The summit brought together industry thought leaders and professionals to speak and connect with the MSMR board of directors, other industry leaders and students. It created a unique learning space where people with a passion for marketing research could exchange innovative ideas and establish connections. Some noteworthy topics discussed during the event are qualitative research in an age of disruption, innovation, best hiring practices and personal brand management.
“The speakers at the summit were absolutely brilliant,” Ruvio said. “Coming from leading companies in marketing research and insights, they are all pioneers in the field and made a lasting impression on everyone who attended. The presentations were on some of the most impactful topics our industry faces today and tomorrow.”
Dubrow added, “We carefully crafted the different presentations with both students and working professionals in mind, and our team was fortunate to host some of the best presenters and experts in our industry. Kaiser Yang, co-founder and managing partner of Platypus Labs, spoke on creativity and innovation for our morning keynote, and Ryan Barry, president of Zappi, finished the afternoon strong with the discussion of creating personal brands.”
Supporting students and solidifying our leading status
The summit additionally served as a fundraising event for the program’s scholarships, raising over $7,000. All event proceeds went directly to supporting students — future marketing research industry leaders. Four MSMR students were honored at the event as Spartan Summit scholarship recipients: Ryan Baldwin, Abigail Bonsrah, Barbara Clark and Catherine Manceor.
“It was a true honor to receive this scholarship in front of leading industry experts and esteemed faculty members in my program,” Baldwin said. “The scholarship will help cover my tuition and support me in my future career path.”
Like other students who attended, Baldwin left the summit feeling inspired and motivated to enter the insights field.
“What struck me the most at the summit was how tight-knit the market research industry was — it is exactly where I want to be in the future,” he said. “The summit offered me a direct insight into life after graduation and ongoing industry transformations. It was a unique opportunity to see the industry in action and learn from the best of the best.”
Ayalla Ruvio, associate professor of marketing, said events like the summit cement our positioning as leaders and pioneers in the higher education space. 
The summit also served as a fundraising event for the program’s scholarships, raising over $7,000. 
The inaugural summit brought together 120 industry professionals, alumni, faculty and students. 
Jessica Richards, director of the MSMR program, and Richard Spreng, academic and founding director of the program, were honored by Interim Dean Judith Whipple at the event for their efforts to grow the MSMR program. 
