the US to start up Jigsaw’s operation there. Julie is a research hybrid, working with expertise across qual or quant approaches. She has taken a leading role in introducing Jigsaw’s WhatsApp approach to new markets, and has significant experience using this tool. |
Jessica is a freelance market research project manager and qualitative analyst. She brings peace of mind to busy researchers by meticulously handling the details of research logistics, recruiting management, qualitative analysis and more so her researcher partners have space to focus their creative genius on conducting research and building relationships with clients.
Will Leach is the founder & CEO of Mindstate Group, a behavioral research and brand consultancy, and best-selling author of Marketing to Mindstates: a Practical Guide to Applying Behavioral Design to Research and Marketing. Will is also a Behavioral Design instructor at SMU's Cox School of Business BLC and the Texas A&M Human Behavior Lab. With over 25 years of behavioral insights experience, Will is widely regarded as the world's leading expert on subconscious mindstate research and consults with today's most innovative businesses to increase the effectiveness of their marketing using behavioral science.
Marlena has a passion for qualitative research and strives to “go deep” with findings to connect the dots and understand how stakeholder perceptions, behaviors, and preferences fit into brand, industry, and cultural frameworks. She has worked across industries and now primarily focuses on healthcare as an Associate Director at Real Chemistry where she conducts primary and social media research. Marlena is a RIVA-trained researcher, and she was awarded the 2018 QRCA Young Professionals Grant and the 2018 Full Scholarship from RIVA. She was also selected to present at the Qually Awards, Insights Association, and Haverford College Incubator program. Marlena began her journey into the research world while studying Cultural Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated summa cum laude. |
I’m Jenna McFarland, a consumer researcher who practices both qualitative and quantitative research methods. I am a 2020 QRCA Young Professionals Grant winner and a trained focus group moderator. I’ve spent my career in the most fascinating industry - the food industry. Currently, I hold the role of Consumer and Market Insights Manager at Barry Callebaut, the world's leading manufacturer of chocolate and cocoa ingredients. In this role, I manage regional and global research projects. I also established our in-house consumer survey research program, ensuring bespoke, high quality data and insights fuel our deep understanding of consumer needs and that we remain at the forefront of industry trends. I have designed, built, and analyzed countless surveys, collecting data from more than 20,000 consumers from all around the globe. In my spare time, I write articles about the art and science of survey design (check them out at mcfarlandjenna.com), spend time with my husband and dog, travel (RV life!), cook and eat great food, get outdoors, and lots more.
Elizabeth McKinley is a qualitative researcher and consultant based in Lancaster, PA. She is a Principal at Catapult Marketing Group where leads and moderates research projects across methodologies, including digital, ethnography, IDIs and focus groups. She previously worked for GfK in a quant research role in the Brand & Customer Experience sector, as well as with their Qual & Ethnography team. She holds a BA is Sociology from Mount Holyoke College and a Masters in Marketing Research from the University of Georgia. Elizabeth is currently on the Board of Directors for the QRCA, is the Treasurer for the Philadelphia Chapter. She has served in other many volunteer roles within the organization (such as co-chair of the Membership Committee) and is a past recipient of the Young Professionals Grant and the QRCA Rising Star Award. |
Dr. Lisanne Norman is a passionate and highly curious learner who is always eager to explore new and interesting topics. She holds a PhD from Harvard University in African & African American Studies and Social Anthropology. Dr. Norman has over 20 years of working in corporate America, academia & the tech industry. In addition to educating folks about Black history, Dr. Norman has more recently been leading teams of user experience researchers for small consultancy agencies, startups & large enterprises such as Dell, Visa & currently Gusto Inc. Helping to create inclusive human-centred design solutions that have meaningful impact motivates her on a daily basis. In her free time, she likes to continue her study of Black history, travel, drink wine and craft beer, cook healthy delicious meals, and watch European detective dramas. |
Swar drives the design process at Xeno facilitating the translation of user insights into actionable strategies for design solutions. She works at the intersection of service design, human-centred research and social innovation. Her stubborn optimism coupled with her background in social innovation fuel her ambition to explore the potential for creating a positive social impact through every project. She has worked in Mumbai, New York and Stockholm over the past few years and enjoys working in new places to learn about diverse cultures and people. Prior to founding Xeno, she worked with Veryday (part of McKinsey design) where she worked across industries including finance and automotive with a large part of experience focused in healthcare. She has a breadth of experience ranging from conducting research globally, to helping companies identify customer-centric services to customer-centric capability building for companies. She has earned a master's degree in Design for Social Innovation from School of Visual Arts, New York and holds a graduate diploma in Graphic Design from MIT Institute of Design, Pune.
