Market Research Events 2026: What You Need to Know

Market research conferences aren’t just about collecting tote bags and slide decks, they’re about moving your insights practice forward. In a year where AI acceleration, changing consumer behaviours, and pressure for faster decision-making continue to reshape the industry, showing up matters more than ever.

Attending R&D-focused market research events remains one of the most effective ways to stay ahead of emerging trends, sharpen your skills, and connect with the people redefining how insight drives business growth. With so many conferences, expos, and specialist workshops on the calendar, however, attending everything simply isn’t realistic – which makes prioritisation essential.

For us, it comes down to value. Will the event inspire new thinking? Create opportunities to share expertise? Strengthen relationships with peers and partners? And importantly, does it help us stay competitive alongside others driving the future of research?

When planning your calendar, it can help to consider:

• What do you want to get out of the experience, and what would make it truly valuable for you or your team?
• What budget are you working with? Will you be attending as a delegate, or considering sponsorship or exhibition opportunities?
• Is your main goal to learn or to build brand visibility? Many attend with both in mind, though learning often comes first.
• Are you looking to stay within familiar regions or explore new locations and perspectives?
• Do you have the right people available to attend, with the time and budget to step away from day-to-day responsibilities?

Each event requires thoughtful planning, investment, and preparation. But the return can be significant. Conferences are where you can:

• Explore emerging methodologies, from AI-driven qualitative research and conversational feedback tools to mobile-first survey design.
• Benchmark your approach through real-world case studies shared by leading brands and agencies.
• Assess new tools in person, comparing survey platforms, panel providers, analytics solutions, and data technologies side by side.
• Build connections with peers navigating similar challenges across agencies and client-side insight teams.
• Gain inspiration from innovative research strategies driving impact across global organisations.
• Stay competitive by evolving your methods and toolkit alongside the changing industry.

We also believe events are about listening. Hearing directly from researchers and data-driven marketers about what’s working, and what isn’t, which helps shape how we continue to evolve our services. Of course, those conversations don’t have to wait for a conference; you can always contact us anytime!

We hope this guide helps you plan your 2026 calendar and discover opportunities to learn, connect, and stay at the forefront of market research.

March 10th, MRS Annual Conference in London.

This event showcases how research and insights empower brands to navigate complexity, adapt, and stay relevant. Keep on top of emerging trends, gain practical knowledge to apply, and contribute to shaping the future of market research.

We will be attending this event, and we really look forward to it every year.

Why you might go:
If you want actionable learning close to home, strong UK client-side representation, and meaningful peer networking, this is one of the most accessible and impactful events on the calendar.

Fun fact:
Many attendees say the hallway conversations and post-session debates are just as valuable as the keynote presentations.

March 10-11th, Quirk’s Event in Dallas.

The first US stop in the Quirk’s calendar brings client-side researchers and supplier partners together for practical, solutions-focused learning. Sessions are designed to be immediately applicable, covering methodologies, innovation, and operational challenges facing insight teams today.

Why you might go:
Ideal if you want practical takeaways rather than theory – particularly valuable for R&D and insights professionals looking to solve real business challenges quickly.

Fun fact:
Quirk’s events are famous for their Expo Hall energy. Many partnerships start over coffee between sessions rather than in formal meetings.

March 26th, MRS CX, UX, MR Conference in London.

Focused on the intersection between customer experience, user experience, and market research, this event explores how behavioural insight and design thinking combine to drive better decision-making.

Why you might go:
Perfect if your role overlaps product, innovation, or digital experience and you want to understand how insight translates directly into customer journeys and product usability.

Fun fact:
UX-focused sessions often include live demonstrations – meaning you’ll experience methodologies as a participant, not just hear about them.

April 15-16th, Quirk’s Event in Chicago.

The 2nd Quirk’s event of the year delivers two days of learning across multiple tracks covering qualitative innovation, data strategy, fieldwork challenges, and emerging research technologies.

Why you might go:
A strong choice if you want a high-energy US networking environment combined with practical learning and exposure to new supplier partners.

Fun fact:
Chicago consistently attracts one of the largest client-side audiences across the Quirk’s series.

April 29-30th, Greenbook IIEX North America in Washington DC.

IIEX North America gathers industry innovators, technology disruptors, and brand leaders to explore how insight functions are evolving. Expect discussions around AI, automation, research efficiency, and delivering greater commercial impact.

Why you might go:
If you’re thinking strategically about the future of insights — faster delivery, reduced costs, or scaling innovation — this event is packed with forward-looking perspectives.

Fun fact:
According to organisers, over 90% of attendees say they’ve used learnings from IIEX to influence strategic business decisions.

*May 2nd, International Market Research Day*

May 6-7th, Quirk’s Event in London.

It’s 3rd event of the year, gathering client-side researchers and vendor partners together to explore all aspects of marketing research featuring concurrent tracks of 30-minute sessions, and a lively Expo Hall in the centre of the action.

We will be attending this event which promises to be inclusive and collaborative with ample networking opportunities, in a fun and insightful environment amongst like-minded research industry peers.

Why you might go:
One of the best UK opportunities to meet both established partners and emerging suppliers while learning across multiple disciplines in a relaxed environment.

