Whether you’re an insights leader, research buyer, or data-driven marketer, attending a market research conferences in 2026 is one of the smartest ways to stay ahead of the curve. These events go far beyond networking, they’re where new methodologies are unveiled, research technologies are launched, and real-world case studies are shared by the brands setting the standard.
In this article, we’ll cover
- Why Attend Market Research Conferences in 2026
- Top 5 Upcoming Market Research Events in 2026 (Global & Regional Highlights) (including standouts like TMRE and ESOMAR Congress)
- How to Get the Most from a Research Conference
- Why We Attend (And Why You Might Want to Meet Us There)
Let’s jump in with why you should even attend a market research conference in the first place
Why Attend Market Research Conferences in 2026?
Market Research conferences aren’t just about collecting tote bags and slide decks, they’re about moving your insights practice forward. Here’s what you can gain by showing up:
- Discover emerging methodologies – From AI in qualitative to mobile-first survey designs and conversational feedback tools, conferences are where new approaches take center stage.
- Benchmarking and case studies — real-world success stories from brands and agencies.
- Evaluate new tools – Compare research tech in person including survey platforms, panel providers, data analysis tools, and more.
- Connect with peers – Meet insights professionals from agencies and brands facing the same challenges you are.
- Get inspired by case studies – Learn how global teams are driving impact through creative research strategies.
- Stay competitive – Keep your methods and toolkit aligned with where the industry is heading.
For us, it’s also a chance to hear directly from researchers and data-driven marketers about what they need, what’s working, what’s broken, and where we can help but you can always contact us anytime.
Now let’s jump into the top 5 upcoming market research conferences in 2025
Key Market Research Conferences in 2026 (Global & Regional Highlights)
Here’s a list of the top most significant conferences for market research, consumer insights, and qualitative/quantitative methodologies coming up in 2026 in chronological order:
1. The Quirk’s Event – Dallas 2026
Overview: The first Quirk’s Event of 2026 is taking place in Dallas, Texas from March 10 through March 11, 2026. The Quirk’s Event is the ideal event for in-house/brand researchers to find market research supplier partners. Attendees can attend sessions showcasing research case studies from leading brands as well as explore large expo halls where vendors and researchers can discuss sessions, network and explore vendor solutions. Speakers and sessions for this event have not yet been announced. The Quirk’s Event will also have three other stops this year in Chicago, London and New York. Visit the Quirks Event – Dallas 2026 website for announcements here.
Dates: March 10 – March 11, 2026
Location: Dallas, Texas
Cost: Registration cost ranges from $149 for in-house researchers and $1,299 for researchers at market research or other marketing service providers
How to Register? Follow this link to register for The Quirk’s Event – Dallas 2026
Venue: LOEWS Arlington
888 Nolan Ryan Expressway
Arlington, Texas, 76011
Hotels: LOEWS Arlington is offering discounted room rates for The Quirk’s Event attendees for $259/night (including taxes and fees). You can access the discount here.
See who from the Prodege team is going to be there
2. SampleCon 2026
Overview: Taking place from March 16 through March 18, 2026 in Lake Oconee, Georgia, SampleCon 2026 offers a distinct alternative to standard industry trade shows. By focusing on a smaller, retreat-style atmosphere, the event prioritizes candid dialogue and genuine connection over sales pitches. It is an essential destination for forward-thinking platforms and agencies ready to collaborate on the standards that will define the next decade of consumer insights. Speakers and sessions for this event have not yet been announced. Visit the SampleCon 2026 website for announcements here.
Dates: March 16 – March 18, 2026
Location: Lake Oconee, Georgia
Cost: Registration cost starts at $1,550 for early bird rates before December 20, 2026 and $1,975 for regular rate. A discounted rate is also available for professionals at consumer facing brands for $850
How to Register? Follow this link to register for SampleCon 2026
Venue: The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
1 Lake Oconee Trail,
Greensboro, Georgia, USA, 306421
Hotels: The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is offering discounted room rates for SampleCon 2026 attendees for $339 plus tax per night. You can access the discount through the booking link here.