Jonathan has been in qualitative research since 2001 when he formed Square One Research with Liz Moore, a fellow QRCA member. Currently, the two own The Candor Company based in Atlanta, Georgia and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. In 2015, he realized that qualitative research needed more candor and empathy. Participants needed more conducive physical environments to provider better insights. Moderators needed to be more transparent with their objectives to get more transparency from consumers. Everything Jonathan now does aims to make qualitative research feel more natural, open, and honest. Having always had an artistic eye and a creative drive, one of Jonathan’s skills is reporting via documentary style films. He wanted to go to film school but decided on an MBA from Emory University. He has a BA from the University of Virginia. In his spare time, he is an avid cyclist and Lego builder.
Theresa Schreiber, President of TSQ Research has 25+ years of qualitative research experience, most recently at Shapiro + Raj. Prior to that, Theresa applied her qualitative skills at the Chicago Crime Commission and Jane Addams Hull House. A seasoned qualitative researcher, Theresa has proficiencies in designing, conducting, analyzing, reporting and presenting qualitative research findings.
Ms. Schreiber has both consumer and B2B experience across an array of industries and concerns: consumer products, manufacturing, pharmaceutical/medical device, financial, legal, venture capital, advertising, communications, government services, and industry associations.
Theresa holds a Masters in Sociology from Marquette University and is an active participant in the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA).
Beth Slazak is a seasoned CPS and Improv facilitator and trainer, with a public school and collegiate teaching background. Mrs. Slazak earned MS from the International Center for Studies in Creativity at Buffalo State College. She manages program and event logistics as Conference Manager for the Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI), produced by the Creative Education Foundation.
Ms. Slazak has trained teachers and business professionals at conferences around the world including: MindCamp, Toronto, Canada; CREA, Sestri Levanti, Italy; Florida Creativity Conference, Sarasota, FL; Creativity Expert Exchange, Buffalo, NY; Next Idea Conference, Litchfield, CT; Geneva Creativity Center, Batavia, NY; and CPSI, Buffalo, NY. She is President-Elect of the Association for Applied Therapeutic Humor, where she also served as Director of the 3-year certification program. She is trained in CPS, Applied Improv, Faith and Creativity, Resiliency Training, Growth Mindset Training, Play and Creativity, Humor in the Work Place, and Improv for the At-Risk Student.
Jennifer Spainhour is the founder of Position for Success Coaching & Consulting and the creator of “The UPLEVEL Club” for professional women. She is a Career Empowerment Coach and Independent Marketing Consultant. Jennifer has 25+ years of experience in brand management, consulting and marketing research, and recently became a certified professional coach. Her specialty is empowering professionals and organizations to achieve greater success and fulfillment in work and life. Jennifer Spainhour is the founder of Position for Success Coaching & Consulting and the creator of “The UPLEVEL Club” for professional women. She is a Career Empowerment Coach and Independent Marketing Consultant. Jennifer has 25+ years of experience in brand management, consulting and marketing research, and recently became a certified professional coach. Her specialty is empowering professionals and organizations to achieve greater success and fulfillment in work and life. She now enjoys using the power of insights in both her research and her personal coaching lines of busines. She often says that her moderating skills make her a better coach, and her coaching makes her a better moderator. After all, empathy, deep listening and curious inquiry are at the root of both! Jennifer has her MBA from the Cox School of Business at SMU, her Certified Professional Coach certificate from the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching, and her bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Miami University. She lives in Chicago, IL, with her husband, 2 daughters and their dog Stanley. |
The founder of consumer strategy and market research consultancy InsightFarm, Kelley Styring helps her clients find new opportunities for growth. Previously, Kelley managed market research for Procter & Gamble, served as Director of Consumer Strategy for Frito-Lay, and designed products for NASA and Black & Decker. She holds a BSID from University of the Arts, Philadelphia. MBA from University of South Carolina. She is also the author of two books, In YourPurse: Archaeology of the American Handbag and In Your Car: Road Trip through the American Automobile. Kelley has been featured in USA Today, PBS, Advertising Age, Brandweek, Fortune, Good Morning America, and ABC News. |
This meeting is a 'brain collective' meeting, which means that everyone will be contributing to the discussion. It will be facilitated by chapter co-chair Natalia Tafur.
