Is anybody going to the MSPA ShopperFest 2014?
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I think that there is already a recent thread with several people saying that they are going.
Opinions are mixed, as is always the case, lol.
If you do a search on "MSPA" for "last 30 days" you are sure to find that thread, I think.
I will not be there. I prefer "by shoppers; for shoppers" educational events.
Opinions are mixed, as is always the case, lol.
If you do a search on "MSPA" for "last 30 days" you are sure to find that thread, I think.
I will not be there. I prefer "by shoppers; for shoppers" educational events.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Thanks Walesmaven for the info. I had not read the forum for a few weeks and was not aware of the thread.
Like you said, opinions are mixed.
Like you said, opinions are mixed.
I am in spitting distance to this event, but I'm not willing to pay. I don't quite see the payback side of that. The cerifications dont seem to have any meaning if you are turning in good evaluations and dont flake from what I have read here.
If it was a free event, I'd go and check it out.
If it was a free event, I'd go and check it out.
I am within driving distance and will be going. The agenda I saw online looked interesting and I would like to meet the msc reps.
Not my circus - Not my monkeys @(*.*)@
~Polish Proverb~
~Polish Proverb~
Do they ever have major clients at these things? McDonalds? Chase? USPO? Five Guys? Jack in the Box? Wouldn't it be cool to be able to meet with the actual clients and give them some direct feedback about the shop design and how unrealistic some scenarios are? Does that ever happen?
(Ha ha, I would imagine 90% of the feedback would be "pay us more!" at which point we might discover that they pay $100 per shop and the MSC keeps 90% of it 90% of the time..... I guess it might be a bit dangerous to set up that kind of meet and greet.....)
I'd sure love to give them an earful about those dang tacos!
(Ha ha, I would imagine 90% of the feedback would be "pay us more!" at which point we might discover that they pay $100 per shop and the MSC keeps 90% of it 90% of the time..... I guess it might be a bit dangerous to set up that kind of meet and greet.....)
I'd sure love to give them an earful about those dang tacos!
Time to build a bigger bridge.
dspeakes Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Do they ever have major clients at these things?
> McDonalds? Chase? USPO? Five Guys? Jack in the
> Box? Wouldn't it be cool to be able to meet with
> the actual clients and give them some direct
> feedback about the shop design and how unrealistic
> some scenarios are? Does that ever happen?
PaPa John was at the IMSC conference in Atlanta and he brought us....pizzas!
-------------------------------------------------------
> Do they ever have major clients at these things?
> McDonalds? Chase? USPO? Five Guys? Jack in the
> Box? Wouldn't it be cool to be able to meet with
> the actual clients and give them some direct
> feedback about the shop design and how unrealistic
> some scenarios are? Does that ever happen?
PaPa John was at the IMSC conference in Atlanta and he brought us....pizzas!
Not my circus - Not my monkeys @(*.*)@
~Polish Proverb~
~Polish Proverb~
cubbiecat Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> PaPa John was at the IMSC conference in Atlanta
> and he brought us....pizzas!
You mean cardboard with red sauce on it?
-------------------------------------------------------
> PaPa John was at the IMSC conference in Atlanta
> and he brought us....pizzas!
You mean cardboard with red sauce on it?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I'm the one that's got to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life the way I want to.”
~ Jimi Hendrix
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” ~ Mark Twain
“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.” ~ J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
“I'm the one that's got to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life the way I want to.”
~ Jimi Hendrix
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” ~ Mark Twain
“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.” ~ J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
My guess is the shoppers who are willing to pay to attend any conference have a higher level of professionalism and take the business too seriously to meet a client with the words, "pay us more." 
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I just tell them to "Show me the money!" That sounds so much more professional, doesn't it?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I'm the one that's got to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life the way I want to.”
~ Jimi Hendrix
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” ~ Mark Twain
“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.” ~ J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
“I'm the one that's got to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life the way I want to.”
~ Jimi Hendrix
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” ~ Mark Twain
“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.” ~ J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Yes, I live in Orlando area so I will be going as well. I think it will be worth the money to go and network and also to ask some questions from the companies that will be there. Also, hopefully the companies will be willing to hear some suggestions as well.
