Resilience in Uncertain Times (8:30am-10:15am) 

The session will examine the impact of shifting US trade policies and other challenges to our industry. Agency leaders will examine the impact of multiple scenarios that might occur and discuss how agencies must adapt their plans to be successful in all of scenarios.

AI Readiness for Research Agencies (10:30am-12:15pm)

This session will help agency leaders ensure their firms are taking advantage of the latest advancements in artificial intelligence.  The session will examine the impact of AI on staffing including the skills staff require for the future and also opportunities to use AI to reduce manual labour.  It will also explore best practices on communicating AI use with clients and looking at new and upcoming AI technologies that CEOs should be aware.  The session will start with a panel of AI leaders from CRIC’s AI Committee.  This will be followed by breakout groups for CEOs to discuss challenges with respect to AI with other industry leaders.

Fostering a strong employee culture and ensuring a strong talent pipeline (1:15pm-2:30pm) 

A panel of CEOs/HR Executives from agencies of different staffing sizes and models will share what has worked and what hasn’t in creating a positive culture.  The session will also explore the talent pipeline.  What impact has the closure of three research analyst program had on accessing talent?   How are agencies finding talent?  How do we ensure our industry is attracting the best and brightest talent?

Data Quality – How leading agencies can collaborate to address the challenges to data quality (2:45pm – 4:00pm) 

Data quality remains a major threat to our industry.  How can CRIC agencies collaborate to provide consistent and clear messaging to clients that supports data quality.  Led by leaders from CRIC’s Online Research Committee, this session aims to have agreed upon solutions that enhance the quality of research in Canada.

8:00am – 8:30am: Networking Breakfast

8:30am – 8:45am: Welcome

8:45 am – 10:15am: Top Challenges and Opportunities facing the Insights Industry-CEO Panel and Breakout

In this session, CRIC’s CEO will share highlights of the CRIC Size of the Industry survey and will then moderate of panel of leading CEOs featuring Cynthia Pachovski, CEO Ipsos Canada, Jean-Marc Léger, CEO, Léger and Margaret Brigley, CEO Narrative Research on the top challenges and opportunities for the Insights Industry in Canada.  Following the panel, CEOs in attendance will break into groups to further discuss the challenges and opportunities and how we can work together to support the continued growth of the Canadian Insights Industry.

10:15am – 10:30am: Morning Break

10:30am – 12:00pm: Increasing Cross-Team Collaboration and Enhancing Organizational Alignment

Led by Giselle Kovary, Head of Learning & Development at Optimus SBR

In the age of agile methodologies and remote work, mastering cross-team collaboration is pivotal in driving innovation and ensuring that all parts of a research agency, regardless of its size, are working towards the same objectives. Gone are the days when individuals could operate as isolated islands of productivity. The challenges and opportunities of the modern business world are far too complex for any single group or individual to shoulder alone.

Effective cross-team collaboration dismantles barriers, facilitating a fluid exchange of ideas and information among different departments and individuals. A more collaborative approach not only enhances problem-solving capabilities and creativity but also cultivates an environment of inclusivity and mutual respect. By harnessing diverse skills and viewpoints, research agencies, regardless of their size, can swiftly respond to market shifts, uncover opportunities, and sustain a competitive edge.

Giselle Kovary will lead off this workshop by highlighting the best practices for increasing cross-team collaboration.  She will then facilitate group discussions where participating CEOs will be able to share their ideas on how agencies in our industry can improve performance and optimize innovation through collaboration.

 12pm – 1pm: Networking Lunch

1pm – 2pm: The AI Imperative for Insight CEOs

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to be a catalyst for unprecedented innovation in our industry.  In fact, a survey of Canadian Insights Executives conducted by Leger for the CRIC earlier this year found that AI Implementation was a top priority amidst revenue concerns, cost management, and economic uncertainty.  In this session, CRIC’s CEO will share key insights from this survey.  Jason Zweig, Manager Partner and Vice President, Canadian Viewpoint and Chair of the CRIC AI Committee will then highlight some of the initiatives of the CRIC AI Committee.  CEOs in attendance will then engage in breakout sessions to discuss and share how our industry must responsibly embrace AI.

