Dear Members and Friends,

Happy New Year! The SoCal MRA Chapter is proud to announce the first 3 events for 2012. Please save the dates! Come and meet your colleagues at the following events:

Education Day 2012: We are delighted to announce our 2012 Education day! The SoCal Board, in conjunction with our members, has put together an exciting lineup of speakers that will include:

Karen Manne – ABC Television

John Thaler – Law Offices oF John Thaler, APC

Ashley Ranger – Excelamktg

Carrie Robbins – Lieberman Research Worldwide

• Where – USC Campus
• When – March 2^nd
• Schedule – 8:45am – 5:00pm
• Cost – $52 members (includes lunch, refreshments and a drink at the mixer)

Follow the link below to register! More details coming soon!

# of Tickets

1 Ticket $52.00 USD 2 Tickets $104.00 USD 3 Tickets $156.00 USD 4 Tickets $208.00 USD 5 Tickets $260.00 USD

Hispanic Research Event:  Our Hispanic Research event is back! Walter Meneses is our guest speaker and will be focusing on the utilization of Social Media in the Hispanic Market. The session has received PRC approval for 1.25 PRC Contact Hours.

• Where – Café Sevilla
• When – March 20^th
• Schedule – 5:00pm – 8:30pm
• Cost – $50 (tapas, 2 complimentary beverages, and First & Second course buffet style dinner)

For additional details click HERE

For information regarding sponsoring this event, please contact Ginger Blazier at: gblazier@diresearch.com

 
Gaslamp District Pub Tour:  We are also pleased to announce the 2012 San Diego Pub Tour – Gaslamp District. This incredibly fun and popular event is scheduled for Sunday June 3^rd. It’s the best way to kick start the 2012 Annual MRA Conference. The Tour sells out quickly!  Stay tuned for registration info.

• Where – Gaslamp District, San Diego
• When - June 3rd
• Schedule – 4:00pm – 11:30pm
• Cost – $50

For additional details click HERE

For information regarding sponsoring this event, please contact Ginger Blazier at: gblazier@diresearch.com

See you all there!!

The Research Club snaps back to the City of Angels this fall for the third visit this year to one of the most the vibrant  locations in our program. We’re excited!

They’re expecting their biggest turnout this time round, so be quick to register early as we are limited on numbers!

When? Tuesday 15th November 2011 6pm till late

Where? Candela Taco Bar & Lounge
831 South La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90036

Supported by LA WIRE (Women in Research Event)

Register Here

nuvoTV is the first and only English-language cable network for American Latinos 18-34. Across all platforms—TV, online, VOD and mobile—nuvoTV connects with bicultural Latino adults, offering content and community that speaks to this audience.

Bold. Culturally relevant. Dynamic. From lifestyle and comedy programming to music and movies, 70% of nuvoTV’s programming slate consists of originals, all shot in high-definition. And with fresh, new shows joining the line-up this season, nuvoTV continues to reflect and celebrate American Latino viewers.

nuvoTV is looking for a qualified individual to support the Research team, with a focus on multi-platform tracking as well as Nielsen rating analysis and internal/external client support.

Additional duties include, but not limited to:
.  Assist Research Director in collecting and evaluating audience and market research data
.  Analyze and interpret data on viewership, marketplace and competitive landscape
.  Track monthly trend reports using Nielsen, Google Analytics, Rentrak set top box data
.  Help with the execution of primary research studies and support secondary research studies
.  Present and disseminate relevant industry resources and new findings to internal departments, including maintaining the department’s intranet page
.  Create and edit customized presentations and slides for executive, affiliate and sales teams
.  Maintain relationships with current and prospective contacts/vendors
.  Implement assigned projects independently with regular guidance from direct supervisor and senior staff, and assist on new and innovative projects and initiatives
.  Create and update training materials for research tools and train colleagues on procedures
.  Perform other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:
·  2-3+ years of prior experience in television media research (Nielsen TV Ratings) & marketing required
·  Knowledge of the Latino marketplace is strongly preferred
·  Demonstrated understanding of research systems such as Nielsen, Rentrak TV Essentials, National and Local Simmons, Claritas, Mediabiz, and Census Bureau (Fact Finder ACS)
·  Strong analytic skills, with a focus on strategic insights
·  Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment without sacrificing accuracy and attention to detail
·  Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint)
·  Excellent communication skills both oral and written a must; strong project management skills are essential
·  Outstanding organizational skills and ability to multi-task
·  Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team
·  Bachelor’s degree is required or equivalent years of experience
TO APPY:
Submit resume & salary history to hr@mynuvotv.com / no phone calls please.

VISIT US: www.mynuvotv.com

nuvoTV is an Equal Opportunity Employer

For those that are interested, PAPOR, the Pacific Chapter for AAPOR, is proud to announce a short course by Don Dillman in Los Angeles on August 2^nd at Loyola Marymount University (near LAX) from Noon – 3:30PM.  It has been approved for 3.5 PRC Research hours.  Details and registration information can be found below.