Detective G
AB
Detective G
AB
Oh. I just realized I picked up some work in Florida that can be done that week. Hrm. I was kind of kidding when I said I might go earlier but now I actually might.
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
hmmm i might have to reconsider my plans now for that
week now.
week now.
= + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = +
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==
When you try to please everybody, you end up pleasing nobody
Making sure you'll be far, far out of state?
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
Well, the program has been released for the MSPA shopperfest in Orlando. Only 8 sessions are included in th fee. Everything else is seperate fees for short "certification modules." You cannot take both video classes becasue they occur at the same time. There is a shortage of shopper speakers. (I count none; did I miss something?
There are lots of meals, at extra fees.
There are only 8 sessions included in the original $125.00 fee and the description of the first one says "Veteran mystery shoppers are welcome to attend; however most experienced shoppers will likely already have a substantial understanding of the material being presented here."
1. Mystery Shopping 101
2. The New MSPA and Your Benefits
3. It's a Small World: MSPA Europe and Beyond
4. MSP Roundtables - Whaddya Wanna Know? Panel to ask questions
Stan Hart, RitterAssociates, Inc.
Melanie McConnell, Bare International, Inc.
Mike Mershimer, HS Brands International
Ellen Schlafer, CIMA Insight
Gina Wiseman, Maritz Research
5. Champagne Shops on a Lite Beer Budget
6. Setting Yourself Up in Business
7. Completing and Writing Great Restaurant Shops
8. When Shops Go Horribly, Horribly Wrong
9. Track One (Video Shopping I and Video Shopping II) )- $40
OR Track Two (Professional Industry Writing and Professional Responsibility and Ethics)
(Certification courses are an additional fee)- $40
10. Professional Responsibility and Ethics On-Site Certification - $20
11. Professional Industry Writing On-Site Certification - $20
Registrant:
Fee:
2014 ShopperFest - Shopper Member - $125.00
Sessions & Workshops
Saturday, October 18: 5:15 pm - 9:00 pm (The optional event below is at an additional fee)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No session selected during this time slot.
Medieval Times
$60.00
Sunday, October 19: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No session selected during this time slot.
When Shops Go Horribly, Horribly Wrong
$0.00
Certification Track I -Sunday, October 19: 10:00 am - 11:50 am (Please note that Track I and Track II happen at the same time)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No session selected during this time slot.
Video Shopping I & Video Shopping II On-Site Certification
$40.00
Certification Track II -Sunday, October 19: 10:00 am - 11:50 am (Please note that Track I and Track II happen at the same time)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Professional Industry Writing On-Site Certification
$20.00
Professional Responsibility and Ethics On-Site Certification
$20.00
Spouse/Guest Registration
Friday Reception $35.00
Saturday Lunch $25.00
Saturday Night Medieval Times (5:15 pm - 9:00 pm) $60.00
All events, sessions and speakers are tentative and subject to change
Friday, October 17
6:30 – 7:20 pm Mystery Shopping 101
This comprehensive overview of the industry history and current status/opportunities is especially designed for brand new independent contractors and those who may have heard about mystery shopping, but not taken an assignment yet. We will talk about how mystery shopping started, what clients and MSPs have as expectations of mystery shoppers and how to distinguish legitimate companies from scams and frauds. Veteran mystery shoppers are welcome to attend; however most experienced shoppers will likely already have a substantial understanding of the material being presented here.
7:30 – 10:30 pm Opening Night Dinner & Networking Reception
Welcome to the inaugural MSPA ShopperFest 2014. This Grand Opening Dinner & Networking Reception will be your chance to get to know your fellow shoppers and dozens of Mystery Shopping Providers (MSPs) while enjoying a hot dinner buffet. The MSPA Board of Directors and other companies will be in attendance and we’ll have a few ice-breaking activities to get to know each other. There is no other place where you can get this much quality face time with the industry’s leaders than at ShopperFest 2014! Don't miss the kick-off to a great weekend!