2pm – 3pm: Addressing the Threat to Data Quality

The threats to data quality are global in nature and the solutions require a global effort.  That is why the Canadian Research Insights Council is part of the Global Data Quality Initiative (GDQ), working with leading associations around the globe to champion global data quality.  In this session, CRIC CEO will share key GDQ initiatives and Greg Matheson, Co-CEO, Quest Mindshare and Chair of the CRIC Online Research Committee, will highlight how Canada is contributing to the global efforts. The session will end with a breakout session to identify additional opportunities for Canada to contribute to addressing the threats to data quality.

3pm – 3:15pm: Afternoon Networking Break

3:15pm – 4:15pm: Advocacy Priorities

Facilitated by Greg Jodouin, President PACE Public Affairs & Community Engagement and John Tabone, CEO of CRIC.

In this session, Greg Jodouin and John Tabone will provide a brief update on key Government Relation and advocacy topics including an update on the status of the proposed new federal privacy and AI legislation, call blocking/labeling, gig economy legislation and more.  CEOs will then be invited to discuss and share their ideas on additional advocacy priorities from CRIC.

4:15pm – 4:30pm: Concluding comments

Programme

CEO Forum Dinner – November 26, 2023

6pm at Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill located at 33 Yonge Street (at Front Street)

CRIC CEO Forum – November 27, 2023

Location: King Gallery at One King West

8:00am-8:30am – Networking Breakfast

8:30am-8:45am – Welcome

8:45am-10:15am – Different Generational Approaches to Work:™ Leading & Engaging Multigenerational Employees – facilitated by Giselle Kovary, M.A., Head of Learning & Development, Optimus SBR.

Organizations today face the challenge of creating high-performing environments that produce results. Your workforce is comprised of different generations, which may include Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials and Gen Zs. Each of these cohorts possesses unique identities that translate into different behaviours in the workplace. It is important for every leader to be able to tap into the values and expectations of their multigenerational team members in order to increase levels of engagement and performance, especially as Millennials represent an increasing share of your workforce and Gen Zs are your future workforce.

This highly interactive presentation begins with an overview of the different generations and how the generational identities translate into behaviours in the workplace, as it relates to loyalty, authority and work styles. We focus on what Millennials value and desire from their leaders and share new research on Gen Zs. We then explore how to demonstrate organizational engagement to ensure leadership practices are transparent, responsive and partnering. We also discuss how the workplace reality has changed to one in which employees view themselves as equal partners in the employment relationship and the impact that has on day-to-day leadership practices.

Participants will leave the session with engagement tips and the top five leadership tips that can be applied right away.

10:15am-10:30am – Morning Break

10:30am-12:00pm – The Impacts of AI on Insights – facilitated by Paul Acerbi, EVP, Client Organization, Ipsos

Amara’s Law states, “We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate the effect in the long run” With Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolutionizing how we gather, identify, and communicate insights, what can we do as an association to ensure our members are best prepared for the true impact of this technological revolution? This session will focus on the industry-wide implications to the advancements in AI. Paul Acerbi, who is leading the adoption of AI for Ipsos in Canada, will provide insights into the potential risks and challenges that AI brings (to our industry and to society) and share Ipsos’ Framework for evaluating AI. As a group we will then discuss how AI can create both opportunities and risks for our industry and explore ways to mitigate those risks.

During the session, we will address several key questions: What are the major risks that insight leaders must be aware of and manage? How can we ensure that our use of AI complies with legislation and meets client expectations and requirements? As an industry, should we look at self-regulation to increase trust in our use of AI and if so, what would that look like?

12pm-12:45pm – Lunch

12:45pm-1:45pm – Managing Pricing Pressure and Maximizing ROI (Return on Insights) – With many economists warning of a possible recession in Canada’s future, companies are being especially careful in managing their budgets. While economic uncertainty is impacting budgets, the need for insights in these uncertain times is greater than ever. More than ever client-side researchers will be looking to maximize their Return on Insights. This panel featuring Margaret Tso, CAIP, Senior Manager, Consumer Insights, Cadillac Fairview and Audrey Choong, CAIP, Consumer Insights Lead, Aldo will explore how agencies can work with clients to deliver the value clients expect. Diana Lucaci, CEO, True Impact, will moderate the panel.