The Pacific Chapter of American Association for Public Opinion Research (PAPOR) is proud to announce the following short course:

“Creating Effective Designs for Mixed-Mode Surveys”

by Professor Don Dillman

 August 2^nd, 2011 Noon – 3:30 PM

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CA 

Register Now at http://papor.davissurvey.com/sc11

PAPOR Member

Before July 25                      $50

July 25 through Onsite        $70

Non PAPOR Member (Includes 2011 membership)

Before July 25                      $65

July 25 through Onsite        $85

Student

Before July 25                      $20

July 25 through Onsite        $20

Registration includes pre-course lunch from 11:15 – Noon

Course Preview – (MRA PRC Approved – 3.5 Research Hours)

Interest in using mixed-mode designs to improve survey quality continues to grow, just as our knowledge of potential problems also expands.  This short course begins with consideration of the error reduction and cost benefits survey designers hope to accomplish by adopting mixed-mode data collection strategies and the different ways in which data collection modes may be combined.  It continues with a summary of some causes of measurement differences between survey modes, including visual vs. aural communication and the tendency of survey designers to construct questions differently for each mode.  Implementation strategies that mix modes of contact in order to improve response by single as well as multiple modes of response will be discussed.  This short course builds upon the 2009 book Internet, Mail and Mixed-Mode Survey (Dillman, Smyth and Christian), and emphasizes research conducted since its publication.

About Don Dillman

Don A. Dillman is Regents Professor in the Department of Sociology and Deputy Director of the Social and Economic Sciences Research Center at Washington State University, where he maintains an active research program on measurement and non-response issues in survey research.  He has conducted research on methods for and consequences of mixed-mode surveys for more than 30 years.  He is author of more than 250 publications, and from 1991-1995 served as the Senior Survey Methodologist in the U.S. Bureau of the Census.  A former President of the American Association for Public Opinion Research, he received the 2003 AAPOR Award for Exceptionally Distinguished Achievement.

About PAPOR

PAPOR is the regional chapter of the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR).  Our mission is to bring together professionals in public opinion and survey research to discuss survey methodology as well as public opinion issues.  PAPOR has 155 members that represent the western and Rocky Mountain states, with a handful of members from the East Coast, Midwest, and Canada.

Special Thanks to Our Gold Sponsors

Thomas + Dorothy Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles –  www.lmu.edu/csla

Trotta Associates – www.trotta.net

Davis Research – www.davisresearch.com

Greetings Members, 

Save the date for our upcoming Board Installation and mixer at Henry’s Hat in North Hollywood this Wednesday June 15th at 7pm.

 

 

Board Installation & Mixer

• Wednesday June 15th
• 7pm

 

 

Henry’s Hat

 

3413 Cahuenga Blvd. West
(between Barham and Lankershim)
Los Angeles, CA 90068

 

 

323-512-2500

 

 

 

 

Looking forward to seeing you all there !

Hello SoCal MRA Members,

We’re excited to announce our upcoming Education Day, “Reaching Generation Next”, to be held on May 12 at Disney’s Grand Californian. Panel members will discuss tween and teen research. Join us for this event and for post-event industry networking (more details on page 6). Also in this issue is the latest featured research on the mobile subscriber market, provided by comScore. We have an election coming up! Keep an eye out for the ballot in your Inbox which should arrive by April 11. We look forward to connecting with you at one of MRA’s upcoming events!

Inside this edition:

• Letter from the president
• Local Mobile Subscriber Market Share Report
• Academic Research and Marketing Research: A Case for Collaboration
• Member Spotlight: Ginger Blazier
• Announcing 2011-2012 SoCal MRA Board Elections
• Education Day – May 12th

You can download the newsletter here.

SAVE THE DATE

SoCal MRA Education Event

Thursday, May 12th

10am to 4pm

Disney’s Grand Californian

1600 South Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92803
(714) 635-230

Happy Hour will follow at Downtown Disney

We’re proud to announce the we’re co-hosting along with the Southwest and Northwest chapters our 25th Annual Las Vegas Conference this March.

March 2 – 4th
Paris Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, NV

Speakers include:

• Jane Buckingham, Trendera Inc.
• R. Scott Evans Ph.D., Social Media Thought Leader, Microsoft
• Brian Cooper, VP Technology, TNS
• Jim McAlexander, Professor, Oregon State University
• Larry Noble, Manager, Consumer Insights New Product Development, Wendy’s International

Be sure to register early and  reserve your room at a special $99/night price.

Register for the conference at SWMRA.org.

Download the flyer here.

Special thanks to all our SoCal MRA sponsors of the conference:

Act One Research

Apperson Digital Technology Services

Atkins Research Group

Directions In Research

ISA

Marketing Systems Group

Survey Sampling International

Taylor Research Inc.

LA Research

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Linda Giniewicz
Vice President
Qualitative Insights/Field by design

The SoCal MRA recently sat down with Linda Giniewicz, a market research professional and long time MRA member, to get to know her on a personal level and to recognize her valued support.

