Friends & Colleagues –

One of the primary roles of a market researcher is to predict what the future holds using limited information about the past and present.  These market research predictions are used, among other things, as the basis for product go/no-go decisions, business development acquisitions and marketing resource allocations.  But do we truly have the tools to make these predictions?  Are we able to prioritize the facts that will impact the future of our brand?  Are we missing obvious outside forces that will influence these predictions?  How can we think differently about the research that we do in order to reduce the 'beta' of our predictions?

At the 2008 Annual National Conference, we examined the "Crystal Ball" principles relative to prediction.  At the The PMRG Institute, we continue this examination to include the tools necessary to make predictions in the current environment of pharmaceutical marketing research.

The Second Annual Meeting of The PMRG Institute will be held at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center on October 19-21, 2008.  Our agenda has been developed utilizing the best of the 38 proposals submitted.  Our Monday keynote speaker, Ian Morrison, is an internationally known author, consultant and futurist with particular emphasis on health care and the changing business environment.  He combines research and consulting skills with an incisive Scottish wit to help public and private organizations plan their longer-term future.

Tuesday's keynote speaker, Kim Slocum, has worked for more than thirty-three years in a variety of health care, pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms.  Kim will draw from the extensive research he conducted in writing his new book, “Consumer Directed Healthcare—A 360 Degree View” to provide some insight into the following questions: 1) What do marketing researchers need to know about the changing health care insurance market to be effective in their roles? and 2) What do these new trends mean for the conduct of pharmaceutical marketing research studies?  Discuss this topic now with Kim Slocum on the PMRG OC by selecting the "Consumerism In Health Care" Discussion Group.

In addition to the agenda's educational content, there will be plenty of time to gather informally with your colleagues across the industry, starting with Sunday's welcome reception activities and culminating with Tuesday evening’s event at the Franklin Institute.

Registration Information

PMRG has reserved rooms at the Sheraton at a conference rate of $189 plus tax.  To ensure you confirm this rate, please reserve your room soon by calling 800-325-3535. You can cancel your room without penalty up to 72 hours prior to arrival.

We have enhanced our sponsorship opportunities.  Invest in PMRG, gain exposure and be eligible to include a promotional item in the conference welcome bag by sponsoring an event. 

Don't miss the opportunity to get involved in the pre-Institute dialogue available on the PMRG Online Community.  Use the "Join Group" feature to post messages to speakers and other members.  Sign up for the email alerts to receive notification of when activity in the group discussion has occurred.

We'll see you in October!