New Look For MRS Annual Conference 31/10/2000 Turning knowledge to competitive advantage is the theme of the MRS 44th Annual Conference next March. In addition to offering a range of guest speakers and topical debates, next year’s conference will, for the first time, include a trade fair. This is part of a renewed image for the Conference, which is aiming to extend its appeal to encompass all the ‘research’ public. The event expects to attract over 1,000 visitors over the three day period. Delegates will be addressed by a number of high profile speakers, including Will Hutton, CEO of The Industrial Society and e-MORI’s Nicky Perrott. Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP, will give the keynote address. Besides adding a new dimension to the conference, the inclusion of a trade fair has created a great deal of interest within the market research industry. 30 exhibitors from major companies have already committed to taking a stand, while numerous others have welcomed the opportunity to become sponsors of this new initiative, including NOP and The Research Business International. The Trade Fair will be staged as an integral part of the Conference and will reflect and support the Conference’s key themes. According to Ruth Martin, Director of Professional Development at The MRS, "The Annual Conference of The MRS is the flagship event of the industry and Research 2001 promises to be more dynamic and better attended than ever before. As in previous years, the quality of speakers is first-rate and we will be addressing topics that have important implications for the whole market research industry. The introduction of a trade fair is an exciting development for us and the interest it has already generated has been very encouraging. With its new look and fresh approach I anticipate that this conference will be our most rewarding yet." In a separate piece of news, The MRS has announced the appointment of Carol Curran as Head of Membership and Marketing Services. In her new role, Carol will be responsible for the delivery of membership services and activities, as well as assuming overall responsibility for driving membership recruitment and retention. Carol joins The MRS with over ten years’ experience of working for membership organisations. Most recently, she was employed as Event Services Manager for The Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) where – for the past two years - she has been responsible for a range of member-focused conferences, seminars and exhibition platforms.