Marketing Research Association

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The MRA logo.

Founded in 1957, the Marketing Research Association ^[1] is one of the largest trade associations of market research and polling professionals. MRA has more than 3,000 members worldwide, representing all segments of the research industry. MRA advances, protects and promotes knowledge, standards, excellence, ethics, professional development and innovation for the global market and opinion research profession.

MRA is in the information business, providing members with information through:

Educational Programs: Webinars, Education-on-Demand, and a comprehensive Research Library
Training
Networking Opportunities
Publications: Alert! magazine (monthly) and bi-weekly e-newsletter eNews
Conferences: MRA's Annual Conference ^[2] is June 4-6 in New York City

MRA publishes the annual Blue Book Research Services Directory,^[3] which is used extensively by market research and opinion polling firms.

The Blue Book is the market research industry’s most comprehensive and easy-to-use reference guide, listing thousands of experienced professionals in marketing research and related fields. The Blue Book comes out annually in February, so the information it contains is always current.

MRA also offers researchers the Professional Research Certification (PRC). ^[4] PRC was developed as a powerful tool for researchers of all levels of work experience and education. Researchers who earn the prestigious PRC designation have established an objective measure of their knowledge and proficiency. Additionally, professionals with PRC are expected to increase consumer understanding of research and foster exceptional professional standards in the market research industry.

MRA also makes available the Exchange Evaluation Program (EEP). ^[5]. This peer-to-peer review system allows companies and organizations to post reviews for any business entity with whom they have conducted business. Reviews are based on ratings of quality, communication and other factors that are of key importance in selecting a dependable service or product.