IIeX Europe 2017: Looking Forward to New Innovations in Market Research

By Stefan Boom, Director, Sales, SSI

Editor’s Note: This post is another in our series where innovators and clients tell us why they are travelling to Amsterdam in February 2017 to take part in IIeX Europe. Here is Stefan Boom’s story.

For the third year in a row, I will be attending the Insight Innovation eXchange (IIeX) Europe conference in Amsterdam. On the 20^th and 21^st of February, the Beurs of Berlage turns into a playground for market research innovation.

The tagline: “New ideas. New approaches. New connections.” fits the event like a glove. As I wrote last year, the IIeX is a very forward-thinking event with a focus on introducing you to the new ideas changing the world of insights.

Coming well-prepared is key. The event being two days long, packed with over 100 presentations and over 300 people in attendance. In order to make the most of this much-anticipated event, I would like to give you three points of advice:

• Pick the right sessions and tracks. The quantity of information and the speed at which it is delivered makes this event quite a different experience, so make sure to study the agenda beforehand. If you can find the right tracks, IIeX will provide you with some very valuable new and innovative insights.

The new Client Disruptive Innovation Showcases, which includes three of the most future-focused brands in the world to host their own sessions, seems to be a good starting point – here Heineken, Unilever, and IIF will showcase their roster of innovative insights providers.

• Make the most of the networking opportunities. Although this one seems to be a bit of an open door, IIeX truly is full of opportunities to connect and people who want to do so. The crowd is incredibly diverse; client-side attendees who are looking for new insights or new research partners, tech companies looking for partnerships and suppliers looking to expand their network.

IIeX gives you the opportunity to find your new competitive advantage, new offering or that one client you are looking for. Make sure to study the list of attending companies or sign up for the IIeX community to reach out to those MR professionals you want to meet before the event.

• Book a hotel and stay the night. When in Amsterdam you should make the most if it! Connect with your clients, partners or people you just met at IIeX and spend the night strolling the canals, have a drink or dinner at one of the best hotspots Amsterdam has to offer. This is a great way to expand your network or existing relationship.

A few recommendations: Izakaya Amsterdam, Lion Noir, Skylounge Amsterdam, Café Panache or Bar Bukowski.

I am very much looking forward to the event and let me know if you want to connect over a coffee (or drink) at one of these cool places!