Working in research can sometimes feel like working in air traffic control. Landing multiple projects, for multiple clients, with multiple respondents, and with unknown twists and turns.
It’s a role that requires clear, logical thought, the ability to operate in the moment and simultaneously think two steps ahead, boundless energy, and the customer service skills to make every experience a great one for all.
Pat, Operations Manager, shares his first-hand experience as Event Manager (and head Holiday Rep) of our most recent automotive fly-in project. Pat, was travel guide to a jet-setting group of company car owners, fleet managers, and key account managers from across the UK for a three-day research event in Hamburg, Germany….
Being Panel Manager (and previous Project Manager), I’m well-versed in onboarding participants to Zoom focus groups and interviews. And I can comfortably navigate an airport, taking many-a-flight across the world. My recent whirlwind round-trip trip from Heathrow to Hamburg, in just over 36 hours, was my initiation into the exciting world of fly-out automotive events, and a new adventure for me!
I’m always the first to raise my hand and take on fieldwork that takes me outside the office and my regular working hours. Since joining BEAM, I’ve travelled across the UK, from Glasgow to Wimbledon, with lots of stops in towns and cities along the way. So, when the opportunity arrived to run a fieldwork event, and earn another stamp in my passport, I couldn’t resist.
My day started at 04:30. Getting up when it’s still dark is usually less than ideal, but meeting our group of participants made it worthwhile. With individual and thorough pre-event briefings and well-documented itineraries, everyone was on time to meet, security-check professionals, and we avoided any nightmare Home Alone airport scenes.
Touchdown in Hamburg, and through passport control and baggage claim without a hitch, we were greeted by our German guide, Katharina who escorted us to Hotel Hamburg HafenCity.
All settled in safely, and refreshed after travelling, it was time to get down to research…
As Event Manager, it’s rare to gain any glimpse of the inner research workings, so after arrival and introductions, my event access promptly stopped. My fellow travellers and research participants were in the hands of the research team to participate in highly confidential discussions and activities requiring total discretion by everyone involved.
After finishing the research, it was time to eat and explore. My group of trusty research participants and I enjoyed sampling the best of Hamburg cuisine, and managed an open-top city bus tour, all in the same day – you can thank German efficiency for that!
Returning to Hamburg airport, I finally breathed a sigh of relief. The research was completed, our clients were happy, our participants had loved both their whistle-stop Hamburg stay AND the research experience too.
After the short flight back to Heathrow, and a train ride to Manchester, I was back through my front door. And just in time to catch England in the Euro 2024 final (but let’s not mention the result).
Overall, a successful research event, no travel or management hiccups, happy clients and respondents AND from a professional perspective I’ve now officially been on international business.
Need assistance with taking your research around the world? Or interested in a career in research project management? Drop us a line here…