Stacy Thomas is founder and CEO of Good Run Research & Recreation, an anything-but-ordinary place to learn. She's proud of her team and the GOOD work they do together, at the coolest facility on the planet. Stacy's a fan of "yes" and "why not?" which is what led her to dip a toe into social listening as another anything-but-ordinary tool in their toybox. She's glad she did, and looks forward to sharing her journey.
Morgan is a Learning Sciences PhD student at Indiana University and a researcher for WillowTree where she helps design and develop mission-critical digital products for high-profile clients. Her backgrounds in Computer Science, Education, and UX enable her to bring an interdisciplinary perspective to her research which addresses the design of accessible, multimodal, and technology-facilitated learning environments in both formal and nontraditional educational contexts. She is also the co-founder, developer, and designer of LearnAbility: a site which accumulates and shares vetted free resources for teachers and educational designers. Morgan’s efforts all work towards the mission to make education accessible to all and to take an activist approach to both education and UX research as she seeks to share knowledge with students, teachers, practitioners, and academics alike. |
Maria Virobik is a seasoned qualitative market researcher with more than 25 years of experience in analysis and report writing. She has worked with clients in a wide range of categories, including automotive, packaged goods, pharma and technology. Maria enjoys tackling qualitative data to find the story and collaborating with moderators to deliver sparkling insights to their clients. She joined QRCA in 2017 and co-founded the Reporting & Analysis SIG a year later. She is also a member of the 2023-24 QRCA Board. Originally hailing from Southern California, Maria and her husband now live in Santa Fe, NM with their marginally obedient French Bulldog, Ruby.
Petra Viskova - After more than 10 years in marketing in Danone Group she utilizes her experience (hundreds of concepts written, tens of media campaigns and product innovations launched…) on the „other side of the mirror“ - as Managing Director in CONFESS. She has been actively moderating since 2004 and currently belongs to the top qualitative research moderators and workshop facilitators in the Czech Republic. Petra is often speaking at Czech marketing conferences and leads trainings and webinars focused on facilitating workshops (incl. roundtable at QRCA Annual Conference in Los Angeles 2017). The paper “Achieving the unimagined” presented by her and Hana Kloucková January 2018 in Phoenix was one of the best evaluated speeches at QRCA Annual Conference 2018. |
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.
All times are listed in ET. Schedule is subject to change.
11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
West Coast Coffee Chat: Wake Up Challenge on Listening & Trust
11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
Welcome / Featured Speaker
12:30 – 1:00 p.m.
Q&A
1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
1:30 – 2:00 p.m.
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions
3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Networking Activity
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.
3:45 – 4:15 p.m.
Sessions
4:15 – 4:30 p.m.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Topic Connections
5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Celebrating Lloyd J. Harris, a pioneering Black researcher
9:00 – 9:30 a.m.
11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
Featured Speaker
12:30 – 1:00 p.m.
Q&A
1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
1:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Break
2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Break
3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
Topic Connections
4:45 – 5:00 p.m.
Break
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
QUALLY AWARDS
6:15 – 8:00 p.m.
Fun & Games/Networking
We are offering three options for this year's events: Experience both the Virtual Summit from January 12–13, 2022 and the in-person Conference in San Diego from January 18–21, 2022, or attendees can choose to attend only the Virtual Summit or in-person conference.