Saturday, October 18
8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast with the MSPs
Did you think of something that you meant to ask at the dinner and forgot? Did you not get to meet everyone? It’s all good! Start the day with hot buffet breakfast and more time to talk to MSPs and other presenters in attendance about the upcoming day’s educational agenda and what you can plan to take away from the sessions. Each table will have at least one MSP representative for more informal, direct communication.
9:00 am – 9:30 am The New MSPA and Your Benefits
Rich Bradley, Todd Persons Communications, MSPA-NA President
Doug Rector, Northwest Loss Prevention Consultants, IC Relations Chair
Based on a polling of the primary MSPA membership last year in San Antonio, MSPA-NA has embarked on its most substantial re-envisioning and restricting this past year since the association’s inception 16 years ago. Adding an Independent Contractor level of membership was just the beginning. Join MSPA President Rich Bradley on an insightful journey as he reveals the future of MSPA and how that impacts you. Afterwards, Independent Contractor Relations Committee Chair Doug Rector walks you through a brief overview of all the benefits that you are entitled to if you are an MSPA member – make sure you don’t miss out!
9:30 am – 9:55 am It's a Small World: MSPA Europe and Beyond
Veronica Boxberg Karlsson, Better Business Worldwide Sweden, Founder MSPA Europe
Want to do a mystery shop on your London vacation? Shopperfest is honored to welcome Veronica Boxburg Karlsson, founder of MSPA-Europe, who will speak about mystery shopping in Europe, which industries are using mystery shopping and how mystery shopping is integrated in companies’ business development. Veronica is still active on the board of MSPA-Europe and has been involved in the development of the other MSPA regions in the world.
10:00 am – 10:50 am MSP Roundtables - Whaddya Wanna Know?
Stan Hart, RitterAssociates, Inc.
Melanie McConnell, Bare International, Inc.
Mike Mershimer, HS Brands International
Ellen Schlafer, CIMA Insight
Gina Wiseman, Maritz Research
Have this question for an MSP that you have always been dying to ask, but didn’t ever have the access to the right person who could give you and honest answer? Here is your chance to ask our panel of owners and executives from industry-leading companies the tough questions that have been on your mind and get the answers you’ve been waiting for. Moderated by MSPA President Rich Bradley, we will keep this fast moving hour chock full of information and advice…you just need to bring the questions!
11:00 am – 11:50 am Champagne Shops on a Lite Beer Budget
Melinda Brody, Melinda Brody, Inc.
Do you want to become the shopper that all schedulers have on speed dial, but you don’t have a Kardashian budget? No worries! Melinda Brody from Melinda Brody, Inc. will give you all the pointers you need to upgrade your image on limited funds and still land the higher paying shops. Melinda is prepared to share all her secrets to increasing a shopper’s level of professionalism through simple, inexpensive – and even free changes everyone can make!
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm – 2:20 pm It's All About You
Vickie Henry, Former MSPA-NA President
Want to be a successful shopper (and who doesn’t?!!) Well then, prepare to take copious notes when former Feedback Plus owner Vicki Henry discusses how a change in attitude can take you from ordinary to extraordinary! Find out how thinking like the customer thinks can increase your competitive edge and make your job more fun! We know first impressions are important, but have you thought about how many opportunities you may be letting slip away every time you hang up the phone? Your success is all about you, so find out why going above what is expected of you will reap long-term rewards, and why integrity – especially in tough situations, is so important. There are two things every successful shopper needs – come hear Vickie and find out what they are!
2:30 pm – 3:20 pm Setting Yourself Up in Business
Mike Mershimer, HS Brands International
Shoppers and other independent contractors are business people, but they sometimes don’t know what documents and other processes should be completed to be in full legal compliance. Mike Mershimer gives a broad overview of the things that shoppers should be doing to be properly set up in business and avoid a letter from the IRS or a state government official! Don’t throw your hard earned shop pay away on fines or an unpaid prison mystery shop!
3:30 pm – 4:20 pm Completing and Writing Great Restaurant Shops
Adrienne Dobson, Customer Impact
Chuck Paul, A Closer Look
Chances are that if you are doing lots of restaurant mystery shops, at least one of them is probably for Chuck Paul, a long-time industry veteran and CEO of A-Closer-Look. He and Adrienne Dobson of Customer Impact share an end-to-end primer on the typical expectations, common errors and time-tested tips involved with completing and writing great restaurant shops.
