Dear ESOMAR Community,
May has been a truly remarkable month for our organisation, one filled with meaningful conversations, vibrant gatherings, and the quiet yet determined work that drives our community forward. I am deeply proud of what we have achieved together, and genuinely excited about what lies ahead.
Council Meeting & Our Strategic Priorities
On 11th May, the ESOMAR Council convened for an online session in which we continued to advance two of our most strategically significant workstreams. Our AI Task Force deepened its work, bringing together expertise from across our community to develop practical, principled guidance and ethics that will help our industry navigate the transformative opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence. Alongside this, we made further progress on our Digital Transformation project, an initiative designed to empower our Members’ value with the knowledge, tools and frameworks.
ESOMAR Citizen Insights Summit, Brussels, European Parliament
It was a true honour to open the ESOMAR Citizen Insights Summit in Brussels, held at the prestigious European Parliament. This landmark event centred on one of the most vital topics of our time: Democracy, its foundations, its vulnerabilities, and the role that data, research and insight can play in strengthening it. Gathering policymakers, researchers and thought leaders in such a historic setting sent a powerful message about the importance of evidence-based decision-making in public life, in a world more and more polarised. The conversations that unfolded were as inspiring as they were urgent, and I believe we left Brussels with renewed clarity of purpose.
ESOMAR APAC Conference, Tokyo
Travelling to Tokyo, I had the immense pleasure of opening the ESOMAR APAC Conference, a moment I will long remember. The energy in that room was extraordinary. We welcomed 330 delegates from more than 40 countries, a testament to the truly global reach of our community and the magnetic appeal of the APAC market at this pivotal moment in the industry’s evolution.
My opening speech was followed by an important announcement: the Council unanimously appointed Patrick de Regt, as Chief Executive Officer, CEO. Patrick joined the organisation in November 2025 as the Chief Operation Officer, his appointment comes at an important moment for Esomar and the wider profession. As we continue strengthening Esomar role in standards, advocacy, AI and responsible innovation, this appointment is an important step in preparing the organisation for the future. Patrick brings the leadership, operational expertise and transformation experience needed to help us deliver greater value for members and support a more connected and responsive global organisation. Our deepest congratulations to Patrick and our best wishes of success.
An event of this scale and quality does not come together without extraordinary partnership and dedication. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Japan Marketing Research Association (JMRA) for their exceptional support and generous hospitality, your collaboration was invaluable and made all the difference. I also wish to warmly thank our ESOMAR Representatives across the APAC region, whose tireless efforts to mobilise, connect and inspire their local communities are the foundation upon which events like this are built.
My sincere thanks go to our distinguished speakers, whose insights and expertise elevated every session and sparked conversations that will resonate far beyond the conference hall. To our sponsors, whose generosity and belief in our mission made this gathering possible, thank you. And to the entire ESOMAR team, behind every seamless moment on stage there is a team of dedicated professionals working tirelessly: your commitment, creativity and professionalism are at the very heart of what makes ESOMAR exceptional.
In Tokyo, we announced the launch of the ESOMAR Asia Tour, which kicks off in Shanghai on 2 June 2026. This tour reflects our strong relationship with the Asia-Pacific region as genuine and enduring partners. As one of the most dynamic and fast-evolving markets in the world, Asia deserves sustained attention, and the Asia Tour is our pledge to be present, engaged and listening. We look forward to the conversations, connections and ideas that this journey will bring.
Save the Date: ESOMAR Tech & AI Global Event, Mumbai, March 2027
Looking further ahead, we were thrilled to announce our upcoming ESOMAR/MRSI Tech & AI Global Event, to be held in Mumbai in March 2027. This will be a landmark gathering dedicated to the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence and the research industry, a space to explore, debate and shape the future of our profession. This will be join event with the Market Research Society of India, the MRSI, which shapes India’s insights community, one of the largest on the globe. Mumbai, a city that embodies innovation and ambition, is the perfect backdrop for this conversation. Mark your calendars: this is a must-attend event for everyone who wants to be at the forefront of what comes next.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
As I look back on this extraordinary month, I am struck by how much we are capable of achieving when we come together with shared purpose. Whether in the chambers of the European Parliament, the vibrant halls of Tokyo, or in the quiet work of our Council sessions, ESOMAR is moving forward — with purpose, with energy and with heart.
Esomar Members, I am very much looking forward to seeing you at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 11th June, with two sessions, to cover the globe time zones.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable community.
Warm regards,
Anne Sophie Damelincourt
ESOMAR President