Virtual Summit Only Rates (register above) | By Dec. 15 | After Dec. 15 |
Members | $95 | $145 |
Non-Members | $150 | $200 |
NewQ Members | $50 | $100 |
Emeritus Members | $50 | $100 |
Grad Student Members | $35 | $70 |
Full Conference Experience Rates (register here) | By Dec. 15 | After Dec. 15 |
Members | $995 | $1,195 |
Non-Members | $1,500 | $1,700 |
NewQ Members | $525 | $650 |
Emeritus Members | $525 | $650 |
Grad Student Members | $245 | $325 |
San Diego Conference Only Rates (register here) | By Dec. 15 | After Dec. 15 |
Members | $945 | $1,095 |
Non-Members | $1,395 | $1,545 |
NewQ Members | $475 | $550 |
Emeritus Members | $475 | $550 |
Grad Student Members | $195 | $225 |
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 samk@qrca.org.
Get a discounted rate if you’re a qualitative researcher in a country with a per capita GDP of less than $30,000. (Email assistantexdir@qrca.org to receive your discount promo code before registering online.)
QRCA members who do not currently have the financial resources available, and want to attend the conference, contact exdir@qrca.org.
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 5 January, 2022. You can also change your registration to the online Summit experience and receive a refund for the difference in registration rates.
Refund Policy: Deadline to request a full refund or transfer your registration to the online Summit experience is 5 January, 2022. Cancelations 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.
Co-Chairs |
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Fiona Ray |
Lisa Horwich |
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Speaker |
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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 Host |
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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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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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QRCA Quest
During our lockdown, we all got the hang of how to meet virtually and work remotely successfully. But how many of you got to partake in a mini quest right in your own home? Don your best (& comfiest) adventure attire and be prepared to race to grab the sought upon holy grails to bring your team to the finish line!
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.
All times are listed in ET. Schedule is subject to change.
11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
West Coast Coffee Chat: Wake Up Challenge on Listening & Trust
Host: Laura Bright
11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
Welcome & Featured Speaker: Simon Chadwick
The News of My Death is Grossly Exaggerated
12:30 – 1:00 p.m.
Q&A
1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
1:30 – 2:00 p.m.
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Report Glow Up: Creating More Visual Deliverables
Speaker: Marlena Mattei
Learnability: Integrating UX & Activity Theory for Intuitive Digital Products
Speakers: Jill Heinze, Morgan Vickery
AI for QRCs: How to Make Your Research Go from Ordinary to Extraordinary
Speakers: Hana Klouckova, Petra Viskova
Qual Meets Quant: Insider Tips from the Client Side
Speaker: Jenna McFarland
3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
"Being Authentically You" Networking Activity
Hosts: Pam Goldfarb Liss & Theresa Schreiber
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.
3:45 – 4:15 p.m.
The Rise of the Ten-Minute Interview
Speaker: Daniel Berkal
Expanding Horizons: Can WhatsApp Drive Inclusivity in Research?
Speakers: Matt Bishop and Julie Knox
Easy Breezy Bulletin Boards
Speaker: Jessica Kurth
Inclusivity and Diversity in Qualitative UX and Market Research
Speaker: Lisanne Norman
4:15 – 4:30 p.m.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
New Connections: Grad Students & Recent Grads
Moderator: Elizabeth McKinley
Leveraging What’s Unique About Zoomers for Better Research
Moderator: Jamin Brazil
Being a Solopreneur Doesn't Have to be a Lonely Road
Moderator: Natalia Tafur
Attracting Your Ideal Client [by Applying Mindset Tools]
Moderator: Maria Rosa Puras
How do YOU do it? Tackling Analysis & Report Writing Challenges
Moderator: Maria Virobik
Best practices for integrating behavioral economics/behavioral science into your research methods and consulting toolkit
Moderator: William Leach
5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Celebrating Lloyd J. Harris, a pioneering Black researcher
Hosts: Shannon Danzy, J.R. Harris, Diane (Harris) Bureman
9:00 – 9:30 a.m.
11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
Featured Speaker: Kelley Styring
The Pursuit of Happiness: You 2.0
12:30 – 1:00 p.m.