4:20 pm – 4:30 pm Closing Remarks
Rich Bradley, MSPA-NA President
4:45 pm – 8:30 pm Optional Evening Activity - Medieval Times (Additional fee of $60)
Surrender to an age of bravery and honor and witness epic battles of steel and steed during our ALL-NEW SHOW. From ringside seats, discover a feast of the eyes and appetite with more action, more fun & more excitement than ever before. As you thrill to a rousing live jousting tournament, marvel at awe-inspiring horsemanship and falconry, Medieval Times serves a four-course meal fit for royalty. Hang on to your helmet. The show is about to begin.
Join MSPA and ShopperFest for an evening of fun and adventure at Medieval Times. The evening includes transportation, dinner, and the show. Busses depart promptly at 5:00pm! Purchase in advance; there are limited seats available to us and we expect this will sell out. We cannot guarantee seating and participation after the initial allotment has sold out, so please purchase early.
Sunday, October 19 - MSPA University
8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am – 9:55 am When Shops Go Horribly, Horribly Wrong
Bethany Mooradian, Queen of the Random Job
Has an employee ever hit on you during your shop? Maybe the apartment building you were at caught fire? Have you ever been frozen in the headlights because a friend mistakenly "outs" you as a shopper in front of an employee? Come share your "war" stories and learn how to keep your cool when weird things come up on your assignments.
MSPA Certification Courses
10:00 am – 11:50 am Track One (Video Shopping I and Video Shopping II) OR Track Two (Professional Industry Writing and Professional Responsibility and Ethics)
(Certification courses are an additional fee)
ShopperFest 2014 is the site of the official MSPA-U certification course launch. MSPA-U has been created to develop general and specific curriculum in order to strengthen our industry shopper pool. It is completely voluntary, but does become a part of our MSPA record for providers to see who has taken certifications. It is the association’s intention to offer in-person certification at least once a year, while developing on-line versions and exploring the cost/benefits of additional on-site seminars throughout the year. Each course is $20 (video shopping is two courses if taken together). MSPA Members receive a $10 annual credit towards any MSPA-U certification course. Those opting not to take certification courses are welcome to relax during these two hours and join us for the closing lunch!
10:00 am – 11:50 am
Track One Video Shopping I & Video Shopping II – On Site Certification - $40
More industries and MSP companies are requesting and embracing hidden video shopping. There are logistics and legalities to be aware of to both protect your own interests and to help you provide the best possible video shop results that you can, and thereby earn you more work at some of the industry’s highest pay rates. MSPA Video Shopping-I covers the basic tenants of conducting hidden video mystery shops, particularly in the industries of new homes, multi-family (apartment) homes, automotive and education. You’ll learn about client expectations, camera positioning, common errors and the laws surrounding the recording and use of hidden video. Passage of a written exam is required to become certified. MSPA Video Shopping-II is a practical hands-on lab in which students role play and experiment with hidden video equipment in order to master the use of, and receive feedback on, their demonstrated handling of the equipment. Students must pass another exam to become MSPA Video-II certified.
10:00 am – 10:50 am
Track Two Professional Responsibility and Ethics On-Site Certification - $20
Serious independent contractors who complete mystery shopping realize that the final output of their work product can impact many people…from themselves to the workers at the mystery shopping provider companies…to the lives of the employees of the ultimate clients, themselves. Being a model representative for the industry involves being set up properly in business, knowing the legal and industry accepted standards in place, and having a clear sense of the ethics expected by all. This course is a comprehensive review of all these factors. Students must pass an exam to be certified in Professional Responsibility and Ethics. This course is an MSPA Common Core Course, and certification in this course is required before taking MSPA advanced courses (Video Shopping I & Video Shopping II excepted).
