How Independent Consultants Can Compete on Quality and Scale by partnering with InnovateMR+Ivy Exec
This session is designed specifically to support independent research consultants as they look ahead to 2026. We’ll explore how to strengthen your research offering by combining high-quality, verified samples with global reach and agile methodologies—without the infrastructure of a large agency. Topics include:
- How independents can access hard-to-reach B2B, healthcare, and specialist audiences
- What to look for in sample partners to ensure quality, verification, and credibility
- Ways to scale projects globally while maintaining control and confidence in your data
- How modern recruitment, profiling, and AI-driven quality checks reduce risk and rework
- Practical approaches to delivering “agency-level” insight as an independent
Why members should attend
Independent consultants are under increasing pressure to deliver fast, credible, and globally relevant insights—often with limited time and resources. This session will show how the right sampling and research support can help you punch above your weight, protect your reputation, and future-proof your research offering in 2026 and beyond.
Innovate MR + Ivy Exec
Since the acquisition of Ivy Exec in January 2023, InnovateMR and Ivy Exec operate as a unified research solutions provider that bridges traditional quantitative sample access with deep qualitative expert insights. Together they offer:
- End‑to‑End Research Capabilities: From broad quantitative sampling to targeted expert interviews and B2B insights. PR Newswire
- Advanced Quality & Fraud Prevention Tools: Enhanced technologies like AI‑driven analytics and fraud detection to ensure data integrity. InnovateMR
- Broader Market Reach: Expanded global reach across industries requiring detailed consumer and expert insights. InnovateMR
Summary:
InnovateMR is a market research technology powerhouse delivering fast, quality insights through advanced sampling and analytics, while Ivy Exec brings a large, vetted B2B expert network and career‑oriented content; together they offer integrated quantitative and qualitative research solutions for complex decision‑making needs.
OUR SPEAKERS
Mari Smith
Mari Smith- AVP, Client & Business Development, EMEA at InnovateMR + Ivy Exec
With 15 years in the market research industry, Mari Smith brings a unique blend of operational expertise and commercial acumen. Over the past four years, she has transitioned from an operational background to a commercial role, leveraging her deep industry knowledge to build and expand InnovateMR + Ivy Exec’s EU business. Mari has worked with various clients—including MR agencies, consultancies, private equity firms, end clients, and media agencies—across quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Her experience in streamlining operations, scaling business growth, and delivering client-focused solutions makes her a key driver of success at InnovateMR + Ivy Exec.
(84) Mari Suszka-Smith | LinkedIn
Monica Kaur
Monica Kaur – Client Manager, EMEA at InnovateMR + Ivy Exec
With over 15 years of experience in client and new business development within the market research industry, Monica Kaur specialises in onboarding new clients, developing client relationships, and driving revenue growth. At InnovateMR + Ivy Exec, Monica partners with agencies, consultancies and brands to provide both quantitative and qualitative solutions across fieldwork and full-service research studies.
Her specialties include consulting on quantitative and qualitative methodologies, within B2B, B2C and healthcare research, to drive organisational growth.
(84) Monica Kaur | LinkedIn
David Hickson
David Hickson – Client Director, EMEA at InnovateMR + Ivy Exec
With over 25 years of market research experience, David Hickson specializes in data integrity, panel management, and research technology. As Client Director for EMEA at InnovateMR + Ivy Exec, he partners with agencies and brands to refine their research strategies through robust sampling techniques, fraud detection measures, and AI-driven automation.
David has worked across B2B, B2C, and public sector research, developing methodologies that enhance data quality and operational efficiency. His expertise spans survey design, respondent engagement, and leveraging automation to maintain high standards and maximize value.
(84) David Hickson | LinkedIn
InnovateMR: Market Research & Consumer Insights | Survey Panels | InnovateMR
Ivy Exec: Market Research Recruitment for B2B | Ivy Exec
Paul will offer practical and immediately actionable ways to start using AI to save time and do more consistent and effective marketing, sales, and client engagement.
Specifically designed for freelancers and small market research agencies.
Paul Griffiths
Paul Griffiths is the founder of Client Advocates. He helps leaders of Market Research and Insight Agencies grow revenues through proven strategies. He also supports Heads of Insight to increase their influence and budgets by creating impactful commercial plans.
With 25 years’ experience growing research agencies and working with client-side insight teams, Paul understands the challenges of delivering great work while driving commercial value. He’s worked both agency and client side, commissioning and selling research, managing commercial relationships, and advising leaders across the UK and internationally.
If you’re looking to grow your insight agency/ micro-business or respond to changing market conditions, Paul brings practical strategies that work.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulneilgriffiths/
Website: https://clientadvocates.co.uk/
Podcast: https://apple.co/4qnK2Pv
In this session, 
Greg Burke is the CEO and co-founder of Tellet. Based in Amsterdam, he has spent the last three years building Tellet into a platform used by some of the world’s leading research agencies and brands, including Kantar, NielsenIQ, Vodafone, and KPMG. Greg is passionate about giving independent researchers access to the same tools the big agencies use.
Kath will be talking about how she fell foul of a phishing attack – with clients getting fake emails from her as a consequence…
Claire will be be talking about how cyber attackers can try to gain access to bank accounts without you even realising, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Steven is responsible for the Leeds Building Society research department, over a decade of client-side industry experience across B2B and B2C. He works with leading partners and agencies across the industry to bring the needs and voice of customer to the heart of the organisation.
Sam has 24 years’ experience across recruitment, qual and quant fieldwork, automotive clinics, interviewing and facility operations. As Managing Director of i-view London, Sam has helped shape a multi-award-winning, inclusive viewing facility known for high-end hospitality, technical excellence and seamless delivery. Sam is a vocal advocate for the unique value of face-to-face insight in an increasingly hybrid industry.
Sarah is an award-winning insight professional with a distinguished career spanning more than 20 years. Starting in academia, moving to a think tank then the Social Research Institute of Ipsos MORI, Sarah moved into commercial research when she became Head of Qualitative in the Ipsos media team. In 2016, she founded Magenta Research, growing it into a multi-award-winning agency known for actionable client insights and storytelling. As an active member of the research community, Sarah has judged awards, served as AQR Vice Chair, and delivered MRS training. As respected conference speaker and thought leader, Sarah continues to push the boundaries of research challenging others to think differently and not always take the easy path.
Jai works at 
