Marketing Research Association - Education and Events : Conferences

MRA was thinking big when we created The Big Think! As an executive in the profession you need a learning environment that provides inspiration, solutions and relationships that foster professional achievements. MRA has designed the 2009 CEO Summit with your needs in mind.

This is a unique learning event mixed with high-caliber speakers and facilitated “think-tank” discussion sessions. The CEO Summit promises to accelerate your strategic thinking, give you key deliverables to immediately use, and provide you with opportunities to think through real business issues.

MRA’s CEO Summit is exclusively designed for senior executives. To allow for strong interchange of ideas and knowledge, this invitational event is limited to CEOs, owners, presidents, managing directors and COOs of research companies (only two senior executives from any one company are permitted).

Join us for big networking and big education at a larger than life location!

Program at a glance

		Monday, February 9, 2009
		4:00 – 5:00 p.m.	State of the Industry Simon Chadwick Founding Partner, CAMBIAR
		5:15 – 6:00 p.m.	2008 Initiation Results
		6:00 – 7:30 p.m.	Welcome Reception

		Tuesday, February 10, 2009
		7:30 – 8:30 a.m.	Breakfast
		8:30 – 9:30 a.m.	Big Leaders Big Results
		9:40 – 10:40 a.m.	End User Perspective Regina Lewis, Ph.D. Vice President, Global Consumer Insights, IHG
		10:40 – 11:00 a.m.	Networking Break
		11:00 – 12:30 p.m.	Think Tank*
		12:30 – 1:30 p.m.	Networking Lunch
		1:45 – 2:45 p.m.	Evolving Your Company Strategy Richard B. Vanderveer, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer, GfK U.S. Healthcare Companies
		2:45 – 3:00 p.m.	Networking Break
		3:00 – 4:30 p.m.	Think Tank*
		6:30 p.m.	Optional Dinner Activity

		Wednesday, February 11, 2009
		7:30 – 8:30 am	Breakfast
		8:30 – 9:30 am	Business Metrics for Success Robin Hafitz President, OpenMind Strategy & Chief Strategic Officer, KBP Company
		9:40 – 11:00 am	Think Tank*
		11:00 – 11:15 am	Networking Break
		11:15 – 12:15 pm	Building a Company Inside Out Roger Green President & CEO, Roger Green and Associates
		12:30 – 1:30 pm	Networking Lunch

		*Think Tanks are facilitated, topic-based discussions based on an educational presentation.

Networking

As a business leader we understand how important it is to you to build your professional network. The CEO Summit will provide you with numerous networking opportunities throughout the event including a Welcome Reception on Monday and an optional dinner activity on Tuesday.

Optional Dinner Activity – Information coming soon.

Location

The Atlantis beachfront resort is located on Paradise Island, approximately 10 miles from Nassau Airport and one mile from downtown Nassau. The Atlantis has a 34-acre waterscape holding a living saltwater habitat containing over 200 species of tropical fish. Additional recreational facilities include 11 lagoons; artificial coral reefs; an underwater tunnel for shark observation; an underground maze of viewing tanks containing sea creatures; 11 swimming pools, a Lazy River Ride; the Mayan Temple's five waterslides; Turtle Beach, a sanctuary for native turtles; a full service casino; Mandara Spa; Sports Center, complete with tennis courts; beach access; and water sports. The property also offers shops, 20 restaurants and bars, 24-hour room service and live entertainment.

Flights

When traveling to Atlantis confirm your flights into Nassau International Airport. The airport code is NAS. Most major airlines offer international service with either non-stop or connecting service into NAS.

Note: United States citizens traveling between the United States and The Bahamas will be required to show a passport to re-enter the United States. For information on how to obtain or renew a passport please visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/. Please allow 6-8 weeks prior to travel to obtain or renew a passport.

Weather

The Bahamas enjoys a pleasurable climate. February is one of the most refreshing times of the year with an average daytime temperature of 78 degrees and nighttime temperature of 66 degrees. The water temperature is just right at 72 degrees.

Reservation

Rate: $279 Royal Tower (single/double; subject to applicable gratuities, taxes, resort levies and other resort charges). To be guaranteed the room rate, please make your reservation by January 5, 2009. Check-in is 3:00 pm and check-out is 11:00 am. All reservations should be made online.
Please go to http://www.atlantis.com/myevent/MRASSOCIATION.aspx.

Note: Individuals are required to make their own reservations. Reservation requests will be subject to a 2-night non-refundable deposit and full prepayment is required on or before 30 days prior to arrival date. An individual who cancels within 30 days prior to arrival will be charged the full length of the stay.

Registration

This invitational event is limited to a select number of senior executives. Registration will only remain open until filled. We can’t guarantee a spot for everyone, so don’t delay in securing your registration.

Member Price: $1100
Non-Member Price: $1375 (includes a complimentary one-year MRA Level A membership)

Register Online or telephone MRA at 860-682-1000.

Cancellation Policy: Attendance cancellations must be received within three business days before the event begins. A $500 cancellation fee will apply. There are no refunds for cancellations received less than three days before the event. No-shows will not be refunded.