Is Love In the Air?
Yes I have gone to a lot of conferences. No they aren’t all in the marketing research industry. For me, when I go to a research conference they appear to be different—not just in the content of the presentations or the city where the conference is being held, but in the affection that people have towards each other. Recently I have noticed:
Lot’s and lot’s of people (including myself) giving hugs when you see a person you know at a conference.
And I…
- Hear questions like “How are you?” And statements like “I miss you”
- “How is your ailing mother?”
- “How was your recent vacation to London?”
Why is that?
It appears that people in marketing research really like each other, enjoy seeing each other at conferences or speaking to them on the phone and truly show a sign of enjoyment when they are with each other.
Laughing, giggling is common practice. Am I missing something, or is our industry different?
- Do you feel that way as well?
- Did we all grow up in the industry and feel a special connection to each other?
If so, is that the reason people who tend to get into this industry by accident never leave?
I look forward to your thoughts.
January 14th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Hello Merrill,
Thank you for this posting. I am happy that you brought this distinction forward as I have first hand experienced this degree of passion and intimacy amongst the Marketing Research community. My first day at my current job with CETRA, Inc. was in Las Vegas NV at the MRA’s fall conference Nov 1, 2005 and from the moment I started meeting people there was a warmth and familiarity about each individual I met (even my competitors)! I was embraced by most and welcomed by all and for me being of a culturally different background that was very comforting. I also would like to believe that the cultural diversity that exists and the sheer global nature of all of our businesses adds to this acceptance of hugs versus hand shakes and greeting kisses on both cheeks versus one….
Lastly I would add that we all recognize that the environment we are living in, with all of our stresses and unrests around the globe; we are all intelligent enough and have done enough research to know that smiles, love and hugs do make this world a better place.
Regards,
Fee