11:00 am – 11:50 am
Track Two Professional Industry Writing On-Site Certification - $20
Well-written and descriptive reports are the keys to a successful mystery shop. This is important for two reasons. Your precise and intentional use of vocabulary helps to convey your exact impression during your shop. Secondly, the use of proper English and grammar cuts down on the time that mystery shopping provider edits and proofreaders have to put into your report once submitted. Those companies are looking to use most frequently the independent contractors who submit the best reports needing the least amount of editing because it breeds confidence in the submission of the report to the client and it saves the MSP money in reduced editing and proofreading time. This is your chance to stand out as a certified Professional Industry Writer by completing this course and passing the corresponding exam. Editors and proofreaders spend the bulk of their time fixing the same typical errors: generic writing, improper choice of vocabulary and inconsistency in writing. Join us for a crash course in attacking these areas and then demonstrate your understanding by passing the course exam for certification in this class. This course is an MSPA Common Core Course, and certification in this course is required before taking MSPA advanced courses (Video Shopping I & Video Shopping II excepted).
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Certification Awards and Lunch
There are lots of meals, at extra fees.
There are only 8 sessions included in the original $125.00 fee and the description of the first one says "Veteran mystery shoppers are welcome to attend; however most experienced shoppers will likely already have a substantial understanding of the material being presented here."
1. Mystery Shopping 101
2. The New MSPA and Your Benefits
3. It's a Small World: MSPA Europe and Beyond
4. MSP Roundtables - Whaddya Wanna Know? Panel to ask questions
Stan Hart, RitterAssociates, Inc.
Melanie McConnell, Bare International, Inc.
Mike Mershimer, HS Brands International
Ellen Schlafer, CIMA Insight
Gina Wiseman, Maritz Research
5. Champagne Shops on a Lite Beer Budget
6. Setting Yourself Up in Business
7. Completing and Writing Great Restaurant Shops
8. When Shops Go Horribly, Horribly Wrong
9. Track One (Video Shopping I and Video Shopping II) )- $40
OR Track Two (Professional Industry Writing and Professional Responsibility and Ethics)
(Certification courses are an additional fee)- $40
10. Professional Responsibility and Ethics On-Site Certification - $20
11. Professional Industry Writing On-Site Certification - $20
Registrant:
Fee:
2014 ShopperFest - Shopper Member - $125.00
Sessions & Workshops
Saturday, October 18: 5:15 pm - 9:00 pm (The optional event below is at an additional fee)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No session selected during this time slot.
Medieval Times
$60.00
Sunday, October 19: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No session selected during this time slot.
When Shops Go Horribly, Horribly Wrong
$0.00
Certification Track I -Sunday, October 19: 10:00 am - 11:50 am (Please note that Track I and Track II happen at the same time)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No session selected during this time slot.
Video Shopping I & Video Shopping II On-Site Certification
$40.00
Certification Track II -Sunday, October 19: 10:00 am - 11:50 am (Please note that Track I and Track II happen at the same time)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Professional Industry Writing On-Site Certification
$20.00
Professional Responsibility and Ethics On-Site Certification
$20.00
Spouse/Guest Registration
Friday Reception $35.00
Saturday Lunch $25.00
Saturday Night Medieval Times (5:15 pm - 9:00 pm) $60.00
All events, sessions and speakers are tentative and subject to change
Friday, October 17
6:30 – 7:20 pm Mystery Shopping 101
This comprehensive overview of the industry history and current status/opportunities is especially designed for brand new independent contractors and those who may have heard about mystery shopping, but not taken an assignment yet. We will talk about how mystery shopping started, what clients and MSPs have as expectations of mystery shoppers and how to distinguish legitimate companies from scams and frauds. Veteran mystery shoppers are welcome to attend; however most experienced shoppers will likely already have a substantial understanding of the material being presented here.
7:30 – 10:30 pm Opening Night Dinner & Networking Reception
Welcome to the inaugural MSPA ShopperFest 2014. This Grand Opening Dinner & Networking Reception will be your chance to get to know your fellow shoppers and dozens of Mystery Shopping Providers (MSPs) while enjoying a hot dinner buffet. The MSPA Board of Directors and other companies will be in attendance and we’ll have a few ice-breaking activities to get to know each other. There is no other place where you can get this much quality face time with the industry’s leaders than at ShopperFest 2014! Don't miss the kick-off to a great weekend!