See who from the Prodege team is going to be there
3. The Quirk’s Event – Chicago 2026
Overview: The second Quirk’s Event of 2026 is taking place in Chicago, Illinois from April 15 through April 16, 2026. As mentioned, the Quirks Event is the ideal event for in-house/brand researchers to find market research supplier partners. There are four Quirk’s Events happening in 2026– Dallas, Chicago, London, and New York. Each event will have some different speakers and exhibitors, but content and exhibitons will be very similar. Attending more than one Quirk’s Event might feel repetitive so we recommend attending whichever one is most convenient for you. Speakers and sessions for The Quirk’s Event 2026 in Chicago has not yet been announced but attendees can expect sessions showcasing research case studies from leading brands as well as the opportunity to explore large expo halls where vendors and researchers can discuss sessions, network and explore vendor solutions. Visit the Quirks Event – Chicago 2026 website for announcements here.
Dates: April 15 – April 16, 2026
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Cost: Registration cost ranges from $149 for in-house researchers and $1,299 for researchers at market research or other marketing service providers
How to Register? Follow this link to register for The Quirk’s Event – Chicago 2026
Venue: Hyatt Regency O’Hare
9300 W Bryn Mawr Ave
Rosemont, IL 60018
Hotels: Hyatt Regency O’Hare is offering discounted room rates for The Quirk’s Event attendees for $183/night (including taxes and fees). You can access the discount here.
Follow us on LinkedIn or visit our events page to get updates on who will be there from our team
4. 2026 Ignite: Data Quality
Overview: 2026 Ignite: Data Quality is a market research conference hosted by the Insights Association on April 21, 2026 in Hoboken, New Jersey. At this event you’ll join fellow insights professionals for a day of expert-led sessions, real-world case studies, and practical guidance focused on data quality within the market research industry. Speakers and sessions for this event have not yet been announced. Visit the Insights Association’s events page for announcements here
Dates: April 21, 2026
Location: Hoboken, New Jersey
Cost: Registration cost ranges from $149 for in-house researchers and $1,299 for researchers at market research or other marketing service providers
How to Register? Follow this link to register for The Quirk’s Event – Chicago 2026
Venue: Stevens Institute of Technology
1 Castle Point Terrace
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Hotels: W Hoboken is the closest hotel to the Stevens Institute of Technology. We weill update this blog if any discounted rates for Ignite event attendees becomes available.
Follow us on LinkedIn or visit our events page to get updates on who will be there from our team
5. IIEX North America 2026
Overview: IIEX North America 2026 is taking place is Washington, D.C. from April 29 through April 30, 2026. IIEX North America is presented by Greenbook and is focused on innovation within the insights and market research industry. Some of the sessions for IIEX North 2026 will cover generative AI, automation, sample issues, emerging methods, cross-cultural success, business value of insights and more. This year’s key speakers include Ryan Baum, CEO of Psyclone, Brent Lightfoot, the SVP, Research, Measurement & Insights at iHeartMedia, Laura Wronski a survey scientist at Google and many more. You can view the full agenda for IIEX North America 2026 here.
Dates: April 29 – April 30, 2026
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: Early bird registration cost start at $450 for in-house/brand researchers and $1,290 for researchers at market research companies/suppliers
How to Register? Follow this link to register for IIEX North America 2026
Venue: Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
Hotels: IIEX North America 2026 is not hosting any room blocks but there are a lot of nearby hotels. J.W. Marriot, Hotel Washington, and the Waldorf Astoria, if you’re feeling real fancy, are the closest. Washington, D.C. has a lot of transportation options, including the metro, which has a stop inside the venue, so don’t be afraid to stay further from the venue. Follow us on LinkedIn or visit our events page to get updates on who will be there from our team
How to Get the Most from a Research Conference
We’ve attended our fair share of conferences over the years, here are a few tips we share with our own clients:
1. Set clear goals before you arrive
Are you looking for new tools? Inspiration? Partners? Decide upfront what success looks like.
2. Block out time for the expo
Even if you’re not in buying mode, the vendor floor is the best place to explore what’s new (and where tech is heading). Come say hi, we’re always up for a conversation.
3. Build your schedule early
Popular sessions and workshops fill up fast. Prioritize sessions with case studies, hands-on demos, and brand-side speakers.
4. Follow up quickly
Most value comes after the event. Follow up with contacts, vendors, and speakers while it’s fresh.
Why We Attend (And Why You Might Want to Meet Us There)
We build tools that help consumer insights teams move faster and go deeper, from advanced survey design to real-time analytics and respondent management from the highest quality proprietary panel. If you’re exploring ways to streamline your research workflows or unlock new types of insights, we’d love to chat in person. We’ll have:
- Live demos of our platform
- Exclusive previews of upcoming features
- Case studies from brands doing research differently
- Opportunities to collaborate or pilot new use cases
Want to connect at an event this year?
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