The Best Market Research Associations to Join: ESOMAR and More

Market research associations help professionals advance their careers and stay current with industry trends. These organizations offer resources, networking opportunities, and professional development programs that researchers need to excel. ESOMAR leads the pack as one of the most prestigious global associations that sets standards for market research and consumer insights worldwide.

 

Professionals who join these associations receive valuable industry reports, educational resources, and attend conferences to grow their careers. The industry has something for everyone - from regional leaders like the Insights Association and MRS to specialized groups like Women in Research and the Professional Insights Collaborative. Let's get into the top market research associations, their unique benefits, and how they support professionals throughout their careers.

 

ESOMAR

ESOMAR, the world's largest membership organization for market research and consumer insights, is 75 years old and stands as the life-blood of the global insights industry. The organization presence in over 130 countries reaches more than 40,000 professionals and acts as a vital connection point for researchers worldwide.

Worldwide network and influence

ESOMAR's network includes more than 650 organizations and creates a resilient ecosystem where professionals share knowledge and grow. Members can access a complete digital platform that helps collaboration and problem-solving worldwide. The organization's Member Search and Community Hub lets professionals connect with peers, start projects, and join both in-person and digital events called 'Community Circles'.

Annual Congress and industry reports

ESOMAR's flagship event, the Congress, brings industry professionals together to blend human wisdom with state-of-the-art technologies. ESOMAR also delivers valuable industry insights through its detailed reports. The Global Market Research report shows the industry's growth, with the sector expanding by 12% from USD 118 billion to an estimated USD 140 billion in 2024.

Ethical guidelines and best practices

ESOMAR has collaborated with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the Global Business Research Network (GRBN) to establish international standards for evidence-based projects since 1947. The organization upholds strict ethical guidelines through:

• The ICC/ESOMAR International Code on Market and Social Research

• Core guidance document updates

• Free member support services that implement ethical standards

• Complete data protection and privacy guidelines

ESOMAR's steadfast dedication to professional standards shows in its ICC/ESOMAR Code enforcement that sets clear expectations for research conduct and data handling. The organization's members can access a dedicated helpdesk with expert guidance on compliance requirements, which helps their projects meet regulatory standards and public expectations.

 

Insights Association

The Insights Association leads North America's research community and represents more than 30,000 Corporate and Individual members. A strategic merger between MRA and CASRO in 2017 created this unified voice for the industry. The association now guides major corporations like Nielsen, Dynata, and Ipsos, along with insights departments of prominent brands such as Bayer, Capital One, and MetLife. They publish a tremendous resource in the annual US Insights & Analytics Market Report as well.

 

Women in Research (WIRe)

Women in Research (WIRe) leads the way to amplify women's contributions and voices in the research industry. The organization equips women with tools they need for professional growth and helps them build strong connections throughout the global market research community. WIRe collaborates with the ESOMAR Foundation to offer their Global Scholarship Fund, which creates opportunities for women researchers worldwide.

 

WIRe makes a difference through several initiatives:

• Professional development programs and resources

• Global networking opportunities

• Support for women and diverse communities in market research

• Mutually beneficial alliances with industry leaders

 

The Market Research Society (MRS)

The Market Research Society (MRS) works as part of EFAMRO (European Research Federation), a network that brings together 16 member associations across Europe. The European market research sector has grown to USD 16 billion, making it the second-largest market worldwide. MRS takes an active role to tackle emerging industry challenges and has published detailed analyzes about generative AI's effect on the research sector.

 

EFAMRO's European associations make up 31% of the global research industry, generating USD 10.40 billion in research revenues. The federation goes beyond business interests and plays a key role in developing EU data protection frameworks and industry standards.

 

Asia Pacific Research Committe (APRC)

The Asia Pacific Research Committee (APRC) stands as a vibrant force that supports over 3,000 market research practitioners and 900 research companies across the region. This 14-year old organization has expanded from four founding members to cover ten national associations, which include powerhouses like Australia, China, Japan, and Korea.

 

Asia's USD 9 billion market research industry makes APRC's role crucial. Quality standards and best practices thrive throughout the Asia-Pacific region thanks to APRC's dedication to professional development. The organization conducts annual regional conferences and workshops that spotlight Asian insights and methodological advances.

APRC has become the region's premier knowledge-sharing network. The organization emphasizes developing Asia-focused marketing research technologies and insights. Its collaborative approach creates cross-border networking opportunities and promotes regionally relevant research methodologies.

 

Market Research Institute International (MRII)

The Market Research Institute International (MRII) guides professional education for market researchers through its partnership with the University of Georgia.

 

MRII's flagship program, Principles of Market Research, helps professionals qualify for prestigious certifications like CAIP, QPR, and ICM. This detailed course covers 13 topics from the Market Research Core Body of Knowledge (MRCBOK™) that enables professionals to become skilled at the complete research process.

 

Professional Insights Collaborativ (PIC)

The Professional Insights Collaborative (PIC) offers a fresh way to support in-house researchers. This exclusive community gives client-side marketing researchers a space to cooperate without suppliers or vendors around.

 

PIC stands out with these core features:

• Exclusive Membership: Free access for client-side researchers only

• Protected Environment: A vendor-free space for authentic peer interaction

• Focused Community: Built specifically for in-house corporate researchers

This community serves as a crucial resource for corporate researchers, especially when you have small departments or work alone.

 

PIC's steadfast dedication to building a supportive environment helps marketing researchers find friends and guidance from peers who face the same challenges. The community's focus on knowledge sharing and mutual support makes it a great way to get help for professionals in corporate research departments.