Saturday, October 18
8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast with the MSPs
Did you think of something that you meant to ask at the dinner and forgot? Did you not get to meet everyone? It’s all good! Start the day with hot buffet breakfast and more time to talk to MSPs and other presenters in attendance about the upcoming day’s educational agenda and what you can plan to take away from the sessions. Each table will have at least one MSP representative for more informal, direct communication.
9:00 am – 9:30 am The New MSPA and Your Benefits
Rich Bradley, Todd Persons Communications, MSPA-NA President
Doug Rector, Northwest Loss Prevention Consultants, IC Relations Chair
Based on a polling of the primary MSPA membership last year in San Antonio, MSPA-NA has embarked on its most substantial re-envisioning and restricting this past year since the association’s inception 16 years ago. Adding an Independent Contractor level of membership was just the beginning. Join MSPA President Rich Bradley on an insightful journey as he reveals the future of MSPA and how that impacts you. Afterwards, Independent Contractor Relations Committee Chair Doug Rector walks you through a brief overview of all the benefits that you are entitled to if you are an MSPA member – make sure you don’t miss out!
9:30 am – 9:55 am It's a Small World: MSPA Europe and Beyond
Veronica Boxberg Karlsson, Better Business Worldwide Sweden, Founder MSPA Europe
Want to do a mystery shop on your London vacation? Shopperfest is honored to welcome Veronica Boxburg Karlsson, founder of MSPA-Europe, who will speak about mystery shopping in Europe, which industries are using mystery shopping and how mystery shopping is integrated in companies’ business development. Veronica is still active on the board of MSPA-Europe and has been involved in the development of the other MSPA regions in the world.
10:00 am – 10:50 am MSP Roundtables - Whaddya Wanna Know?
Stan Hart, RitterAssociates, Inc.
Melanie McConnell, Bare International, Inc.
Mike Mershimer, HS Brands International
Ellen Schlafer, CIMA Insight
Gina Wiseman, Maritz Research
Have this question for an MSP that you have always been dying to ask, but didn’t ever have the access to the right person who could give you and honest answer? Here is your chance to ask our panel of owners and executives from industry-leading companies the tough questions that have been on your mind and get the answers you’ve been waiting for. Moderated by MSPA President Rich Bradley, we will keep this fast moving hour chock full of information and advice…you just need to bring the questions!
11:00 am – 11:50 am Champagne Shops on a Lite Beer Budget
Melinda Brody, Melinda Brody, Inc.
Do you want to become the shopper that all schedulers have on speed dial, but you don’t have a Kardashian budget? No worries! Melinda Brody from Melinda Brody, Inc. will give you all the pointers you need to upgrade your image on limited funds and still land the higher paying shops. Melinda is prepared to share all her secrets to increasing a shopper’s level of professionalism through simple, inexpensive – and even free changes everyone can make!
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm – 2:20 pm It's All About You
Vickie Henry, Former MSPA-NA President
Want to be a successful shopper (and who doesn’t?!!) Well then, prepare to take copious notes when former Feedback Plus owner Vicki Henry discusses how a change in attitude can take you from ordinary to extraordinary! Find out how thinking like the customer thinks can increase your competitive edge and make your job more fun! We know first impressions are important, but have you thought about how many opportunities you may be letting slip away every time you hang up the phone? Your success is all about you, so find out why going above what is expected of you will reap long-term rewards, and why integrity – especially in tough situations, is so important. There are two things every successful shopper needs – come hear Vickie and find out what they are!
2:30 pm – 3:20 pm Setting Yourself Up in Business
Mike Mershimer, HS Brands International
Shoppers and other independent contractors are business people, but they sometimes don’t know what documents and other processes should be completed to be in full legal compliance. Mike Mershimer gives a broad overview of the things that shoppers should be doing to be properly set up in business and avoid a letter from the IRS or a state government official! Don’t throw your hard earned shop pay away on fines or an unpaid prison mystery shop!
3:30 pm – 4:20 pm Completing and Writing Great Restaurant Shops
Adrienne Dobson, Customer Impact
Chuck Paul, A Closer Look
Chances are that if you are doing lots of restaurant mystery shops, at least one of them is probably for Chuck Paul, a long-time industry veteran and CEO of A-Closer-Look. He and Adrienne Dobson of Customer Impact share an end-to-end primer on the typical expectations, common errors and time-tested tips involved with completing and writing great restaurant shops.