1:45pm-2:45pm – Addressing the Threat to Data Quality – Quality data is at the heart of what we do but the challenges to data quality are growing. Fraud is getting more sophisticated and cost pressures can lead to data that might not be fit for purpose. This session will start with a brief update on the Global Data Quality Initiative in which CRIC is working with leading associations around the world to address these challenges. Greg Matheson, CoCEO of Quest Mindshare and Chair of the CRIC Online Research Committee, Sam Pisani, CAIP, Managing Parter, The Logit Group and Rob Berger, EVP, Global Qualitative, Sago will then review challenges and lead a discussion on solutions.

2:45pm-3:00pm – Afternoon Break

3:00pm-3:45pm – CRIC Advocacy Agenda – facilitated by Greg Jodouin, President PACE Public Affairs & Community Engagement and John Tabone, CEO of CRIC.
Greg Jodouin, CRIC’s Government Relation’s advisor, along with John Tabone, CRIC’s CEO, will provide an update on key Government Relation and advocacy topics and invite questions and feedback from leaders on advocacy priorities for CRIC. Topics will include an update on the new federal privacy legislation, AI legislation, call blocking/labeling, gig economy legislation and more.

3:45pm-4:00pm – Closing comments and feedback on session.

Programme

Pre-Forum Dinner (optional) – September 21, 2022

6pm at Jump Restaurant located at 18 Wellington Street West)

CRIC Leadership Forum – September 22, 2022

Location: King Gallery at One King West

8:00am-8:30am – Networking Breakfast

8:30am-10:15am – Growing your Insights Brand – facilitated by Lucy Davison, Founder and Managing Director, Keen as Mustard Marketing and a client panel featuring Brinda Mathew, Head of Brand Performance, Ikea Canada, Jhumur Choudhury, CAIP, Research Lead, Advisory Services, ATB Financial and Kevin Akyeampong, Director, Research & Insights, Cadillac Fairview.
This session will begin with a panel of client leaders featuring Brinda Mathew, Head of Brand Performance, Ikea Canada, Jhumur Choudhury, Research Lead, Advisory Services, ATB Financial and Kevin Akyeampong, Director, Research & Insights, Cadillac Fairview that will be moderated by Lucy Davison. The panel will discuss the changing expectations of their internal clients and share their insights on what they look for from an agency. The panel will be followed be followed by a presentation on best practices for growing your insights brands geared both to agencies and insights departments). Attendees will then participate in an interactive discussion of best practices led by Lucy.

10:30am-12:15pm – Creating a Strong Culture in Hybrid Work Environment – facilitated by James Sloane, Director of Employee Experience at Habanero
As hybrid work environments become the new normal, they also bring new challenges related to topics such as hiring, onboarding, performance appraisals, missing interactions and creating a strong culture. In this session, James Sloan will share some of the steps leaders can take to create a strong culture as well as some best practices for hiring, onboarding, supporting innovation and managing performance. This session will include sharing among leaders on successful initiatives to grow culture.

12:15pm-1pm-Lunch

1pm-3pm – How ResTech is Transforming the Future of Insights – facilitated by Mike Stevens – Insights Platform/ResTech Business School
Advances in Research Technology (ResTech) are continuing to transform the way insights are gathered, analyzed and communicated. In this session, Mike Stevens will share how ResTech is shaping the future of insights, highlight key trends, and share predictions for future disruptions. He will then facilitate a discussion among leaders to get their perspectives on the ResTech future.

3pm-4pm – CRIC Advocacy Agenda – facilitated by Greg Jodouin, President Pace Public Affairs and Community Engagement and John Tabone, CEO of CRIC.
Greg Jodouin, CRIC’s Government Relation’s advisor, along with John Tabone, CRIC’s CEO, will provide an update on key Government Relation and advocacy topics and invite questions and feedback from leaders on advocacy priorities for CRIC. Topics will include an update on the new federal privacy legislation, call blocking initiatives, and ways to differentiate requests for research purposes.