Fun fact:
Many attendees describe Quirk’s London as one of the most sociable insight events of the year – networking often continues well into the evening.

June 2nd, The Richmond Market Insight Forum in London.

The Richmond Market Insight Forum offers a more curated conference experience, bringing together senior client-side insight leaders and carefully selected suppliers through a programme of keynote sessions, structured networking, and pre-arranged one-to-one meetings. The format encourages meaningful conversations focused on solving real business challenges rather than traditional exhibition-style interactions.

Why you might go:
A strong option if you value focused networking and strategic discussions with decision-makers. The hosted meeting format can be particularly useful if you’re actively exploring new partnerships or solutions.

Fun fact:
Unlike most conferences, many meetings are pre-scheduled based on mutual interest – meaning attendees often leave with tangible next steps already in motion.

June 23-24th, Greenbook IIEX Europe in Amsterdam.

IIEX Europe focuses on innovation across research technology, analytics, and insight strategy. Roundtables, demonstrations, and collaborative discussions allow attendees to explore practical applications of new methodologies.

Why you might go:
Ideal if you want exposure to cutting-edge research tech and strategic thinking alongside hands-on learning opportunities.

Fun fact:
Amsterdam’s compact city centre means many networking conversations continue informally along canal-side cafés after sessions finish.

July 29-30th, Quirks Event in New York.

The final Quirk’s event of the year brings together a diverse mix of brands, agencies, and suppliers for practical sessions covering innovation, operations, and insight delivery challenges.

We are planning to attend Quirks in New York – we had a great time last year and are really excited to be returning. Let us know if you’re planning to attend – it would be great to see you there!

Why you might go:
A strong option if you want US market exposure combined with practical learning and vibrant networking opportunities.

Fun fact:
New York’s event often attracts global attendees combining business travel with summer city energy.

September 1-4th, ESOMAR Congress in Valencia.

ESOMAR Congress is one of the most globally recognised insight gatherings, bringing together senior leaders from across research, analytics, and marketing strategy.

Why you might go:
Best suited for senior insight professionals looking for international perspectives, strategic inspiration, and high-level networking.

Fun fact:
Many collaborations and partnerships across the industry trace their origins back to conversations started at ESOMAR Congress.

September 8-11th, Eurosense 2026 in Norway.

EuroSense is one of the leading global gatherings dedicated to sensory and consumer science, bringing together academics, brand teams, and research professionals exploring how sensory experiences shape consumer perception and product success. The programme combines scientific research, applied case studies, and innovation across food, beverage, personal care, and beyond.

We are very excited about attending Eurosense this year. We think it is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our expertise, raise our brand awareness, and network with like-minded R&D clients. If this is the event for you too, we will look forward to seeing you there!

Why you might go:
Ideal if you work closely with product development, sensory testing, or consumer experience and want deeper scientific understanding alongside practical application.

Fun fact:
EuroSense rotates locations across Europe – meaning every edition offers a different cultural and culinary backdrop to complement the learning experience.

October 5-7th, TMRE: The Market Research Event in Denver.

TMRE brings together insight leaders, brand decision-makers, and solution providers to explore the future of market research through innovation, technology, and strategy. With keynote speakers, collaborative sessions, and workshops, the event focuses on helping insight teams deliver stronger business impact.

Why you might go:
A strong choice for senior insights professionals looking to step back from day-to-day delivery and focus on transformation, leadership, and future-proofing research functions.

Fun fact:
TMRE is known for highly interactive formats – expect working sessions and peer discussions rather than traditional lecture-style conferences.

October 5-7th, Front End of Innovation in Denver.

Held alongside TMRE, Front End of Innovation (FEI) focuses on innovation strategy, product development, and future growth opportunities. It connects R&D leaders, innovation teams, and insight professionals looking to translate consumer understanding into commercially successful products.

Why you might go:
Perfect if your work sits between insights and innovation, particularly valuable for teams supporting product pipelines, concept testing, or long-term growth strategy.

Fun fact:
Because FEI runs alongside TMRE, attendees often cross between events – creating unexpected networking opportunities between innovation and insights specialists.

October 7-9th, SSP Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

The SSP Conference brings together sensory and consumer science professionals focused on advancing best practice in product evaluation, methodology, and consumer understanding. Expect technical sessions, collaborative discussions, and opportunities to learn directly from practitioners working across multiple product categories.

Why you might go:
Highly valuable if you’re involved in sensory programmes or product testing and want practical learning grounded in real-world application.

Fun fact:
The conference has a reputation for being particularly collaborative – many attendees return year after year because of the strong community feel.

October 21-22nd, Merlien Institute MRMW Europe in Berlin.

MRMW Europe focuses heavily on innovation in insights, data analytics, and technology adoption, attracting brand-side leaders looking to modernise research functions.

Why you might go:
Ideal if AI transformation, automation, or future-ready insight ecosystems are high on your agenda.

Fun fact:
MRMW events are known for interactive formats – expect workshops and roundtables rather than passive listening.

Planning your 2026 events calendar? Whether you’re attending, exhibiting, or exploring where to invest your time, we’d love to hear what’s on your radar. Get in touch with [email protected] to start the conversation.