4:20 pm – 4:30 pm Closing Remarks
Rich Bradley, MSPA-NA President
4:45 pm – 8:30 pm Optional Evening Activity - Medieval Times (Additional fee of $60)
Surrender to an age of bravery and honor and witness epic battles of steel and steed during our ALL-NEW SHOW. From ringside seats, discover a feast of the eyes and appetite with more action, more fun & more excitement than ever before. As you thrill to a rousing live jousting tournament, marvel at awe-inspiring horsemanship and falconry, Medieval Times serves a four-course meal fit for royalty. Hang on to your helmet. The show is about to begin.
Join MSPA and ShopperFest for an evening of fun and adventure at Medieval Times. The evening includes transportation, dinner, and the show. Busses depart promptly at 5:00pm! Purchase in advance; there are limited seats available to us and we expect this will sell out. We cannot guarantee seating and participation after the initial allotment has sold out, so please purchase early.
Sunday, October 19 - MSPA University
8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am – 9:55 am When Shops Go Horribly, Horribly Wrong
Bethany Mooradian, Queen of the Random Job
Has an employee ever hit on you during your shop? Maybe the apartment building you were at caught fire? Have you ever been frozen in the headlights because a friend mistakenly "outs" you as a shopper in front of an employee? Come share your "war" stories and learn how to keep your cool when weird things come up on your assignments.
MSPA Certification Courses
10:00 am – 11:50 am Track One (Video Shopping I and Video Shopping II) OR Track Two (Professional Industry Writing and Professional Responsibility and Ethics)
(Certification courses are an additional fee)
ShopperFest 2014 is the site of the official MSPA-U certification course launch. MSPA-U has been created to develop general and specific curriculum in order to strengthen our industry shopper pool. It is completely voluntary, but does become a part of our MSPA record for providers to see who has taken certifications. It is the association’s intention to offer in-person certification at least once a year, while developing on-line versions and exploring the cost/benefits of additional on-site seminars throughout the year. Each course is $20 (video shopping is two courses if taken together). MSPA Members receive a $10 annual credit towards any MSPA-U certification course. Those opting not to take certification courses are welcome to relax during these two hours and join us for the closing lunch!
10:00 am – 11:50 am
Track One Video Shopping I & Video Shopping II – On Site Certification - $40
More industries and MSP companies are requesting and embracing hidden video shopping. There are logistics and legalities to be aware of to both protect your own interests and to help you provide the best possible video shop results that you can, and thereby earn you more work at some of the industry’s highest pay rates. MSPA Video Shopping-I covers the basic tenants of conducting hidden video mystery shops, particularly in the industries of new homes, multi-family (apartment) homes, automotive and education. You’ll learn about client expectations, camera positioning, common errors and the laws surrounding the recording and use of hidden video. Passage of a written exam is required to become certified. MSPA Video Shopping-II is a practical hands-on lab in which students role play and experiment with hidden video equipment in order to master the use of, and receive feedback on, their demonstrated handling of the equipment. Students must pass another exam to become MSPA Video-II certified.
10:00 am – 10:50 am
Track Two Professional Responsibility and Ethics On-Site Certification - $20
Serious independent contractors who complete mystery shopping realize that the final output of their work product can impact many people…from themselves to the workers at the mystery shopping provider companies…to the lives of the employees of the ultimate clients, themselves. Being a model representative for the industry involves being set up properly in business, knowing the legal and industry accepted standards in place, and having a clear sense of the ethics expected by all. This course is a comprehensive review of all these factors. Students must pass an exam to be certified in Professional Responsibility and Ethics. This course is an MSPA Common Core Course, and certification in this course is required before taking MSPA advanced courses (Video Shopping I & Video Shopping II excepted).