Q&A
1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
1:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Break
2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Stop Self-Sabotaging and Start Super-Charging Your Business Development
Speakers: Jennifer Spainhour and Paula Rosecky
How Social Media Research Helped Qual Researchers Cast a Wider Net
Speakers: Laurie Tema-Lyn, Katrina Noelle, Stacy Thomas, Carole Schmidt
Build Your Fame Muscle: A Workout to Get Recognition for Qualitative Research
Speaker: Lucy Davison
Moving from Talking to Doing DE&I: IA and QRCA on the State of the Industry
Moderator: April Jeffries Panelists: Shannon Danzy, Carlos Garcia, Scott Baker
The 'F' Word (2-3pm ET)
Speakers: Swar Raisinghani and Nikhita Ghugari
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Break
3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
DEI Skills & Techniques to Reduce Bias
Moderator: Pollie Barden
Reimagine Discussion Guides
Moderator: Jay Zaltzman
Writing Screeners for Inclusivity
Moderators: Jessica Kurth & Debbie Fox
Exploring Clarity and Transparency in Your Client Relationships
Moderator: Jonathan Schneider
Presentation Tips, Tools & Resources
Moderator: Lauren Isaacson
4:45 – 5:00 p.m.
Break
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
QUALLY AWARDS
Host: Kayte Hamilton
6:15 – 8:00 p.m.
Fun & Games and Networking
Hosts: Missy Carvin & Beth Slazak
Availability | Module Title | Speaker | Credits | Course Type | Duration | Course Details | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Jan 12, 2022 @ 11:00 AM (EST) (10:00 AM CST) |
West Coast Coffee Chat: Wake Up Challenge on Listening & Trust
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Laura Bright
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Total Credits: .5 Advance Credits | Webinar | 30 Minutes | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 11:30 AM (EST) (10:30 AM CST) |
The News of My Death is Grossly Exaggerated
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Simon Chadwick
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Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 02:00 PM (EST) (01:00 PM CST) |
Report Glow Up: Creating More Visual Deliverables
|
Marlena Mattei
|
Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 Hour | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 02:00 PM (EST) (01:00 PM CST) |
Learnability: Integrating UX & Activity Theory for Intuitive Digital Products
|
Jill Heinze
Morgan Vickery
|
Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 Hour | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 02:00 PM (EST) (01:00 PM CST) |
AI for QRCs: How to Make Your Research Go from Ordinary to Extraordinary
|
Hana Klouckova
Petra Viskova
|
Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 Hour | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 02:00 PM (EST) (01:00 PM CST) |
Qual Meets Quant: Insider Tips from the Client Side
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Jenna McFarland
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Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 Hour | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 03:00 PM (EST) (02:00 PM CST) |
"Being Authentically You" Networking Activity
|
Pam Goldfarb Liss
Theresa Schreiber
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Total Credits: .5 Advance Credits | Webinar | 30 Minutes | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 03:45 PM (EST) (02:45 PM CST) |
The Rise of the Ten-Minute Interview
|
Daniel Berkal
|
Total Credits: .5 Advance Credits | Webinar | 30 Minutes | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 03:45 PM (EST) (02:45 PM CST) |
Expanding Horizons: Can WhatsApp Drive Inclusivity in Research?
|
Matt Bishop
Julie Knox
|
Total Credits: .5 Advance Credits | Webinar | 30 Minutes | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 03:45 PM (EST) (02:45 PM CST) |
Easy Breezy Bulletin Boards
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Jessica Kurth
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Total Credits: .5 Advance Credits | Webinar | 30 Minutes | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 03:45 PM (EST) (02:45 PM CST) |
Inclusivity and Diversity in Qualitative UX and Market Research
|
Lisanne Norman
|
Total Credits: .5 Advance Credits | Webinar | 30 Minutes | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 04:30 PM (EST) (03:30 PM CST) |
New Connections: Grad Students & Recent Grads
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Elizabeth McKinley
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Total Credits: .5 Advance Credits | Webinar | 30 Minutes | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 04:30 PM (EST) (03:30 PM CST) |
Leveraging What’s Unique About Zoomers for Better Research
|
Jamin Brazil
|
Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 hour | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 03:30 PM (CST) |
Being a Solopreneur Doesn't Have to be a Lonely Road
|
Natalia Tafur
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Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 hour | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 04:30 PM (EST) (03:30 PM CST) |
Attracting Your Ideal Client [by Applying Mindset Tools]
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Mari Puras
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Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 hour | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 04:30 PM (EST) (03:30 PM CST) |
How do YOU do it? Tackling Analysis & Report Writing Challenges
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Maria Virobik
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Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 hour | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 04:30 PM (EST) (03:30 PM CST) |
Best practices for integrating behavioral economics/behavioral science into your research methods and consulting toolkit
|
William Leach
|
Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 hour | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 12, 2022 @ 04:30 PM (CST) |
Celebrating Lloyd J. Harris, a pioneering Black researcher
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Shannon Danzy
J. Robert Harris
Diane Bureman
|
Total Credits: .5 Advance Credits | Webinar | 30 minutes | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 09:00 AM (EST) (08:00 AM CST) |
East Coast Morning Wake Up: Empower Your Thinking
|
Jennifer Spainhour
|
Total Credits: .5 Advance Credits | Webinar | 30 Minutes | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 11:00 AM (EST) (10:00 AM CST) |
West Coast Morning Wake Up: Let’s talk about our successes!
