FAQS

Why an awards program?

Marketing research sits at the center of the goal of integrating the customer’s voice into every aspect of an organization. Yet even as customer-centricity grows in importance as a business best practice, the marketing research and insights function still doesn’t get all the acclaim it deserves.  

 

The Marketing Research and Insight Excellence Awards are here to change that.

 

Powered by Quirk’s Media – the industry’s most respected provider of content, events and resources for marketing researchers – the awards shine a much-deserved spotlight on the researchers, vendors and products and services that are adding value and impact to marketing research. 

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Who can nominate?

You can nominate yourself, your co-worker(s), your company or your clients so long as they meet the judging criteria for the category.

 

Where can I find the rules of entry?

The rules of entry can be found at quirksawards.com/rules-of-entry.

 

Do you have to be based in the United States to participate?

No. The awards are open to all researchers worldwide.

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Do you have a step-by-step tutorial on how to submit a nomination?

Yes! Watch the video and download the information packet. 

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Why should I enter the awards? 

Whether you’re an agency or a client-side researcher, if you win, you’ll bask in the adulation and approval of your peers and receive a beautiful award as proof of your achievement. 

 

Who is judging the awards? How can I be sure about the integrity of the awards?

To avoid a popularity contest or the issuing of awards that are not based on merit, the Marketing Research and Insight Excellence Awards will be judged by either the Quirk’s editorial staff or end-client and/or vendor researchers. All judges must sign a non-disclosure agreement prior to judging awards. Judges will not be allowed to judge categories in which they are nominated. And all attempts will be made to ensure the judging is blind so that the judges do not know the name or company they are evaluating. 

 

What are the deadlines and important dates of the awards?

May 2, 2023 – Early entry period opens

June 2, 2023 – Early entry pricing ends 11:59 p.m. ET

June 3 through July 11, 2023 – Standard entry pricing period 

July 12, 2023 – Late entry pricing period begins

July 24, 2023 – Nomination portal closes at 11:59 p.m. ET

September 2023 – Finalists announced

November 14, 2023 – Virtual awards celebration - winners announced 

 

Why do some awards have a nomination fee?

We are charging a nomination fee on certain awards to discourage frivolous entries. Also, the fee helps ensure that people do not stuff the nomination box with as many nominations as possible. Lastly, the judging software is robust but also very expensive. The administration fee helps offset the cost of the software as well as the time our editors incur to set up and manage the awards.

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FEES TO NOMINATE

 

Corporate/end-client only categories:

Early-bird entry fee (May 2 – June 2): $0 

Standard entry fee (July 3 – July 11): $0

Late entry fee (July 12 – 24): $150

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Supplier/individual, project and collaboration categories: 

Early-bird entry fee (May 2 – June 2):  $75 

Standard entry fee  June 3 – July 11):  $150

Late entry fee (July 12 – 24): $250 

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Quirk's is waiving all nomination fees for submissions to the MREF Everyday Hero and MREF Philanthropic Company of the Year categories. 

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The portal will automatically change to Standard Entry Pricing on June 3 and Late Entry Pricing on July 12. You

must save and submit your nomination by the deadline to receive the nomination fee offered during each period, respectively. For example, if you pay the standard fee but your nomination is not submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 11, your payment will be refunded and the new Late Entry Pricing Task will appear.

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Do nominees need to be present to win the award? 

No. Finalists will be provided with information regarding the virtual awards ceremony in the coming months. 

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Do winners get to/have to speak?

No. No time is allotted for winners to make remarks. 

 

When will I hear if my nomination is a finalist?

Finalists will be announced and contacted in September.

 

How can I change my entry?

No changes can be made to your entry after you have submitted your nomination as final. 

 

Can I withdraw my entry? Will I get a refund?

You may withdraw your entry up to July 24, 2023. After that, nominations cannot be withdrawn. Once submitted, nominations cannot be refunded for any reason.

 

Is it possible to receive the judges’ ratings and comments for my entry?

Due to the volume of entries, we will not offer individual comments to entrants. The judges’ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding them.

 

How do I attend the awards ceremony?

The 2023 awards ceremony will be held virtually on November 14, 2023. 

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How can I sponsor the awards?

If you are interested in being considered as a sponsor of The Marketing Research and Insight Excellence Awards, contact Steve Quirk.