Title:	“Social Media Research: The Good, The Bad, and The Relevant”
Presenters:	Jamie Baker-Prewitt, PhD, Burke, Inc. Eric Swayne, M/A/R/C Research Jim Stone, Maritz Research

Abstract:
There is so much talk about social media research in the marketing research space today and many are left asking themselves “What is all the hype about?” and “Does it really work?” This panel will discuss the pros and cons of social media research as well as situations in which it may be most useful and relevant.

Jamie is Senior Vice President, Director of Decision Sciences at Burke, Inc. Jamie’s experience as a research consultant spans a wide variety industries and a broad range of business issues for Fortune 500 companies. Her group provides consultation on topics related to research design and data analysis, interpreting research findings to assist client organizations in making the right marketing and organizational decisions. Jamie’s professional endeavors include particular focus on customer loyalty measurement and management; she is a subject matter expert in this arena. Jamie serves on Burke’s Board of Directors, Burke’s senior management committee, Burke’s R&D committee, and various other ad hoc management teams. Jamie is Chair of the Advisory Board for the MSMR program at University of Texas at Arlington. In addition, Jamie is a seminar leader for the Burke Institute and a frequent speaker at industry conferences, including events sponsored by CASRO, AMA, SPSS, IIR, and ASQ. Jamie joined Burke in 1992 and has since held various management positions within Decision Sciences. Jamie holds PhD and MS degrees in social psychology from the University of Kentucky, and a BA in psychology from Ohio University.

Eric Swayne is the Director of Social Analytics and Insights at M/A/R/C Research, a published author in marketing and business, award-winning front-end developer and guest blogger for AdAge. Eric provides strategic thinking in all forms of digital media, as well as frameworks that leverage these channels to gain deeper insight from and relationship with consumers. He has worked with clients across verticals including Sam’s Club, Walmart, Best Buy, HP, Bank of America, H-E-B, SuperValu, Bicycle Playing Cards, Famous Footwear, Texas Instruments, American Airlines and the U.S. Treasury. Eric graduated from Harding University with a BA in Communication Management, and lives in Denton, TX, with his wife and two children. He is an active member of the Social Media Club of Dallas, and is on the board of Digital Dallas, a collective of entrepreneurs, digital marketers, developers and content creators.

Jim is responsible for the quality and integrity of the research solutions provided for Maritz clients throughout the world. He oversees Maritz Research’s industry leading marketing science team, ensuring the company’s research methodologies are appropriate and in compliance with professional standards. Jim was instrumental in the company’s acquisition of evolve24, a business analytics and research firm specializing in the measurement of perception, reputation and risk by analyzing traditional and social media. He led the innovation of Maritz Travel Insight and Motivation Insight, both of which are incentive research tools that capture participant feedback to create the most motivating experiences and drive business performance. Jim is a recognized customer experience measurement expert and is a vocal proponent for innovation around capturing the voice of the customer and translating it into effective business strategies. Jim joined Maritz Research in 1985 as director of research design and analysis serving the company’s automotive clients. He has held a number of leadership roles in the company, including head of European operations, director of international research and development, and chief research officer. Jim holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in psychology from St. Louis University and Marquette University, respectively; and a Ph.D. in applied research from Hofstra University. Maritz is a sales and marketing services company, which helps companies achieve their full potential through understanding, enabling, and motivating employees, channel partners and customers. Maritz provides market and customer research, communications, incentive initiatives, rewards and recognition, effective meeting, event and incentive management services and customer loyalty programs.