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Paula Rosecky
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Total Credits: .5 Advance Credits | Webinar | 30 Minutes | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 11:30 AM (EST) (10:30 AM CST) |
The Pursuit of Happiness: You 2.0
|
Kelley Styring
|
Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 02:00 PM (EST) (01:00 PM CST) |
Stop Self-Sabotaging and Start Super-Charging Your Business Development
|
Jennifer Spainhour
Paula Rosecky
|
Total Credits: 1.5 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 02:00 PM (EST) (01:00 PM CST) |
How Social Media Research Helped Qual Researchers Cast a Wider Net
|
Total Credits: 1.5 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | More info » | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 02:00 PM (EST) (01:00 PM CST) |
Build Your Fame Muscle: A Workout to Get Recognition for Qualitative Research
|
Lucy Davison
|
Total Credits: 1.5 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 02:00 PM (EST) (01:00 PM CST) |
Moving from Talking to Doing DE&I: IA and QRCA on the State of the Industry
|
Total Credits: 1.5 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | More info » | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 02:00 PM (EST) (01:00 PM CST) |
The 'F' Word
|
Swar Raisinghani
Nikhita Ghugari
|
Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 Hour | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 03:45 PM (EST) (02:45 PM CST) |
DEI Skills & Techniques to Reduce Bias
|
Pollie Barden
|
Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 Hour | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 03:45 PM (EST) (02:45 PM CST) |
Reimagine Discussion Guides
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Jay Zaltzman
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Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 Hour | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 03:45 PM (EST) (02:45 PM CST) |
Writing Screeners for Inclusivity
|
Jennifer Spainhour
Paula Rosecky
|
Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 Hour | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 03:45 PM (EST) (02:45 PM CST) |
Exploring Clarity and Transparency in Your Client Relationships
|
Jonathan Schneider
|
Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 Hour | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 03:45 PM (EST) (02:45 PM CST) |
Presentation Tips, Tools & Resources
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Lauren Isaacson
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Total Credits: 1.0 Advance Credits | Webinar | 1 Hour | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 05:00 PM (EST) (04:00 PM CST) |
2022 Qually Award Finalist Presentations
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Kayte Hamilton
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N/A | Webinar | 1 Hour | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 06:15 PM (EST) (05:15 PM CST) |
Fun & Games/Networking
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Missy Carvin
Beth Slazak
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N/A | Webinar | 1 Hour 45 Minutes | More info » | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 08:00 AM (CST) |
Virtual Summit 2022 Partner Spotlight: Recollective
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N/A | On Demand | 15 Minutes | More info » | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 08:00 AM (CST) |
Virtual Summit 2022 Partner Spotlight: Entropik
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N/A | On Demand | 19 Minutes | More info » | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 08:00 AM (CST) |
Virtual Summit 2022 Partner Spotlight: Fable
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N/A | On Demand | 15 Minutes | More info » | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan 13, 2022 @ 08:00 AM (CST) |
Virtual Summit 2022 Partner Spotlight: Civicom
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N/A | On Demand | 13 Minutes | More info » | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Program CE Credits Information |