2-3 September 2025 • Sofitel, Melbourne

Keynote Speakers

TURIA PITT

JOANNA LEPORE

DR. CATHERINE BALL

KALEY CHU

WANKERNOMICS

Australia's must-attend research event

Brought to you by The Research Society

The Research Society’s Human Insights Conference connects the research and insights curious- industry professionals, marketing experts, brand owners and future talent- under one roof for two exciting days.

In our 70th year, the 2025 Conference returns to Melbourne to present the best minds in our profession and beyond for next-level thinking for all those who work in, leverage or are just intrigued by the power of data and people.

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Keynote Speaker Announcement!

We are thrilled to announce Joanna Lepore, Global Foresight Strategist, as a keynote speaker at HIC.

Joanna Lepore is a global foresight strategist, extensively involved in the foresight and futures field, through her work as EVP of Foresight and Global Market Expansion at Dig Insights, as Founder of Foresight Inside Group, a network for corporate foresight professionals, and as Associated Partner with the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies.

Jo is a prominent voice in corporate foresight, having established and expanded the foresight practice for McDonald's and Mars Wrigley within their global headquarters in the United States. As the ‘in-house futurist’, Jo helped push leaders to think long term, building on 15 years brand-side experience building transformative growth strategies within the world's biggest brands.

Embracing the Possible: business impact through long term thinking
Building a resilient business strategy in uncertain times requires more than a different skillset, it requires foresight. In this keynote, we'll explore what it takes to look past present day volatility and short-term bias to see what's possible.

2-3 September 2025

Sofitel, Melbourne

Why Attend?

A few reasons to join us at The Human Insights Conference

01.

CELEBRATION

of the pivotal work and achievements across the research and insights profession, showcasing the impact that our work makes and it's potential to further shape the future.

02.

CREATIVE INSPIRATION

through new thinking, critical ideas and unique learning of how we can enhance our industry and respond to tomorrow's world and the role that research can play.

03.

CONNECTION

with like-minded, curious people to bring empowering conversations to maximise your experience and grow your network.

Thank you to our sponsors

The Research Society is the first organisation we turn to for our core professional development needs. We know the team invests a great deal into anticipating the needs of the ...market and social research industry in Australia, and designing engaging programs that genuinely help members to stay inspired and competitive. From webinars, to master classes, networking events and the annual conference, we greatly value the Society’s work – including all of their hard work behind the scenes to bring the leading minds in the sector (and beyond) directly to us.

Sue Vercoe

To me, The Research Society is all about connectivity and community. An invaluable resource within the industry their learning and networking events, as well as the amazing ...annual conference, all provide platforms for people to connect, reconnect, network, and importantly share ideas and learnings. They help bring us together as a community. As recruiters we love to connect, you could say it is our thing! The Society events strike the perfect balance between professional networking and good old-fashioned socialising. With interesting and relevant content and a broad appeal, you are guaranteed to learn something cool, whilst meeting someone new.

Rowan Haylett

As a long-standing member of The Research Society, I can vouch for how indispensable membership is. One of the key benefits for me has been the many professional contacts ...I have made at networking events over the years and, of course, at the annual conference. Then there is the monthly magazine, 'Research News', which keeps me updated on local and global company news, trends and legislation. Having a ‘go to’ organization to reach out to for specific industry information is invaluable. It’s great being part of an extended ‘family’!

Kaye Neilson

I make it a priority to participate in Conference, and at least one PD opportunity each year through The Research Society.... It is not just because it is the peak body of our research community in Australia – but because I value the expertise it brings me. There is no doubt it makes me a better research professional – and the opportunity to keep in touch with my peers is invaluable.

Penny Burke

The Research Society is the most important place we researchers have for community, opportunities to learn and train, discuss, meet and celebrate, ...make new friendships and rediscover old ones. The annual conference brings it all together in one place, but the community continues throughout the year.

Mike Daniels

We all live busy lives engaged in research on both the client and the agency side. There are never enough hours in the day. But The Research Society Conference ...gives us a unique and not to be missed oment to catch up with peers, find out what’s happening in the industry, listen to inspiring and hought-provoking people in and out of the sector and, most importantly, give back to our profession. I find myself refreshed and full of new ideas every time I leave a Society conference.

Rebecca Huntley

Over the years, I have been thoroughly impressed with the range of services offered to members, from ongoing education and training to world class conferences, workshops and webinars.... The quality and content of its Conferences, speakers and education programmes are outstanding, and all the overseas speakers that I have spoken to, that have worked with The Research Society attest to this. The Society has been instrumental in creating a professional body that supports the careers of a huge range of talented individuals. It also serves as a benchmark of quality for the APAC region, hosting and interacting with our neighbours in NZ and Asia, as well as ESOMAR. All of this could not have been possible without the efforts, talents and passion of those in the AMSRS team, supported by volunteers , from the research community, on the State and National committees.

Brian Fine

The Research Society has been an important part of my professional life since I first became a member in 2000. Conferences that help you connect with others in our ...profession, professional development workshops and seminars that keep you on top of the latest methodological developments and guidance on professional standards have all been valuable to me throughout my journey as a professional research consultant. I recommend joining and participating in the Society to anyone interested in progressing and contributing to our profession.

Adam Allanson

The Society brings like minded market and social research professionals together to connect, share and learn; enabling us to deliver the highest professional ...standards in our industry, and have some fun along the way! Highlights for me are the national conference, regular learning webinars and the informal guest speakers / networking events. Anyone who is passionate about the value our industry brings to businesses should be an active member of this society.

Karen Sheppard

The Society has been, at various times, my go-to for all things market research; from professional development to events such as the Conference which is a yearly ...appointment mainly for the highly engaging presentations and the chance to meet and catch-up with colleagues in the industry. I also appreciate the support and up-to-date resources available to members regarding compliance, ethics and privacy which the Society's Code of Professional Behaviour covers in an informative and pragmatic way. It’s a document to bookmark and honoured that I’ve had the opportunity to provide input in recent years.

Lisa Salas

For almost 30 years The Research Society has been at the heart of much of my professional development....The Society delivers fantastic conferences and courses, drives the development and evolution of our professional standards and codes and has played a key role in expanding the network of professionals I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with. If you aren’t a member you are missing out.

Tiina Raiko

The Research Society is an essential organisation for Australian researchers. From students and those just starting out in the industry, to seasoned professionals and pioneers in their fields, the Society... provides opportunities for growth and community. State and national annual conferences are full of familiar and welcoming faces, not to mention the insightful and topical talks. The community encourages both mentorship of junior researchers and the chance to converse with the most experienced among us. I have already gained so much from my involvement with the AMSRS, and will continue to participate in and contribute to industry discussion in the future!

Uwana Evers

All content and program details are correct at time of publication. The Research Society reserves the right to modify the program and content of the Human Insights Conference if the need arises without prior notice. This relates to any of the arrangements relating directly or indirectly to this event.

The Research Society’s National Conference has proven year after year that it is the not to be missed event for the Australian Research, Insights, CX, UX & Data Analytics industry