How long have you been in the Market Research field?

I started my career in research in 1995 with a company by the name ofField Management Associates. I had just relocated to San Francisco, CA from NY and responded to an advertisement in the newspaper. The ad was for Research Manager, for which I was totally unqualified. The owner, Hal Berke, took a chance on me based on my prior management experience. I landed the job and a lifelong friend.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

I love the diversity of my current role. I generate business and execute strategic initiatives, but I still get the opportunity to be involved in the data collection process. The team at QI is unique and versatile. Most of our core staff has grown and changed roles within the company. Watching the development of our team has been a great experience for me.

What advice do you have for anyone wishing to enter the MR field?

Market Research is a great industry with ample opportunity. It’s a creative environment that requires a solid problem solving skill set. It is an exciting time in MR as we are implementing advancements in technology to enhance data collection.

How has the SoCal MRA enhanced your professional experience?

SoCal MRA was my first exposure to the marketing research industry as a whole. My first speaking engagement in our industry was for the SoCal MRA in 1996. I continue to depend on the SoCal MRA for networking, education, and resources.

This year’s SoCal MRA annual holiday party was held at the newly-renovated Redbury Hotel, in the heart of bustling Hollywood. The vibe was warm, artsy, and sophisticated, as guests were welcomed by lush red curtains, funky Rock N Roll shabby-chic decor, and, of course, raffle tickets! At the front door, guests were greeted by smiling fresh faced volunteers (thanks, volunteers!), and dropped off generous donations for Children’s Hospital. Tray-passed signature cocktails got the party started off right, as did the yummy hors d’oeuvres, including flatbreads, mini-sliders, and other little nibbles. After everyone got a chance to mingle a bit, check out the space and, of course, the open bar, The Redbury opened the dinner buffet area, filled with delectable middle eastern delicacies of all shapes and sizes, that kept on arriving all night long. Some members clustered near the bar and the food, while others hung out in the heated outdoor patio, and there was plenty of room to co-mingle, meet fellow MRA members, and enjoy a casual chat about business, life, and everything in between. The raffle kicked off later into the evening, with fabulous prizes provided by the evening’s sponsors and our board members, including, among others, techie goods like the new Kindle, and themed gift baskets, including a ‘relax’ package of bubble-bath, bottle of wine, and box-set of DVDs, and a fun stocking of toys and the Toy Story DVDs. The party continued well into the night, as folks made some new contacts, re-connected with old colleagues, and danced like teenagers. As the party wound down, the smart few who got a room at the hotel continued the revelry upstairs, thankful for the Redbury’s big suites with cozy couches, big kitchens, and downtown views!

This event was part of Social Media Week and was a must-attend event for any professional interested in the latest social media strategies that companies have been using on a variety of platforms. The event was on Sept. 21st at the Viceroy in Santa Monica and sold out in two days.

Panelists included:

• Dana Robinson, NBC Universal, Director of Social Media
• Melva Benoit, Fox Broadcasting Company, SVP Consumer Insight and Audience Research
• Emily Gates, Passenger, VP Client Services (ABC Studios, FOX, VH1, Fuse)
• Jordan Glazier, Eventful, created social media campaigns for NBC (The Event), ABC (Happy Town), COX (If You Really Knew Me), MTV (Savage County), E! (Kourtney and Khloe take Miami), Paranormal Activity
• Somrat Niyogi, CEO of Miso, a “Foursquare for TV” app rewarding users with badges when they check-­‐in to TV shows on TNT, WE tv, etc.

Related articles

• Somrat Niyogi CEO & Co-Founder of Miso On TechZulu Live (techzulu.com)

Glastonbury, CT, January 14, 2011 – The Research Industry Index (RII) – the Marketing Research Association’s survey-driven composite index of business activity in the U.S. marketing research industry – continues to build on the improvement seen in the first half of 2010, with a third quarter score of 101.

This is the first time the index has passed 100 since the baseline survey was conducted in the fourth quarter of 2007. This also is the highest the index has scored since the start of the recession, indicating that the U.S. marketing research industry is moving into recovery. In contrast, the index hit an all time low of 84 during the first quarter of 2009.

“This good news is fueled by the performance of medium to large size firms. Many small firms are still experiencing decreased or flat business, reduced staffing and suppressed margins,” according to Ken Roberts, president elect of MRA and co-author of the RII report.

“Another contributing factor to the improvement is greater reliance by corporate researchers on their research suppliers,” Roberts said. “Almost one-half of corporate researchers are outsourcing more work to vendors, including tasks that typically have been considered internal responsibilities,” he added.

RII is a composite based on reported changes in key business metrics (RFPs, projects and staffing levels), as well as changes in business owners’ perceptions of the health of their business. The base period (Index = 100) is the fourth quarter of 2007. In the most recent wave of the survey, online interviews were conducted among 229 senior executives from both corporate researchers and marketing research firms via a survey hosted by Authentic Response. Reporting was completed by Cooper Roberts.