11:00 am – 11:50 am
Track Two Professional Industry Writing On-Site Certification - $20
Well-written and descriptive reports are the keys to a successful mystery shop. This is important for two reasons. Your precise and intentional use of vocabulary helps to convey your exact impression during your shop. Secondly, the use of proper English and grammar cuts down on the time that mystery shopping provider edits and proofreaders have to put into your report once submitted. Those companies are looking to use most frequently the independent contractors who submit the best reports needing the least amount of editing because it breeds confidence in the submission of the report to the client and it saves the MSP money in reduced editing and proofreading time. This is your chance to stand out as a certified Professional Industry Writer by completing this course and passing the corresponding exam. Editors and proofreaders spend the bulk of their time fixing the same typical errors: generic writing, improper choice of vocabulary and inconsistency in writing. Join us for a crash course in attacking these areas and then demonstrate your understanding by passing the course exam for certification in this class. This course is an MSPA Common Core Course, and certification in this course is required before taking MSPA advanced courses (Video Shopping I & Video Shopping II excepted).
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Certification Awards and Lunch
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Booo. I am doing a three day shop on the West Coast right before this. I've been in the past, but not for at least 5 years, probably 8 years. I actually went to a "no shopper" conference and got PAID to speak to the MSCs. I hope that they start the conferences back up. It was nice to network. It also helped me get into the higher end jobs, as they were able to actually "see" me versus just knowing me via email. I should probably follow the forums more closely again.
I'm going. I'm pretty new to the MS scene as far as starting to take on more assignments. I figure it's good for the networking if nothing else. If I'm there hopefully they will know that I am serious about it.
Also, it's in Orlando and I'm an AP for Disney
Also, it's in Orlando and I'm an AP for Disney
techsavvy was just here overnight and told me that she is planning on being there. I have designated her my surrogate "hugger" so as to send greetings to some of you.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
walesmaven Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> techsavvy was just here overnight and told me that
> she is planning on being there. I have designated
> her my surrogate "hugger" so as to send greetings
> to some of you.
Then I better be getting a hug from her. Do I have to buy her a Pinot?????
-------------------------------------------------------
> techsavvy was just here overnight and told me that
> she is planning on being there. I have designated
> her my surrogate "hugger" so as to send greetings
> to some of you.
Then I better be getting a hug from her. Do I have to buy her a Pinot?????
Not my circus - Not my monkeys @(*.*)@
~Polish Proverb~
~Polish Proverb~
No, she prefers sweeter wines.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
N/A
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/06/2014 04:10AM by Shop2LiveinFL.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I'm the one that's got to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life the way I want to.”
~ Jimi Hendrix
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” ~ Mark Twain
“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.” ~ J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
“I'm the one that's got to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life the way I want to.”
~ Jimi Hendrix
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” ~ Mark Twain
“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.” ~ J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/06/2014 04:10AM by Shop2LiveinFL.
But Las Vegas would also be fun. I may have to check that one out as well.
I may have to check that one out as well.
I'll be doing my annual family visit in AZ and Lake Tahoe during that time period.
Anyone out there want to get together for coffee? PM me!
Anyone out there want to get together for coffee? PM me!
*********************
I'm "Sandi" in the Middle!
I'm "Sandi" in the Middle!
I wanted to go to both, unfortunately it appears I will be in Yankeeland during Shopperfest. I am going to Las Vegas though.
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
Other side of the country so I'm not going. I hear it's not as shopper friendly as IMSC so I don't feel like I'm missing out on as much anyway!
bestofbothworlds Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Other side of the country so I'm not going. I
> hear it's not as shopper friendly as IMSC so I
> don't feel like I'm missing out on as much anyway!
It would be a bit hard to know what the FIRST Shopperfest will be like since it has not taken place yet.
I plan to be friendly and have fun. :-)
@bestofbothworlds, Which IMSC conference have you attended?
-------------------------------------------------------
> Other side of the country so I'm not going. I
> hear it's not as shopper friendly as IMSC so I
> don't feel like I'm missing out on as much anyway!
It would be a bit hard to know what the FIRST Shopperfest will be like since it has not taken place yet.
I plan to be friendly and have fun. :-)
@bestofbothworlds, Which IMSC conference have you attended?
Not my circus - Not my monkeys @(*.*)@
~Polish Proverb~
~Polish Proverb~
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