What to Expect at QRCA 2025

Want to know what corn on the cob and mascara wands have in common? On this episode of Ponderings from the Perch, the Little Bird Marketing podcast, host and CEO Priscilla McKinney talks with guest and QRCA President Jeff Hecker about building community in qualitative research.  As co-founder and principal of Athena Brand Wisdom, Hecker brings 15 years of experience conducting research across industries from pharmaceuticals to agriculture, using methods from focus groups to marketing semiotics. But his volunteerism in making the qualitative space is of interest in this episode. With the upcoming annual conference for the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA), they discuss how this non-profit has been instrumental in shaping careers through its commitment to open knowledge sharing and community building. The organization's emphasis on welcoming new members includes conference ambassadors and speed networking events, fostering connections that support professional growth.  Hecker gives an excellent overview of what attendees can expect at this year’s event. With tracks covering fundamentals like discussion guide writing, logistics, business leadership, and emerging topics like AI integration, QRCA's upcoming conference offers practical tools for immediate implementation. "When people come in," Hecker explains, "we just share everything that we've learned with everybody because there's this notion that a rising tide lifts all boats." The QRCA conference welcomes qualitative researchers, vendors, recruiters, translators, and quantitative researchers looking to expand their skill sets. This inclusive approach reflects the mixed-method reality of modern research, where complementary tools and perspectives enhance client insights. The organization maintains a global reach, with North American and international conferences fostering worldwide connections among research professionals. Sponsors: Priscilla McKinney here! I am very excited to announce the release of my much-anticipated book:  Collaboration is the New Competition: Why the Future of Work Rewards A Cross Pollinating Hive Mind and How Not to Get Left Behind The book's chapters are designed to be time-efficient, ensuring busy professionals can easily integrate these transformative ideas into their workflow. From discussing the state of affairs in business to providing fundamental strategies and seven practical anchors for staying on course, this book offers a fresh perspective and a competitive advantage in today's complex business landscape. Visit priscillamckinney.com for more information. Priscilla McKinney is not just a CEO; she is also a LinkedIn Influencer. The reality is that very few people are using LinkedIn efficiently or effectively, and if you’re not careful, social media can become a black hole. When you emerge, you find you wound up in a place you never intended to go and you’re wondering where all the time went. Time is precious, and trying to be everything to everyone means becoming nothing to no one. That's why she's developed a transformative 12-week course that goes beyond basic tips and tricks – teaching you how to build a strategic network and create stellar content that cuts through the LinkedIn noise. Click here to learn more, and sign up for a spot in her social influence course today!