16–20 November 2026
Five days of ideas, learning and conversations about the future of insights and research
The Festival of NewMR returns in November 2026, bringing together researchers, insight professionals, clients, innovators and future-focused thinkers from around the world.
Across five event days, we will explore the skills, technologies, ideas and challenges shaping our profession—combining practical learning with fresh perspectives and conversations about what comes next.
The Festival will include online sessions designed for our global community. Join us for one event, follow a particular theme or take part throughout the week.
Festival programme
Monday 16 November
State of the Insights Nation
An evidence-based update on the research and insights industry—and the changes and signals we should be paying attention to.
Ray Poynter and Sue York will draw together published reports, original research and discussions with key industry figures in a concise, one-hour live session. A downloadable report is included.
Tuesday 17 November
Training Day
10 key steps to get started with AI for research and insight professionals.
Ray Poynter and Sue York will show how to move from occasional AI experiments to useful, repeatable ways of working, using widely available AI tools.
The same practical content will be presented in two free, 60-minute live sessions for APAC and Atlantic time zones.
Wednesday 18 November
Innovation Day
What is changing in research and insights—and which new ideas genuinely matter?
Innovation Day will showcase emerging approaches, technologies and ways of working. Speakers will share examples, experiences and lessons from the frontiers of research, helping us distinguish meaningful innovation from short-lived hype.
Expect practical applications, fresh thinking and honest conversations about both the opportunities and the challenges associated with change.
Thursday 19 November
Showcase Day
See what’s new. Discover what’s next.
Showcase Day is the Festival of NewMR’s opportunity to discover the products, platforms and services shaping the future of insights.
In a series of fast-paced Showcase Sessions, participating organisations will have 10 minutes to demonstrate what they do, introduce new capabilities or share practical applications, followed by 5 minutes of audience Q&A.
Expect a practical look at new tools, services and ideas from across the research and insights industry—with an emphasis on showing rather than simply telling.
Friday 20 November
Futuring Friday
The future of insights is already taking shape. The challenge is recognising which signals matter—and deciding what to do about them.
Futuring Friday brings together leading voices from across the global research and insights community for candid, interactive conversations about what will shape the next 12 to 24 months.
Choose either the APAC or Atlantic live session. Each has a different panel, with speakers bringing perspectives shaped by their regions, markets and experience.
Who should attend?
The Festival of NewMR is for everyone interested in the present and future of research and insights, including:
- Client-side insight professionals
- Market and social researchers
- Data, analytics and behavioural science professionals
- Research suppliers and consultants
- Technology and innovation specialists
- Students and people beginning their insights careers
Whether you want to develop practical skills, discover new approaches, hear from insight leaders or think more deeply about the future of the profession, you will find something for you during Festival week.
Speakers and registration
Full details and registration are now available for State of the Insights Nation, Training Day, Showcase Day and Futuring Friday. Innovation Day details will be added as the programme develops.
Join the NewMR mailing list to receive Festival announcements and hear when the next programme details are released.
Interested in taking part?
If you are interested in speaking, contributing to the programme or supporting the Festival of NewMR 2026 as a sponsor, please contact us at sue@new-mr.com.
Companies interested in a paid 10-minute Showcase Day presentation plus 5 minutes of audience Q&A can also find more information on the Showcase Day page.
