Virtual Incentives

Just got back from IIEX—and still processing everything. I had the chance to co-present a session on the future of research panels in the era of AI with Zac Baker from Terac. There were easily 100+ presentations focused on AI. But here’s what struck me: Almost no one is talking about what AI means for research participants—and how fundamentally it will reshape research panels. AI isn’t just a tool for analysis or automation. It’s changing expectations: How people want to engage How much effort they’re willing to give What they expect in return And what “a good experience” even looks like If we don’t rethink panels through that lens, we risk falling behind the very people we depend on. Terac is starting to point the way forward here—and it’s encouraging to see. But the broader industry needs to wake up to this shift. The future of panels won’t just be AI-powered. It will be participant-centered in a way we haven’t fully grasped yet. Curious who else is thinking about this. Virtual Incentives Terac

Without sponsors like the Race Around the World Navigator Sponsors, CMB, Insights Association, Ironwood Insights Group, LLC, Research Results Inc., Veridata Insights and Virtual Incentives, the MREF wouldn’t be able to support important initiatives around the world. This year, funds raised during the race will be going toward social and emotional learning programs. These programs strengthen mental health, building coping skills, and foster meaningful connections. Find out more about the Race Around the World for Education today at https://lnkd.in/dH4R3xK.

⏰ One week to go – and one week left to get your ticket! The Quirk's London 2026 Opening Night Social is almost here, and spots are nearly gone. Once they're sold out, that's it – we will NOT be selling tickets on the door. 📅 6th May 2026 | 6:30–11pm 📍 TOCA Social, The O2, London 👉 Grab your ticket now: https://lnkd.in/e7K6_cbv Thinking of coming alone? Don't let that hold you back! Drop us a message in advance and our brand ambassadors will be on hand on the night to make sure solo attendees feel right at home from the moment they arrive. 🙌 Meet our team: Monica Kaur, Izzy N., Saher Khalid, Graham Idehen, Sia Najumi, Sarah Umar, Tara Mackay. Thank you to our incredible sponsors for making this night possible: Platinum: Rigour Research Ltd Gold: Empower Translate Silver: Dscout Bronze & Partners: Virtual Incentives · Dynata · Fieldwork · Catalyse Research · Yesty · XYZ Field · i-view Studios London · Quirk's Media.

Another day, another city, another conference. I’m immersed in UX this week at UX360 in Atlanta, and one thing stands out immediately: the parallels with mainstream market research are hard to ignore. UX, much like MR, is increasingly awash in AI-driven platforms promising efficiency, speed, and scale. But what’s even more interesting is the exhibitor landscape — many of the same companies showing up at MR conferences are here as well (including Virtual Incentives). It raises an interesting question: as the technology stack continues to converge, will organizational structures follow? Could we see tighter alignment — or even integration — between UX and MR teams in the future? Curious to hear how others are thinking about this. Virtual Incentives

We had a productive day of discussions yesterday at the Insights Association Ignite Data Quality Conference in Hoboken. One theme came through clearly: data quality is a shared responsibility across the entire research ecosystem. It’s encouraging to see growing alignment that fraud prevention and data integrity aren’t owned by any single player—we all have a role to play. I had the opportunity to join a panel alongside several industry leaders, and there was strong consensus around the need for collective accountability and action. On a related note, the Insights Association recently published an article by John Bremer and me that explores member responsibilities in relation to the Code of Standards and Ethics. It’s an important conversation as we continue to raise the bar for our industry. Insights Association Virtual Incentives https://lnkd.in/ecHPdt7x

Had a great time networking and connecting with familiar faces at my first Quirk's Media event in Chicago!