ESOMAR is pleased to announce the launch of its first B2B Research Forum. It is “the place 2B” in 2014 – a must-attend event for all practitioners engaged in B2B marketing, including research buyers and suppliers, marketers, NPD personnel and others involved in the decision-making process and value chain.

This refreshing, innovative one-day forum is based on five cohesive pillars:
1. Innovation: Change is engulfing the world of B2B marketing driven by new technology, globalization, new communications and distribution channels; it has increased sophistication of the marketing function.
The supporting research information/intelligence function is also undergoing significant change, reflecting dramatic innovations in research practices and methods.
2. Distinctiveness: B2B marketing is fundamentally different from consumer marketing because of the decisions taking place within a business context. This also shapes how B2B research must be conducted.
3. Commonality: There are broad similarities among the challenges and solutions across B2B activity, regardless of sector and whether the target market is comprised of large companies or small and mid-sized enterprises.
4. Global: As more and more B2B marketing becomes global, experiences and best practices need to be shared across boundaries.
5. Business Impact: Ultimately, it all comes down to providing the data, insight, and guidance that leads to better decision-making and business success.

While exploring and building on the commonalities across sectors, the Forum will also focus on a few broad areas of activity including:
- Financial and business services
- Equipment (including construction vehicles, automotive, etc.)
- Industrial/agricultural (heavy manufacturing, construction materials, chemicals, and animal health)
- Medical/pharmaceutical